Functional Assessment Of The Elderly

Aging Positively

Abstract

A functional assessment of the elderly involves a multi-dimensional diagnostic process designed to evaluate an elderly individual in terms of functional capabilities, disabilities, medical and psychological characteristics. These assessment tools provide objective data to detect potential impairments among our aging populations. With these tools we are able to evaluate how elderly individuals are aging, what assistance is need, how to make sure their environment are safe and their insight on what aging positively or successfully means.

M.B. is a sixty five year old Christian woman who is five feet and two inches tall and weighs one hundred and seventy pounds. M.B. was born in Aguilla, PR on July 13, 1947
states that while she was married she does not recall any enjoyment in her marriage. Her husband was very controlling, mentally and physically abusive. He did not allow her to obtain any form of education, M.B. only made it to six grade. He also did not allow her to work even after he was unable, due to his first stroke. M.B. also states that her love of GOD and her children is what kept her hopeful that life will get better. M.B. stated that life at first after her husband passing was difficult financially. She had to learn how to pay bills and become responsible in all aspect of finances. She was able to learn quickly due to her children who are grown, independent and supportive of her needs. M.B. lives on a fixed income that is provided by her husband social security benefits. Her daughter that resides with her helps her financially; with her social security benefits that she receives because she has a disability. M.B. has Pennsylvania state government health insurance that covers all of her medical and prescription
afternoon routine and she stated that it depends on the day and the activity she signed up for through her church. M.B. did state that she does have lunch usually something small. She sometimes has half a turkey on wheat bread sandwich with an activa yogurt, a cup of juice and a cup of water for her noon medications, if she is home. When she is out with the church she will eat out with church members but does limit fast food menus by going to diners. M.B. eats dinner no later than 6 pm which usually consist of rice and beans and baked chicken, pork chops or steak, salad and a cup of decaffeinated coffee. From 7-9 pm M.B. sits in her living room and watches Spanish soaps except on Wednesday and Fridays because she is at church till 9 pm. At 10 pm M.B. get herself ready for bed, she usually goes down to the first floor to make sure the windows and doors are locked, then she goes back to the second floor make sure everything is off like lights, stove and etc. At this time she takes her bedtime medication with a cup of water, grabs a water bottle and starts to head up to her bedroom which is located on the third floor. M.B. did state to the student nurse that she does turn on the staircase light while she goes up the steps. Once in her room she goes to bathroom, takes a shower, brushes her teeth and changes into her night gown. Then heads over to her chair by the window in her room to read a passage from the bible, she then prays and