Elder Patients' Health Priorities & Nursing - Case Study Example

HNB1202 Health Priorities & Nursing Name: Institution: INTRODUCTION As humankind transits from one life stage to another, physical and emotional needs changes. An aging adult’s life (65 and above years) is less active and filled with reflections (Erikson, 1959). The adults try to understand whether they have lived life to the fullest and/or they have achieved the maximum from their potential. Due to this retrospective and inactive state, aging people needs to retire, interact and be close to their friends, wife, children and grandchildren satisfied that they have done the required of them by the society. Due to lack of psychological satisfaction, aging people may develop a lot of mental and/or physical problems since their bodies at this age loose most of the cells without replacement. Dementia, depression and stomach ulcers, cancer, arthritis, eye diseases and bone weakness are some of the common diseases at this age. Mr. Len Robbins, 80 years old, lives within the rural coast of Victoria in Australia with health problems probably accelerated by physical isolation (Erikson, 1959). He has five children. His wife died nine years ago and four of his children are now living in urban centers. He lives with his daughter who is busy and away most of the times. His great grandchildren often pay him a visit and enjoy looking at his horses and sheep. He has a friend, Maggie, who he chats with sometimes. BODY Robbins has many health problems of which her daughter is aware of and concerned about yet she has to continue with her work to keep herself independent. Seemingly he experiences physical isolation but seems reluctant to agree to what’s in her daughter’s mind- living in a nursing home. This article discusses the challenge to the nurses of trying to ensure Robbins’ physical and psychological safety is maintained – at home and meeting his wishes and those of her daughter at the same time. Robbins is diagnosed with prostate cancer that has advanced to other localized parts of the body including the spine and the ribs. Besides, he has other health problems some as a result of side effects of the treatments he is undergoing and the operation of his prostate part, others like arthritis (Marlo, 2013) and pulmonary fibrosis may be contributed by his earlier life as a heavy smoker and from working on hay and grain on the farm. Urinary incontinence, incapability of controlling bowel movement and erectile dysfunction may be side effects of the operation. The rising PSA test may be as a result of the spreading prostate cancer or urinary incontinence (Anne, 2013). A measure of weight reads an increase by 2kg which may probably be a side effect of Hormone Therapy treatment (Cassileth, 2004). It is also observed that he has marks on his body which may be a side effect of chemotherapy treatment. As a result of the death of his wife, and physical isolation from the family members and community, Robbins has also developed depression which might lead to mental impairment. Despite these challenges it would be important for the nurses to make necessary arrangements with him and his daughter and hospital senior authorities on possibilities of looking after him at home. Possibly, constant visits to ensure he takes medicine as prescribed, giving injections, taking other relevant measurements and showering him would be important. It is common among aged people to show reluctance to being kept far from their loved ones and stay in a nursing home. Mr. Robbins decides to stay at his home despite the physical and psychological problem he is going through (Erikson, 1959). He is also, seemingly, not likely to visit a doctor unless the problem is too much. He would, for instance, go to see the doctor to the point where he gets out ten times a night. Although Nurses’ visits to his home for occasional body checkups, washing and probe can be of great importance, it may not be adequately possible for them meet all his needs since time is never enough. There is much to be done within a short period of time. For example bandaging or cutting his nails may consume the time required for washing or blood pressure checkups. Some nurses could also do the little expected of them and live so many other important activities unattended. Now that he has some mental impairment, it would be better for the nurses to constantly remind him of certain special routine practices that are important to his health, for example, attending exercise classes to warm up, help improve the breathing condition, cure depression (Spagnuolo et al, 2012 ). Despite the nurses’ efforts to constantly visit Robbins at his home to wash him and give him tablets and injections, they may not have done much control over how he walks down the stairs, or drive his vehicle around the garden and to the market. He often times wets the floor and slip, fall over the cat in the kitchen, hurt himself at the bruise and so on. There is a way, however, that they could use to help minimize physical risks for him at home .With his daughter’s cooperation they could recommend him not to do risky jobs like driving, heating water and riding or if he has to do them have assistance of someone. He can hire a personal driver to ride him to the markets and around his garden too. While his being at home- free to move, visit friends, see his animals, see his great grandchildren and sometime his daughter – gives him some mental relaxation. Socializing with men in men’s social group, moving to the market and attending exercise classes at free will could help him overcome depressing moments. This, in a great way, reduces psychological risks of harming himself. Nurses’ company during some lonely moments in the house could be helpful in that sometimes he is willing to share about what he feels about himself. The nurses can siege this moment to encourage him and chat around with him which leaves him active and positive about life. The nurses could also give depressant medicine to help him minimize depression (Spagnuolo et al, 2012 ). It is also a common challenge to aging men to speak out their private matters (Erikson, 1959). Robbins could not be willing to share his problems to women in particular probably because of the social isolation and personal feelings. He would rather stay untidy than to tell his daughter about his unattended nails. Since he is not comfortable even with his great grand daughters’ looking at his medicine bottles, it would be advisable that the nurses encourage him to attend and socialize in men groups. Although nurses would benefit him by recommending special diets to help keep his urinary incontinence under control (Venkateswaran & Klotz, 2010) it is challenging that his daughter is not always around to prepare the meals since he cannot cook. Nurses are also not always there to remind him of taking enough water which is essential in lubricating the joints (affected by arthritis) to ease body movements like bending. Robbins’ daughter wishes her father could be in a safe place where she could be frequently visiting him while she continues with her work comfortably and with ease. On the other side Robbins wishes he could always be near his family and his loved ones. Nurses could possibly organize with family members on how to ensure his safety and at the same time bringing his family together. A discussion with his family on whether it could be possible for Robbins to live with one of his other children particularly one that he could fully entrust with his private matters or if one son could agree to come down to live with him in the rural coast could be important. CONCLUSION It is dangerous to stay for long time without visiting health experts as it is possible for disease to spread without our knowledge. Exercising healthy lifestyles at early stages of life is also an important aspect of ensuring our good health at old age (Anne, 2013). Aging people needs a lot attention and frequent screening for diseases that are common to elderly people as they are more prone to infections than young people (Oobol et al, 2004). Elderly males and their partners need to be informed about common diseases for the elderly, their causes and symptoms. While Robbins did not observe much of these health precautions much of his illnesses might have been compounded by the death of his wife. While every patient needs to be assisted putting into consideration ones psychological needs, the nurses can play a great role in ensuring Robbins safety at home and minimizing the risks of injuring himself physically and/or psychologically (Erikson, 1959). An elderly person also feels inadequate when separated with his family and the loved ones. It is therefore of great importance that family and friends ensuring they are close to their aging siblings, parents or friends. Communal activities and appropriate body exercises are also important for the elderly populace. Read More