An RN’s role in healthy ageing is to identify and utilise the functional strengths of the older person, assist them to maximise their independence and to minimise the impacts of disability and disease (Moyle, Parker and Bramble, 2014). This case study will develop your ability to identify factors that inhibit independence and diminish quality of life in the older adult, and advocate for community based strategies or supports that will increase your patients’ holistic wellbeing.
Mrs Lola Anderson presents to her GP clinic and has completed her over 75 annual health assessment with her regular GP (see page 14 of this document). As the practice RN, you are asked to review this assessment and identify four (4) main issues that are affecting your patients’ independence or wellbeing. An appropriate issue to be chosen is one that:
a. is currently affecting Lola’s independence or wellbeing, and/or
b. will affect her future independence or wellbeing and/or
c. there is solid research evidence regarding the risk and the impact on older adults.
Your ability to link concepts will be essential when completing this template, as Lola will present with secondary signs and symptoms, in addition to an established past medical history, both of which will need to be considered and integrated into your template. Evidence based practice and basic nursing principles must inform both your primary health care interventions and rationale.
Your mapping should consider Lola’s holistic wellbeing, and have a primary health care focus. For each issue identified, one referral must be included to a service that is available in your community (total 4 referrals), that will assist Lola’s independence or wellbeing. You are required to outline the referral process for each service. One of your referrals must be to CHSP, choosing one service that is available.
You may use poetic license (that still reflects the information within the health assessment) to expand on details of your patients’ life, in order to complete a holistic plan to promote Lola’s independence.
