Assessing the Elderly Case Study Project
Evelyn Surelle Holmes
Nu416 Nursing Care of the Older Adult
Instructor Barbara Gunderson
May 26, 2011
Ms. Lee is a 96 year old female who lives alone. Lately she has become a hazard to herself. She leaves pots on the stove and they could possibly burn her apartment down. She needs assistance with a cane but refuses to use it. Ms. Lee is a potential hazard to herself and possible to others who live in her building. Ms. Lee could possibly overdose from several pills being laid out and scattered everyone.
Falls can result in injury, loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and death in the elderly (Mauk 2010). According to the Hendrich II Falls Risk Model, Ms. Lee is at great risk. Confusion, disorientation and impulsivity are showed by Ms. Lee. She forgets that she is cooking and leaves the stove on and burns pots and pans. It is unable to tell if Ms. Lee is taking her medications as scheduled because pills are scattered out of the containers. Ms. Lee often forgets and uses a tape recorder to remind her of several tasks. Ms. Lee shows signs of depression because she lives alone and never speaks of engaging in activities. She does not mention of friends or other family members who stop by to see her. Ms. Lee does not have any …show more content…
Lee does not want to go to the hospital. As a nurse I would kindly tell her in a firm voice she is at risk for dying. Her symptoms do not look good and she needs medical attention. I would offer to take her to the hospital and be by her side. Ms. Lee can have a quality of life with home health. She could also have an excellent quality of life in an assisted living facility. Nurses around the clock could make sure Ms. Lee is taking her medications as scheduled. Ms. Lee would receive excellent nutrition and engage in activities with her age group. Ms Lee probably would meet new friends. The life expectancy for Ms. Lee would increase. Happiness increases