Review

Well Elder Project

Foundations

Professor Brown & Dr. Nikki

September 19, 2025

Short Reflection

Interviewing my grandmother for the Well Elder Project was a meaningful and insightful experience. Initially, I felt excited and curious, but also a bit nervous because I wanted to ensure I communicated respectfully and professionally while still maintaining our close relationship. After completing the assessment, my perception of older adults has deepened. I have gained a greater appreciation for their independence, adaptability, and emotional strength. My grandmother, a 65-year-old woman who owns her own daycare in Pahokee, Florida, continues to demonstrate remarkable energy, mental sharpness, and self-sufficiency. She performs all her activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) independently and remains very family oriented. This experience reminded me that many older adults continue to live vibrant and productive lives.

Throughout the interview, I used two therapeutic communication techniques: active listening and open-ended questioning. Active listening allowed me to fully engage with her responses, showing interest through eye contact, verbal affirmations, and nonverbal cues. Using open-ended questions such as “What do you enjoy most about running your daycare?” and “How do you stay motivated each day?” encouraged her to reflect and share her personal experiences more deeply. These strategies created a comfortable environment for conversation and helped strengthen the connection between us.

I did not experience any significant communication challenges with my grandmother. She was alert, cooperative, and expressive throughout the assessment. However, I remained mindful not to assume I already knew her answers simply because she is family. This helped me maintain objectivity and professionalism.

Moving forward in my nursing practice, I plan to approach communication with older adults by using patience, respect, and empathy. I will speak to them as I would any other adult while allowing extra time for them to respond or process information as needed. I understand that every older adult has different cognitive and physical abilities, so individualized communication is essential. Using evidence-based assessment tools such as the Lawton-Brody IADL, NEIS, SPICES, Mini-Mental State Exam, and 24-hour diet recall felt comfortable and enjoyable. These tools guided the interview process and allowed for meaningful dialogue about my grandmother’s health and lifestyle in a structured, evidence-based way.

24 Hour Diet Recall

Breakfast (7:30 AM)

    •    1 boiled egg

    •    1 slice of whole-wheat toast with a teaspoon of butter

    •    ½ cup of sliced strawberries

    •    1 cup of coffee with a splash of creamer and 1 teaspoon of sugar

Notes: Grandma eats breakfast early before opening her daycare. She prefers something light but energizing.

⸻

Morning Snack (10:00 AM)

    •    1 small banana

    •    1 bottle of water

Notes: Keeps a snack handy while watching the kids.

⸻

Lunch (12:30 PM)

    •    1 grilled chicken breast

    •    ½ cup of yellow rice

    •    ½ cup of sautéed green beans

    •    1 small dinner roll

    •    1 glass of unsweetened iced tea with lemon

Notes: She likes cooking simple, home-style meals for herself and sometimes shares with the kids at the daycare.

⸻

Afternoon Snack (3:30 PM)

    •    A small handful of mixed nuts (almonds and cashews)

    •    1 apple

Notes: Keeps her energy up before the daycare closes.

⸻

Dinner (6:30 PM)

    •    1 serving of baked salmon

    •    ½ cup of mashed sweet potatoes

    •    1 cup of steamed broccoli

    •    1 glass of water or light lemonade

Notes: She prefers light, healthy dinners and usually eats with family.

⸻

Evening Snack (8:30 PM)

    •    ½ cup of Greek yogurt with honey

Notes: Enjoys this before bed while watching TV.

⸻

Daily Summary:

    •    Estimated calorie intake: ~1,700–1,900 kcal

    •    Protein sources: Eggs, chicken, salmon, yogurt, nuts

    •    Fruits/vegetables: Strawberries, banana, apple, green beans, broccoli, sweet potato

    •    Fluids: Good hydration, moderate caffeine

    •    Diet pattern: Balanced with moderate portions and limited processed food

Nursing Care Plan

NURSING PROBLEM (complete problem statement) Disturbed sleep pattern related to changes in normal sleep routine and possible stress as evidenced

by reports of not feeling well rested in the morning and daytime fatigue.

GOAL (Measurable goal) The patient will report feeling more rested and achieve at least 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night within two

weeks.

NURSING INTERVENTIONS

1. Assess the patient's sleep habits, bedtime routine, and factors interfering with rest (e.g., caffeine intake, environment, medications, pain, or

anxiety)

2. Educate the patient on proper sleep hygiene, including maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants before bedtime, and creating

a relaxing nighttime routine (e.g., reading, light stretching, or deep breathing).

3. Encourage participation in regular daytime physical activity and exposure to natural sunlight to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Community Resource

Community Resource: Pahokee Senior Wellness Program (City of Pahokee Community Center)

The Pahokee Senior Wellness Program is a local community resource designed to promote physical activity, mental wellness, and social engagement among older adults. The program takes place at the Pahokee Community Center and offers structured daily activities such as group exercise, arts and crafts, social events, and educational health sessions.

This resource would benefit my older adult, who has been having trouble feeling well rested. Participating in regular daytime activities through the wellness program can help her maintain a consistent daily routine and reduce long naps throughout the day, which often interfere with nighttime sleep. Staying physically active increases natural tiredness by bedtime, helping her fall asleep more easily and achieve deeper rest. In addition, being socially involved with peers her age can reduce stress, anxiety, or loneliness, which are common factors that affect sleep quality in older adults.

In the future, this resource can continue to support her overall well-being by helping her stay connected to her community, maintain independence, and engage in activities that promote healthy aging. If her sleep difficulties persist or change over time, the program also provides connections to other supportive services, such as health screenings and referrals for medical or behavioral assistance. By participating in this program, my elder can enhance both her sleep quality and her long-term physical and emotional health.

How it relates to my nursing problem:

This community resource supports the nursing problem of Disturbed sleep pattern related to changes in rest routine as evidenced by reports of not feeling well rested. The Pahokee Senior Wellness Program promotes regular activity, socialization, and mental stimulation—all of which help regulate sleep patterns and improve overall rest and wellness.

Well Elder Project

Foundations

Professor Brown & Dr. Nikki

September 19, 2025

Short Reflection

Interviewing my grandmother for the Well Elder Project was a meaningful and insightful experience. Initially, I felt excited and curious, but also a bit nervous because I wanted to ensure I communicated respectfully and professionally while still maintaining our close relationship. After completing the assessment, my perception of older adults has deepened. I have gained a greater appreciation for their independence, adaptability, and emotional strength. My grandmother, a 65-year-old woman who owns her own daycare in Pahokee, Florida, continues to demonstrate remarkable energy, mental sharpness, and self-sufficiency. She performs all her activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) independently and remains very family oriented. This experience reminded me that many older adults continue to live vibrant and productive lives.

Throughout the interview, I used two therapeutic communication techniques: active listening and open-ended questioning. Active listening allowed me to fully engage with her responses, showing interest through eye contact, verbal affirmations, and nonverbal cues. Using open-ended questions such as “What do you enjoy most about running your daycare?” and “How do you stay motivated each day?” encouraged her to reflect and share her personal experiences more deeply. These strategies created a comfortable environment for conversation and helped strengthen the connection between us.

I did not experience any significant communication challenges with my grandmother. She was alert, cooperative, and expressive throughout the assessment. However, I remained mindful not to assume I already knew her answers simply because she is family. This helped me maintain objectivity and professionalism.

Moving forward in my nursing practice, I plan to approach communication with older adults by using patience, respect, and empathy. I will speak to them as I would any other adult while allowing extra time for them to respond or process information as needed. I understand that every older adult has different cognitive and physical abilities, so individualized communication is essential. Using evidence-based assessment tools such as the Lawton-Brody IADL, NEIS, SPICES, Mini-Mental State Exam, and 24-hour diet recall felt comfortable and enjoyable. These tools guided the interview process and allowed for meaningful dialogue about my grandmother’s health and lifestyle in a structured, evidence-based way.

24 Hour Diet Recall

Breakfast (7:30 AM)

    •    1 boiled egg

    •    1 slice of whole-wheat toast with a teaspoon of butter

    •    ½ cup of sliced strawberries

    •    1 cup of coffee with a splash of creamer and 1 teaspoon of sugar

Notes: Grandma eats breakfast early before opening her daycare. She prefers something light but energizing.

⸻

Morning Snack (10:00 AM)

    •    1 small banana

    •    1 bottle of water

Notes: Keeps a snack handy while watching the kids.

⸻

Lunch (12:30 PM)

    •    1 grilled chicken breast

    •    ½ cup of yellow rice

    •    ½ cup of sautéed green beans

    •    1 small dinner roll

    •    1 glass of unsweetened iced tea with lemon

Notes: She likes cooking simple, home-style meals for herself and sometimes shares with the kids at the daycare.

⸻

Afternoon Snack (3:30 PM)

    •    A small handful of mixed nuts (almonds and cashews)

    •    1 apple

Notes: Keeps her energy up before the daycare closes.

⸻

Dinner (6:30 PM)

    •    1 serving of baked salmon

    •    ½ cup of mashed sweet potatoes

    •    1 cup of steamed broccoli

    •    1 glass of water or light lemonade

Notes: She prefers light, healthy dinners and usually eats with family.

⸻

Evening Snack (8:30 PM)

    •    ½ cup of Greek yogurt with honey

Notes: Enjoys this before bed while watching TV.

⸻

Daily Summary:

    •    Estimated calorie intake: ~1,700–1,900 kcal

    •    Protein sources: Eggs, chicken, salmon, yogurt, nuts

    •    Fruits/vegetables: Strawberries, banana, apple, green beans, broccoli, sweet potato

    •    Fluids: Good hydration, moderate caffeine

    •    Diet pattern: Balanced with moderate portions and limited processed food

Nursing Care Plan

NURSING PROBLEM (complete problem statement) Disturbed sleep pattern related to changes in normal sleep routine and possible stress as evidenced

by reports of not feeling well rested in the morning and daytime fatigue.

GOAL (Measurable goal) The patient will report feeling more rested and achieve at least 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night within two

weeks.

NURSING INTERVENTIONS

1. Assess the patient's sleep habits, bedtime routine, and factors interfering with rest (e.g., caffeine intake, environment, medications, pain, or

anxiety)

2. Educate the patient on proper sleep hygiene, including maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants before bedtime, and creating

a relaxing nighttime routine (e.g., reading, light stretching, or deep breathing).

3. Encourage participation in regular daytime physical activity and exposure to natural sunlight to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Community Resource

Community Resource: Pahokee Senior Wellness Program (City of Pahokee Community Center)

The Pahokee Senior Wellness Program is a local community resource designed to promote physical activity, mental wellness, and social engagement among older adults. The program takes place at the Pahokee Community Center and offers structured daily activities such as group exercise, arts and crafts, social events, and educational health sessions.

This resource would benefit my older adult, who has been having trouble feeling well rested. Participating in regular daytime activities through the wellness program can help her maintain a consistent daily routine and reduce long naps throughout the day, which often interfere with nighttime sleep. Staying physically active increases natural tiredness by bedtime, helping her fall asleep more easily and achieve deeper rest. In addition, being socially involved with peers her age can reduce stress, anxiety, or loneliness, which are common factors that affect sleep quality in older adults.

In the future, this resource can continue to support her overall well-being by helping her stay connected to her community, maintain independence, and engage in activities that promote healthy aging. If her sleep difficulties persist or change over time, the program also provides connections to other supportive services, such as health screenings and referrals for medical or behavioral assistance. By participating in this program, my elder can enhance both her sleep quality and her long-term physical and emotional health.

How it relates to my nursing problem:

This community resource supports the nursing problem of Disturbed sleep pattern related to changes in rest routine as evidenced by reports of not feeling well rested. The Pahokee Senior Wellness Program promotes regular activity, socialization, and mental stimulation—all of which help regulate sleep patterns and improve overall rest and wellness.