Human Developmental Studies - Essay Example

? Identifying Developmental Issues al Affiliation Human developmental studies or research usually zero in/focus on maturation changes that are part of normal growth pattern or course in the life of humans and not other life forms. The scientific world is divided into two parts/components i.e. observations and theories. Theories are like imaginations and are utopian in nature, and usually serve to offer explanations. The scientific discipline of human ontogenesis/growth/development seeks to apprehend how people or individuals transform in terms of cognitive, physical and social proportions/dimensions transversally or across their lifespan. Everyone has an idea of their life is and how they wish to live it. Usually our lives are filled with expectations, responsibilities, hopes and relationships. Occasionally it is the end product/ result of these relationships that our day to day life is shaped, with time causing tension, happiness and upheavals. Such occurrences/events maybe family life, caring, routines of work, shopping Life has form; it is familiar to us and has a certain routine and rhythm (Charlotte et.al, 2011). Currently, an estimated 24.3 million all over the world suffer from dementia/neurocognitive disorder. There are approximately 4.6million new cases each year. By the year 2020, 43 million people together with their families will be confronted by the challenge of dementia. There are different forms of dementia including: Vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia with Lewy bodies. Keywords: Dementia, Human Development, Fine Motor Skills, Cognitive, Physical, social, Neurocognitive, Alzheimer Case study one-Mrs. Elsie Jones Q1.Identify the physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes present in Elsie. Domain Changes/Indicators/ Symptoms Physical In reference to case study 1 Mrs. Elsie Jones is 73 years old has undergone some notable / tremendous physical changes, these include: (a) Elsie Jones has had poor/weak eyesight for the past two years which is a noticeable physical change. (b) Elsie Jones also has some bruises on her face and upper arm as a result of frequent falls when alone in her house due to her poor eyesight. (c) Doris is also informed by Allen and Joan that Elsie is exhibiting signs of Dementia. Dementia is a syndrome known to impair/ impede a number of higher cortical functions like memory, thinking, orientation, judgement, learning/intellectual capacity, language and orientation .Consequently, this impairment might have an effect on Elsie while managing aspects of her daily life like laundry ,shopping, cooking ,banking and house cleaning which is a noticeable physical change .(Claire,2007) Cognitive According to Allen and Joan, Elsie has recently shown signs of dementia, which is a cognitive dysfunction. Dementia is simply a disorder or syndrome emanating from disease of the brain. Furthermore, cognitive impairment is part of normal aging process and occurs at mild levels, which is tandem with Elsie’s scenario since she is 73 years old (Myron and Anne, 2003). Dementia is often progressive or chronic in nature. Also the overall occurrence and prevalence of these cognitive diseases is not known. (Claire, 2007). Cognitive dementia and dysfunction diseases are common among the elderly people, However these diseases are not only reserved to the elderly, cognitive dysfunction is also a consequence of alcoholism at middle age, AIDS at all ages and head injury. Hence the bruises on Elsie’s face might explain the deterioration of mental processes related to her reasoning, judgement, perception and memory. Social and emotional Elsie has lived alone in her house for the past 45 years been a widow for the past two years and does not live with her children (Doris, Allen and Joan) thus she does not have a person to interact and socialize with and is not in contact with the outside world thus she may feel lonely. Cognitive changes/ impairments caused by dementia are sporadically/ occasionally preceded by loss of emotional control, anti-social behaviour and loss of motivation. (Claire, 2007). Deterioration of emotional control is also evident when Elsie breaks down and cries when she tells Doris that Allen and Joan contemplate on taking her to an aged care facility Hence dementia is a syndrome known to impair/ impede a number of higher cortical functions like emotions, memory, thinking, orientation, judgement, learning capacity, language and orientation Q2. Describe the ways in which you could assess Elsie’s developmental status. -Elsie’s developmental status can be assessed using a number of proven clinical techniques and research methods to ensure accurate diagnosis. Personally I would arrange for an appointment with the general practitioner to perform on Elsie a neuropsychological assessment and conduct an autobiographical memory to assess events that have occurred in recent past on presence of Dementia. This is in order to ascertain whether what Allen and Joan told Doris that Elsie was showing signs of dementia was true or false. In addition to that, establish the extent/ level of dementia (mild or chronic) if any, was affecting Elsie (Vee, 2009). –Furthermore I would conduct face-face interviews with Elsie’s and her children (Dorin, Allen and Joan).The reason for this is to establish/understand/gain more insight Elsie’s physical, cognitive and social development status. It is noteworthy, that while conducting interviews with Elsie I will observe extreme care and caution putting into consideration Elsie’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional deficiencies; because Elsie seems to have lost her emotional control when Doris asks her whether she wants to go to an aged care facility. Q3. Identify the range of information that you would want in order to assess this situation more fully i.e. what would you want to know that you don’t know now? Identify who you could speak to, to obtain this information. -I would conduct an interview with Joan to establish why there have been discrepancies in Mrs. Elsie Jones bank account over the past twelve months; because the returns on Elsie’s investments have been withdrawn as soon as they enter her account. Secondly I would wish to know whether Joan was withdrawing the interest with Elsie’s consent. - I would also seek to know from Elsie herself, Joan and the house cleaner why Elsie has bruises on her face and upper arms and also the number of times Elsie had actually fallen over; and the whereabouts of Joan when Elsie was falling over because she is the one usually taking care of her to determine whether Joan neglects Elsie. -I would also seek to know from Joan, Allen and the general practitioner why Elsie has not had a medical appointment with the general practitioner in the past six months. -I would also seek to know whether Elsie’s daily ration of food is always delivered promptly, since she has poor eyesight thus cannot cook. -I would also wish to know from the house cleaner from the private cleaning agency about the general hygienic conditions while Joan is around taking care of Elsie. Q4. Identify the developmental issues that are present in Elsie. What are the causes of these issues? What are the risks associated with these issues for Elsie? Development issues Causes Risks Physical -Elsie’s Failing eyesight -Weak/Poor motor skills -Due to her feeble/deteriorating eyesight Elsie occasionally falls over when alone, hence she has bruises on her upper arm and face. In addition to that Elsie is also unable to execute routine chores/tasks like house cleaning, laundry and cooking. -Due to this Elsie has to rely/depend on others to help her out thus falls prey to Joan who is exploiting her financially to do manage her assets, bank accounts, shopping and laundry which is quite demanding. Cognitive -Intellectual impairment -Dementia - Elsie is suffering from neurocognitive dysfunction/dementia which seems to have deteriorated her Memory, comprehension, learning and judgement capacity thus is not able to Bank, shop or manages her assets. -Furthermore, confusion and deteriorated judgement capacity are some of the symptoms of dementia and such are evident in Elsie when she tells Doris that “Allen and Joan want to take her to aged care facility know what is best for her”. Social and emotional -Crying - Cognitive changes/ impairments caused by dementia are sporadically/ occasionally preceded by loss of emotional control, anti-social behaviour and loss of motivation. (Claire, 2007), this is evident when Elsie breaks down and cries. Furthermore Elsie has lived alone in her house for the past 45 years and does not seem to be in contact with the outside world and thus lonely. Q5. What indicators are present in the scenario that there may be serious issues in Elsie’s life? What strategies are available for investigating these issues further? Who would you refer to for further assessment of these issues? Elsie’s scenario/case study brings out some indicators that act as signals that there may be serious issues in her life. The indicators include: Bruises on Elsie’s face and fore arm from falling over when alone in the house. Furthermore Elsie has not had a medical appointment in the past six months something which could have serious ramifications or implications on her health. Elsie has failing/poor eyesight which forces her to be dependent on Joan and Doris, who have to help her out with basic routine tasks like laundry, shopping and banking which could be quite demanding. Discrepancies on Elsie’s bank accounts are also a notable indicator of serious issues in her life because she has to rely on Joan; who is quite unreliable in terms of managing interest accrued from Elsie’s assets every month as she has been withdrawing interest from her account without her knowledge. From the case study it is also noteworthy that Elsie has been living alone in her house for the past 25 years and has been a widow for the past 2 years; hence she feels lonely which may compound the serious issues in her life since she is showing signs of dementia. Lastly Elsie doesn’t have people to socialize with or a laid out recreational plan. 6. What strategies are available for investigating these issues further? Who would you refer to for further assessment of these issues? -First I would arrange for a medical appointment with the general practitioner so that Elsie undergoes a comprehensive medical check up to ascertain her health status. -Secondly I would advice Elsie to seek the services of an advocate and a financial planner to ensure her assets and interest accrued are kept in check so that discrepancies in her bank accounts no longer recur. -I would map out a recreational plan for Elsie and make arrangements for her to join a social club whereby she is not lonely and develop her social skills. -I would also arrange for a meeting with Elsie’s children to develop strategies that would ensure their mother’s sound mental health. -I would contact to following agencies for further support. Bentley Aged Care Assessment Team Bentley Health Service Mills Street (PO Box 158) BENTLEY WA 6102 Ph. (08) 9334 3769 Fax: (08) 9358 0891 Fremantle Aged Care Assessment Team Department of Community and Geriatric Medicine Greens lade Wing Alzheimer's Australia WA Dementia Helpline: (Free call) 1800 100 500 Fax: 08 9388 2739 (Shenton Park office) Fax: 08 9387 2873 (Wembley office) E-mail: alzwa@alzheimers.org.au Fremantle Hospital and Health Services Alma Street FREMANTLE WA 6160 Ph.: (08) 9431 2673 Fax: (08) 9431 2993 Anchorage Lodge & Aged Care 340 Anchorage Drive North Mindarie WA 6030 TEL 08 9400 1000 Harold Hawthorne Home & Community Care 2 Memorial Avenue Carlisle 6101 (08) 9362 3891 Case study two Q1. What questions or observations might you ask/make to obtain information about Shane’s developmental status? Physical - I would observe Shane while pointing and using the symbol boards to communicate. Q-Why does Shane have poor fine motor skills? Cognitive Q-Does Shane go to school? Q-Why is Shane incontinent/uncontrollable at times? Q-What causes Shane to scream unpredictably Sometimes sucks on his fingers and other items? Social Q- What causes Shane to be socially inept and aggressive at times? Q2. How might you apply your knowledge of lifespan development theories to clarify Shane’s developmental status? Include cognitive, social, moral and psychological theories in your answer. The scientific world is divided into two parts/components i.e. observations and theories. Theories are like imaginations and are utopian in nature, and usually serve to offer explanations. The scientific discipline of human ontogenesis/growth/development seeks to apprehend how people or individuals transform in terms of cognitive, physical and social proportions/dimensions transversally or across their lifespan. Human developmental studies or research usually zero in on maturation changes that are part of normal growth pattern or course (Karen, 2011). Piaget is one of the earliest and dominant theorists in the field of cognitive development. Piaget combined his bias in zoology with a branch of philosophy known as epistemology (concerned with knowledge) –genetic epistemology. Jean Piaget postulated four major stages of cognitive development that include: (I)Sensor motor stage (Birth-2yrs)-Infants utilize their motor and sensory to understand surroundings. (II) Preoperational (2-7yrs)-children use images, symbolism and language to understand their surroundings. (III) Concrete operations (7 to 11-12yrs)-children gain and use cognitive operations. (IV) Formal operations (11-12 years and beyond)-adolescents cognitive operations are rearranged in a manner that allows them to operate on operations (David and Katherine, 2010). Thought is more abstract. Thus Shane’s cognitive development can be said to have stalled at stage 2 of Piaget’s proposed theory of cognitive development yet we can see he is a late 17 year adolescent. On the other hand social role and psychosocial theories on lifespan development emphasize on socially built/constructed roles and role relationships and interaction of person or individual with society respectively. Hence Shane’s social development status is also retarded, since Shane is socially inept (Barbra and Phillip, 2007) Q3. How suitable might it be for Shane to be: (provide a reason to support your answer?) (a)Given personal care support? I would give personal care support to Shane, as he is non verbal and he only understands basic information. Shane uses body language and symbol boards to communicate his needs, so it might be hard for him to explain his all needs. It would be appropriate to help Shane for dressing, eating, and toileting, going to bed and getting up. (b)Taken to a movie? It would not be a good idea to take Shane for movie, because he is socially incontinent and inept Shane might scream out at unpredictable times and is aggressive, in addition to that a cinema hall would be very noisy. However if Shane displays appropriate behaviour in public, I would like to take him for movie. Activities like movie and outing keeps them happy and active. (c)Involved in an activity constructing a model plane? It would be in Shane’s interest to involve him in activity contraction model plan, since it would facilitate the development of his cognitive, social role and psychosocial skills. Q4How comfortable do you think you would feel working with Shane on your own? Consider your own values and abilities. First I would put into consideration that disability is not inability. I am passionate and committed to humanity service. If given an opportunity, I would work with Shane regardless of his physical, cognitive and psychosocial developmental status. I would simply focus on Shane’s strength’s and development in general. Q5.If Shane displayed signs of abuse (such as bruising, fear or increased anxiety) following a visit to his family, what action would you be legally required to follow? I would take following step to response to this situation. Firstly, I would make notes. I will record all observed information and investigation with date, sign and entry. I will get advice and support from my manager. I would also compare notes and brainstorm possible strategies. I would follow the processes to develop action plans based on procedures. I would talk to other agencies about helping family – collaborate with or engage family support services, community health services, and local government services, region Department of Human Services /Child protection contacts and Disability Services. We also can call a case conference for professionals to discuss their concerns. We can speak to Shane to obtain information, if he is able to provide information. However we should maintain privacy and confidentiality. In reference to Regulation 20 of the Child Care Services Regulations 2006; Regulation 19 of the Child Care Services (Family Day Care), if an individual/client displayed signs of abuse (bruising, fear or increased anxiety), it is our legal responsibility to make a report to the statutory child protection service in their jurisdiction. In 1st January 2009, the legislation that governs mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse became part of the Children and Community Services Act 2004.According to legislation we have to notified following sectors and people about child physically and emotionally abuse, Court personnel; family counsellors; family dispute resolution practitioners, arbitrators or legal practitioners representing the child's interests. Q6.Identify 3 potential risk factors associated with Shane’s developmental issues. The three risk factors associated with Shane’s developmental issues are: high susceptibility to abuse and maltreatment, mental infirmity and physical health concerns. People with disabilities especially under eighteen, such as Shane, are highly exposed to abuse of all types: physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, legal, financial, etc. One reason why children like Shane with communication deficits are at a greater risk of being abused is because they cannot be able to verbalize the episode or incident. Another risk factor in Shane’s case is his mental health, which, if it aggravates further, can prove to be quite dangerous not only for him but people around him as well. In the end, the third risk factor entails physical health issues. Jane’s poor fine motor skills can lead to a serious injury or accident. Moreover, the problem of incontinence can exacerbate in future. Q7.What are some key features of reporting and documenting as required by organisational policies and procedures? We have to follow Disability agencies legal rules, regulations and legislation for reporting and documenting. The Department of Communities' policies and procedures have been developed in consultation with the disability services sector, to assist service providers in meeting the requirements of the Disability Services Act 2006.The law requires services provided and funded by the department to keep and implement policies and procedures on the use of restrictive practices. Policies and procedures provide a general statement of the important principles and practices that service providers must consider when using or proposing using restrictive practices. For example, policies must emphasize the need to: meet human rights obligations follow contemporary practice Only consider the use of restrictive practices as the least restrictive way of preventing harm. Procedures detail the processes service providers should follow to meet the legal requirements in tandem with the relevant policy's principles and practices. Reference list Barbara, M.N. & Philip, R.N., 2007.Theories of Human Development. Mawah, New Jersey (NJ), USA: Lawrence Eribaum Associates Inc Publishers. Claire, B., 2007. Dementia: Metamorphosis in Care. West Sussex, England: John Wiley and sons. Charlotte, L.C., John. K., Heather, W. & Catherine, E., G. Risk Assessment and Management for Living Well With Dementia. London, UK: Jessica Kingsley publishers. David, R. S. & Katherine, K., 2010.Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence. Belmont, California, USA: Wadsworth Cengage learning. Fermond, L.W., 2008.A Phenomenological Exploration of Caregivers of Children with Disabilities. MIAMI (MI), USA: Proquest information and learning company. Helen, W., 2006. Meeting the Needs of Children with Disabilities: Families and Professionals facing the Challenge together. Cornwal, Great Britain: TJ international Ltd. Karen, L. F., 2011. Handbook of Life-Span Development. New York (NY).USA: Springer publishing Company-LLC. Myron, F. W. & Anne, M. L., 2003. The Dementias: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research. Washington, DC: American psychiatric publishing Inc. Nancy, L. M. & Peter, V. R., 2011. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Related dementia and Memory loss. Baltimore (BA). USA: Hopkins University press. Patrick, M., 2011. Dementia. California (CA), USA: ABC-CLIO-LLC. Vee, P. P., 2009. Neuropsychological Assessments of Dementia in Down Syndrome and Intellectual disabilities. London: springer-verlag limited. Read More