Assignment Task:
An 82-year-old woman with moderate dementia and a hearing impairment is brought to the surgeon's clinic for a follow-up appointment after hip replacement surgery. The woman's daughter, who is the patient's medical power of attorney, accompanies her. The goal of the appointment is to make certain the hip is healing nicely and to discuss precautions before the patient returns to her assisted-living apartment. Almost immediately, the conversation is directed toward the daughter because it is so much easier to explain to her what should be done.
Case Study Review:
1. What might the staff do to help the patient understand the following? • Use the walker consistently. • Wear shoes that are leather, tennis-shoe type, or uniform style; consider Velcro closure as opposed to laces that have to be tied. • Do not walk your dog on a leash.
2. Should the patient be left out of the conversation? Should the daughter be included? Need Online Assistance?
3. In cases such as these, is something other than verbal communication indicated?