Homework: Gerontology
Assessing and Planning Care for an Elderly Person
In order to gain an insight into the world of elder adults, it is important to understand how they view themselves and the values they hold. Additionally it is important to assess and determine his/her needs and establish appropriate interventions for this individual.
In a Microsoft Word document of 4 to 5 pages, you will discuss your interview of an older adult. This person cannot be a patient in your clinical setting. You can use a friend, family member, or co-worker. The older adult must be age 65 years or older.
There are two parts to this homework - the psychosocial interview component and the functional assessment.
Interview
Download the patient questionnaire. Use this format to record the person's responses.
o Include 2 to 3 questions of your own to get a complete picture of the older adult.
o Summarize your findings.
o Include the questionnaire with responses in the Appendix of your paper.
Task
After gaining permission, conduct a physical and mental functional assessment of the older adult you have chosen. Review your readings for the process of a functional assessment.
o Use the tools discussed to complete a comprehensive assessment of your patient. Search the Internet for resources on these tools.
• Tinetti Balance and Gait Evaluation
• Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living
• Assessment of Home Safety
• The Barthel Index
• Do not include a name on each tool, but do include professional or other designation, and age. Your name should also be identified on the tool.
Based on your assessment:
• Compare and contrast the age-related changes of the older person you interviewed and assessed with those identified in this week's reading homework.
• Identify at least 4 to 6 preliminary issues.
• Identify three alterations in health that you would propose and describe them.
• Identify a minimum of three comprehensive interventions for each alteration.
• Integrate cultural considerations in your interventions.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.