[community Public Health] Chapter 28: Older Adults In The Community

Falls are the most frequent reason for an elderly person to be hospitalized. As people age, their balance and coordination may decline, increasing the risk of falls. Falls can result in various injuries, such as fractures, head trauma, and sprains, which often require hospitalization for treatment. Additionally, falls can have long-term consequences on an elderly person's overall health and independence. Therefore, it is crucial to implement preventive measures and safety precautions to reduce the occurrence of falls among the elderly population.

Men who retire because of company downsizing may face a higher risk of depression, alcoholism, and suicide. This is because retirement can lead to a loss of purpose, social isolation, and financial strain, which can contribute to mental health issues and substance abuse. Additionally, the sudden change in routine and identity can be overwhelming for some individuals, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair. It is important to provide support and resources to individuals facing this situation to help mitigate these risks.

As per Erikson's developmental theory, the primary concern of a 68-year-old woman would be the meaning of her life and accepting the inevitability of death. At this stage, individuals enter the stage of ego integrity vs. despair, where they reflect on their life and accomplishments. They may question the purpose and significance of their existence and come to terms with their mortality. This stage focuses on achieving a sense of fulfillment and wisdom, accepting the realities of life and death.

As women age, they face the risk of losing their spouse, which can have significant emotional and practical implications. Losing a spouse can lead to feelings of loneliness, grief, and a sense of loss. It can also result in a loss of companionship, financial support, and social connections. Additionally, the loss of a spouse may require women to take on new responsibilities and make adjustments to their daily lives. Therefore, the risk of losing a spouse is a significant concern for women aged 65 or older.

The correct answer is 11% to 15%. This means that between 11% and 15% of the total population in the United States is older than 65 years. This age group is commonly referred to as the elderly population and it represents a significant portion of the overall population. The range of 11% to 15% indicates that a considerable number of people in the United States fall into this age category.

The woman may be prevented from using the respite center due to the cost of respite care. Respite care can be expensive, and the woman may not have the financial means to afford it. This could be a significant barrier for her in accessing the respite center and getting the support she needs to care for her mother.

Dementia, primarily from Alzheimer's disease, is the most frequent reason for placement in a nursing home. This is because individuals with dementia often require specialized care and supervision that may be difficult for families to provide at home. The progressive nature of Alzheimer's disease can make it challenging for families to cope with the increasing care needs of their loved ones. Therefore, nursing homes with trained staff and resources to manage dementia-related symptoms are often the best option for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

The most therapeutic intervention by the nurse would be to encourage the client in her hobbies of scrapbooking and writing her autobiography. This intervention promotes engagement in meaningful activities and self-expression, which can enhance the client's sense of purpose, self-esteem, and overall well-being. It also provides an opportunity for the client to reminisce and reflect on her life experiences, fostering a sense of fulfillment and personal growth.

Most of the burden for family caregiving falls on middle-aged family members. This is because they are often sandwiched between caring for their own children and their aging parents or other family members. Middle-aged individuals are typically in the prime of their careers and may also have financial responsibilities, making it difficult for them to balance caregiving duties. Additionally, they may not have the necessary training or resources to provide professional-level care, leading to increased stress and strain on their own physical and mental health.

The probable reason that reading the newspaper was upsetting for the 70-year-old hospitalized woman is that the obituaries of her friends represent the loss of part of her past. This suggests that she may be experiencing grief and sadness due to the reminders of her friends' deaths. Reading about the loss of people she knew and the memories associated with them could be a source of emotional distress for her.

The majority of elderly persons obtain assistance when needed from their family, friends, and neighbors. This is because these individuals are often the closest and most readily available support system for the elderly. They can provide emotional support, help with daily tasks, and offer companionship. Assisted-living arrangements, extended-care facilities, and nursing homes or long-term care centers may also provide assistance, but they are not as commonly relied upon as family, friends, and neighbors.

The best choice for the grandmother who is feeling depressed from sitting around the house all day while the rest of the family members are at work or school would be a senior citizens center. This option would provide socialization, recreation, and support, which could help alleviate her feelings of depression and loneliness. The center would offer opportunities for her to engage with other seniors, participate in activities, and receive emotional support, ultimately improving her overall well-being.

When working with a family who is providing care for an aging parent, a nurse would anticipate an increase in stress for the family members. Taking care of an aging parent can be physically and emotionally demanding, leading to increased stress levels. Additionally, the responsibility of caregiving may result in a loss of private time for recreation as the family members prioritize the needs of the aging parent. This can lead to a decrease in leisure activities and personal time for relaxation and enjoyment.

A multipurpose senior center with activities would be the best choice for both the caregiver and her mother-in-law. This option would provide the mother-in-law with a stimulating environment and activities to keep her engaged and entertained during the day. It would also give her the opportunity to socialize with other seniors, which could help alleviate her feelings of boredom, irritability, and depression. Additionally, this option would give the caregiver peace of mind knowing that her mother-in-law is in a safe and supportive environment while she is at work.

Suggesting the use of a specific checklist to collect data about potential facilities would be the most appropriate intervention for a nurse in this situation. This intervention would help the family gather important information about different nursing homes, such as the quality of care, staff-to-patient ratio, safety measures, and available services. It would enable the family to make an informed decision about the best facility for their elderly parent's needs.

The client's frustration with the hearing aid suggests that he initially had a need for it. However, the fact that he is not wearing it implies that there is a reason behind this decision. The most plausible explanation is that the background noise is too loud, making it difficult for him to understand conversations even with the hearing aid. This would render the hearing aid ineffective in improving his ability to hear, leading to his decision not to wear it.

The nurse should respond with "About $75,000 a year." This is the correct answer because it provides the most accurate estimate of the typical cost for 1 year in a nursing home. The other options either underestimate the cost (about $30,000 a year) or provide incorrect information about Medicare or Medicaid covering the expenses.

The majority of elderly people rate their own health as good or better. This implies that most elderly individuals perceive their health to be in a satisfactory or excellent condition. It suggests that they do not consider their health to be very poor, poor, fair, or average, but rather they feel that it is pretty good or even better. This positive self-assessment of health among the elderly population indicates a generally optimistic outlook regarding their well-being.

The correct answer is Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D is the prescription drug coverage program offered by Medicare. It helps cover the cost of prescription medications for Medicare beneficiaries. Since the man is filling a prescription for medication, he would use Medicare Part D to pay for it. Medicare Part B covers outpatient services and medical supplies, Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, and Medicare Part C is an alternative to Original Medicare that includes prescription drug coverage.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is the largest and most well-known interest group for elderly persons. It is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of individuals aged 50 and older. With over 38 million members, AARP provides a wide range of services and resources, including health insurance, discounts, and advocacy on issues such as healthcare, Social Security, and retirement planning. AARP has a strong presence and influence in the United States, making it the correct answer to this question.

The nurse should discuss the current prescription and over-the-counter drugs the client is taking with the family before contacting the client's physician. This is because the sudden confusion and disorientation could be a side effect or interaction of the medications the client is taking. By discussing the medications with the family, the nurse can gather important information about the dosage, frequency, and any recent changes in medication that could be contributing to the client's symptoms. This information will be valuable for the physician in determining the appropriate course of action for the client's care.

The correct answer suggests that most elderly people engage in most normal activities. This implies that they are actively involved in various daily tasks and routines, similar to younger individuals. It indicates that they are not socially isolated, do not frequently change jobs, and are generally satisfied with their lives. This answer highlights the active and engaged lifestyle of elderly individuals, contradicting the common stereotype that they are limited in their activities and interests.

The majority of elderly persons rely on Social Security as their source of income. Social Security is a government program that provides financial support to retired individuals. It is a form of social insurance where workers pay into the system during their working years and receive benefits when they retire. This program ensures that elderly individuals have a steady income stream to support their living expenses after retirement.

Self-neglect by the elderly person is one of the most common forms of elder abuse. This occurs when an elderly person fails to meet their own basic needs for hygiene, nutrition, and overall well-being. It can include neglecting personal hygiene, not eating or drinking enough, not taking necessary medications, and living in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. Self-neglect can have serious consequences for the health and safety of the elderly person, making it an important issue to address in elder abuse prevention and intervention efforts.

As people age, their senses, including vision and hearing, tend to decline. This can affect their ability to understand and learn new information, including instructions for performing a dressing change. By providing extensive instructions, including written instructions and a business card for any questions, the nurse is compensating for the potential decrease in the client's sensory acuity and ensuring that they have all the necessary information to perform the dressing change correctly and safely.

Based on the given information, the 68-year-old woman has an appointment to see the public health department outreach coordinator. This suggests that she is capable of making and attending appointments on her own, indicating that she is likely residing independently in her own housing.

This response accurately addresses the student's concern about not wanting to work with old people. It states that regardless of the clinical setting, most nurses will end up caring for older adults at some point in their careers. This provides the student with a realistic understanding of the nursing profession and helps them make an informed decision about their career choice.

Advocacy by lobbying for appropriate community resources is an appropriate primary nursing intervention to help meet the health care needs of elderly people. This intervention involves advocating for the elderly population by lobbying for resources and services that can support their health and well-being. By advocating for appropriate community resources, nurses can help ensure that the elderly have access to the necessary healthcare services, support systems, and social programs that can enhance their quality of life and meet their specific needs. This intervention focuses on addressing the broader systemic issues and challenges faced by the elderly population, rather than just providing direct care.