Assessment Areas
Name two areas of a comprehensive geriatric assessment.
Any two — mental status, functional abilities, medical history and treatments, nutrition and health practices, emotional well-being, or social and environmental circumstances.
Name one of the three evidence cohorts discussed in Chapter 8.
Conceptual or theoretical frameworks; effectiveness studies; or studies of specific interventions and targeted outcomes.
Bathing and dressing: ADLs or IADLs?
ADLs — basic personal-care activities.
What must every care-plan recommendation be connected to?
A clearly stated finding from the assessment.
Can one mental-status screening tool diagnose dementia? Why or why no
No. A full diagnostic assessment is needed, and factors such as education can affect screening scores.
Why might a multidisciplinary approach be useful when working with older adults?
Later-life concerns can involve interconnected medical, psychological, and social needs. Different professionals can coordinate care to address multiple areas.
Managing medication and paying bills: ADLs or IADLs?
IADLs — more complex activities needed to live independently.
How can a social worker tell whether an intervention helped Miss Evelyn?
Identify a specific outcome related to an established assessment finding, agree on how and when to review it, and evaluate whether meaningful change occurred
Why should a social worker assess the caregiver as well as the older adult?
To understand caregiving responsibilities, time spent providing care, available support, caregiver burden and satisfaction, and the stability of the support system. Obtain permission before contacting caregivers.
Name one limitation of the evidence review in Chapter 8.
It may omit relevant studies, use a broad definition of evidence-based practice, include findings that may not generalize to everyone, or be affected by publication bias.
Why is it important to know exactly which daily tasks an older adult needs help with?
Specific findings help identify the person's actual assistance needs and guide a targeted care plan. Difficulty with one task does not automatically mean the person cannot perform all other tasks.
If Miss Evelyn disagrees with a proposed service, what should the social worker explore?
Her goals, preferences, concerns, and possible alternatives. Include her in the decision-making process rather than assuming disagreement means she lacks decision-making capacity.