Elder Care Case Study
Mr. Trosack is a 72 year old man who fell down a long flight of stairs a month ago, underwent a total hip replacement and is in need of a discharge plan. He completed two weeks of rehabilitation in the hospital for his hip as well as diabetic teaching for his new onset of Diabetes. It was also discovered during this hospitalization that he needed to start taking medication for hypertension. Both he and his family are in denial about what it will take to get him home and deliver the care that is needed.
Healthcare Issues and their Importance
Discharge planning and management with an elderly person can become very complicated and should be approached with an open mind and the willingness …show more content…
The mental preparation and coping mechanisms will need to be addressed prior to leaving the rehabilitation center. Denial from the patient and family tells the health care team that teaching needs to be done in all areas and with all heath care team members. Team Members and their Roles
Discharge planning for an elderly patient requires a team of health care professionals as well as family members working together in order to have a successful transition to home. The case manager needs to be in charge of organizing the team and following Mr. Trosacks progress in order to direct the team based on his changing needs.
A Physical Therapist has been working with Mr. Trosack in rehab and that work needs to continue. He needs to improve stair climbing and increase his strength. He will need to work on a generalize exercise program as well as specific gait, balance and coordination to help him become independent at home.He will need to learn to use a walker and cane. Research supports the most effective interventions to manage falls risk are those that incorporate exercise and that exercise program needs to be structured, progressed, and must achieve the minimum dose of exercise (Shubert, 2011). An Occupational Therapist (OT) should be involved with evaluating Mr. Trosack and making sure he and his house is ready for his return. Occupational therapy services include comprehensive evaluations of the home