Gerontological Nursing

Assessing and Planning Care for an Elderly Person

In order to gain an insight into the world of elder adults, it is important to understand how they view themselves and the values they hold. Additionally, it is important to assess and determine his/her needs and establish appropriate interventions for this individual.

In a Microsoft Word document of 4-5 pages formatted in APA 7 style, you will discuss your interview of an older adult. You can use a friend, family member, or co-worker. The older adult must be age 65 years or older.

There are two parts to this assignment – the psychosocial interview component and the functional assessment.

Interview

Download the patient questionnaire (see attachment). Use this format to record the person’s responses.

• Include 2–3 questions of your own to get a complete picture of the older adult.

• Summarize your findings.

• Include the questionnaire with responses in the Appendix of your paper.

Assessment

After gaining permission, conduct a physical and mental functional assessment of the older adult you have chosen. Review your readings for the process of a functional assessment.

• Use the tools discussed this week to complete a comprehensive assessment of your patient. Search the Internet for resources on these tools.

o Tinetti Balance and Gait Evaluation

o Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living

o Assessment of Home Safety

o The Barthel Index

o Do not include a name on each tool, but do include professional or other designation, and age. Your name should also be identified on the tool.

 Include these tools in the Appendix.

• Based on your assessment:

o Compare and contrast the age-related changes of the older person you interviewed and assessed with those identified in this week’s reading assignment.

o Identify at least 4–6 preliminary issues.

o Identify three alterations in health that you would propose and describe them.

o Identify a minimum of three comprehensive interventions for each alteration.

o Integrate cultural considerations in your interventions.

On a separate references page, cite all sources using APA 7 format. Please note that the title and reference pages should not be included in the total page count of your paper.