Margaret Thompson, age 78, has been referred to community nursing services following a fall in her bathroom. She lives alone in her single-story home and has diagnoses of osteoarthritis and Type 2 diabetes. During the initial phone screening, she expresses strong desire to remain in her home of 40 years. Student Questions – Initial Assessment 1. What additional information would you need to collect during your first home visit? 2. What immediate safety concerns should you assess? 3. What standardized assessment tools would be appropriate for this situation? Part 2: Home Visit Findings Your assessment reveals: – Mobility: Uses walker outdoors; slow but independent gait indoors – Blood Pressure: 142/88 – Blood Sugar: A1C 6.8% – ADLs: Independent but struggles with bathing – Home Environment: No grab bars, poor lighting, loose rugs – Social: Daughter visits weekly, attends senior center twice weekly Student Questions – Care Planning 1. Based on these findings, what are the top three priority problems? 2. What specific home modifications would you recommend? 3. How would you assess Margaret’s fall risk using an evidence-based tool? 4. What interdisciplinary team members should be involved in her care? Part 3: Challenge Two weeks after implementing initial safety measures, Margaret’s daughter calls reporting her mother seems increasingly reluctant to use her walker, stating it “makes her look old.” Student Questions – Intervention 1. How would you address Margaret’s concerns about using assistive devices? 2. What strategies could help promote compliance while respecting autonomy? 3. What additional resources might support Margaret’s psychological adjustment? Part 4: Three-Month Follow-up Margaret has had no additional falls but reports feeling isolated since reducing her senior center visits due to transportation difficulties. Student Questions – Evaluation & Modification 1. How would you evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions? 2. What modifications to the care plan would you recommend? 3. How could you help address Margaret’s social isolation while supporting aging in place? Part 5: Long-term Planning Student Questions – Future Considerations 1. What indicators would suggest Margaret needs a higher level of care? 2. How would you help Margaret and her family prepare for potential future transitions? 3. What community resources could support long-term aging in place?
[Expert Solution]: Margaret Thompson, age 78, has been…
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