We are an aging society, as evidenced by the number of individuals from the baby boomer generation in the United States (born between 1946 and 1964) who have begun to turn 65. According to the United
Week 6: Assessment of the Elderly/Aging
We are an aging society, as evidenced by the number of individuals from the baby boomer generation in the United States (born between 1946 and 1964) who have begun to turn 65. According to the United States Census Bureau (2013), there are more than 41 million Americans who are 65 and older. In Canada, the number of individuals over 65 years of age increased by over 14% between 2006 and 2011, and older adults now account for almost 15% of the entire population of that country (Statistics Canada, 2013). Across the world, populations are rapidly aging and there is a demand to understand the specific needs of this particular group. As with all clients, it is essential to address the concerns of the aging from a strengths and empowerment perspective. The aging are an identified vulnerable population and social workers should be mindful of the long-standing marginalization and oppression this population has experienced. Social workers should work hard to overcome the common prejudices and biases often expressed toward this group. Social workers should be careful to frame the lives and situations of the elderly from a perspective of strength, not deficit, avoiding the pitfall of focusing on loss.
Respond to the colleague posts below and explain how their assessments support the NASW Code of Ethics (2017). Include two values and/or guiding principles to support your explanation.
Reference and citations from NASW Code of Ethics (2017).
Kevin’s Post:
Post a summary of your assessment of Magda’s situation that addresses the seven domains.
Concerning Magda’s situation and the seven domains, Magda’s Physical well-being and health is not the same as it was in the past. With a healing broken hip, she needs assistance with everyday needs. Her psychological well-being and mental health are also not as it was, with her being diagnosed with early stages of dementia. Magda’s cognitive capacity which caused her to not remember some things and makes her vulnerable to be taken advantage of. Her ability to perform basic ADLs and IADLs like bathing, cooking, and cleaning for herself are diminished. Magda’s social functioning has become extremely limited with the broken hip, she can no longer drive to Helen's house for dinner or to church by herself. Her physical environment is not stable as it once was, and due to her already falling and breaking her hip, it is plausible that it could happen again. With Magda’s possible family caregivers, it seems like at first having Alec move into the home with Magda would be a good idea, not enough information was obtained by the social worker before this was mentioned as an option. The other children In my belief could also lend a hand at helping with the care of Magda.
Describe ways you would have included Magda in the original assessment and treatment plan.
Since Magda takes up so much of Helen’s time and is such a worry to Helen, I would have asked Helen if she would have been willing to bring Magda to one of our sessions. During the session, we could find out what Magda thinks and what does she think about her care and who care for her. Advances in medical care have changed the illness trajectory in ways that dramatically alter the older adult’s experience of chronic illness. Facilitating and enhancing positive health behaviors at all stages of life as well as effective management of chronic illness is central to the social worker’s role, knowledge, value, and skill base in health care (Christ, Diwan, 2008).
Questions you would have asked Magda and her professional support system (doctors, nurses, etc.) to gain further insight into the situation.
My line of questions for Magda would center around who she likes and what would she consider decent care and by whom. I would also like to know why she would not like a certain person caring for her.
How long did the doctor’s say it would take for her hip to heal, and what limitations would be permanent?
How do you feel about a stranger coming into your home to take care of you over having a family member do it instead?
Do you think you can live on your own, or do you think you will need help, and for how long?
Tea Black’s Post
RE: Discussion 1 - Week 6
COLLAPSE
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A summary of your assessment of Magda’s situation that addresses the seven domains.
According to Christ, G. & Diwan, S. (2008), social workers help older people who are active and healthy, as well as those who have poor health, and address the needs of the elderly who live in the community, as well as those. Hospitalized or in long-term care institutions. In the case of Magda, her situation addresses Christ, G. & Diwans, S. (2008) seven domains: physical well-being and health, psychological well-being and mental health, ability to perform basic ADLs and instrumental activities of daily living, and Physical environment. In the physical well-being and health domain, Magda recently fell and broke her hip. This has impacted her ability to complete daily tasks, as well as mobility. Also, because she is older, healing and recover could be longer than usual. In the psychological well-being and mental health, Magda has early stages of dementia. As dementia progresses, Magda could have trouble remembering things, who she is, and it could impact her body physically. Also, some dementia patients become physically aggressive, which could make it harder for family members to care for her. In the domain of ability to perform basic ADLs, Magda had been able to drive herself to church, to visit family, shopping, and was completely mobile prior to her fall. Now, Magda depends on Helen and an assistant living caretaker to cook, shop, clean, and manage her medications. Lastly, in the physical environment domain, Magda’s well-being could be at state, due to living with her grandson. Alec has stolen from her, taken medication from her, which impacts her health. Also, if his addiction is untreated, he could potentially threaten her life to support his addiction.
Describe ways you would have included Magda in the original assessment and treatment plan.
Although Magda has early stages of Dementia, she is still capable of making decisions for herself, which is why I would include her in the assessment why she is. Although Magda has a good relationship with her grandson, does not entail that she would want her to be her primary caretaker. Magda may have wanted to live in a community with other elderly residents. Also, Helen did not inform Magda of what had occurred, although Magda has dementia, she still has to be treated with dignity and respect.
Include questions you would have asked Magda and her professional support system (doctors, nurses, etc.) to gain further insight into the situation.
Questions for Magda:
How has life changed for you since your fall?
How do you feel about your family being involved in your everyday care?
Would you ever be opposed to living in a long-term care facility if your recovery was longer than usual, or your state of dementia progresses into a more severe stage?
Have you and your family discussed a safety/care plan for you?
Questions for Magda’s Doctors/Nurses:
Would you recommend Magda to remain staying home or moving to a long-term care facility?
How severe is Magda’s dementia? How soon should Magda’s family make arrangements for her long-term care?
Is Magda’s Dementia manageable?
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Kas Bry’s Post
RE: Discussion 1 - Week 6
COLLAPSE
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Per Christ & Diwan (2008), the seven domains include psychological well being and mental health, cognitive capacity, ability to perform ADLs, social functioning, physical environment, and assessment of family caregivers. It is unknown if Magda’s mental health and psychological well being were properly assessed. A diagnosis of dementia is extremely concerning however, many people that struggle from this disease do not lose their ability to function independently all at once. There may be some tasks or ADL’s that Magda can complete on her own or with supervision. A medical professional should be consulted about Magda’s condition and what dementia may look like in her daily life.
Magda’s cognitive capacity will likely decline. The family members, especially the individuals interested in providing care for Magda must be educated about dementia and its effects. Helen’s son, Alec, was not properly assessed nor was Magda given the option to select or decline to have him as a caregiver. It is also unknown Magda gave consent for Helen to provide care. Magda should also be included in the decision-making process since John is considering placing her in a facility (Plummer, Makris & Brocksen, 2014).
It is unfair that Magda was not made aware of Alec’s actions. It should be Madga’s choice to decline to pursue or report the incident to the authorities. A proper assessment of Alec and his issues may have prevented the incident. Also, a conversation amongst the family members could have been initiated by Helen or the social worker due to Helen’s statement about being overwhelmed. Helen was tired and resented her role as caretaker for Magda which likely affected the care that Magda received. Instead of placing the responsibility on one family member, caring for Magda could be a group effort with each family member playing their role per Magda’s consent. This would prevent “caregiver strain” and decrease the need for placement into a facility (Christ & Diwan, 2018).
References:
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