Today, Mrs. S called 911 to report that a person had been “hanging around her home”. When the police arrived, they found a disheveled, unkept elderly woman crouching behind the couch talking loudly to herself

Mrs. S. is an 87 year-old female who lives in a rural area. She has been living with her single 56 year-old son since her husband died six months ago. Since becoming a widow, Mrs. S has had limited contact with friends and members of the church because her son, who works shift work, cannot take her to church events.

Today, Mrs. S called 911 to report that a person had been “hanging around her home”. When the police arrived, they found a disheveled, unkept elderly woman crouching behind the couch talking loudly to herself. After searching the house, the police found her son in the barn. He reported his mother had been “acting funny” lately.

Mrs. S. was taken to the local hospital via ambulance where an acute Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) was diagnosed along with severe malnutrition. At the hospital, she was noted to have a temperature of 101 F, pulse of 110, respiration’s 22. In the following eight hours, she became more confused and agitated and was unable to communicate. When left alone for a few moments, Mrs. S. climbed out of her bed and fell to the floor. The healthcare team called the son, asking him to participate in a treatment planning meeting. He was not happy about this request and came to the meeting reluctantly. During this meeting, the son specifically asked about places his mother could live, after she gets better, because “I just can’t manage her anymore at my house.”

What is the role of the gerontological nurse for this patient and family?

Is the son under caregiver strain and what resources could be offered to assist the patient and son?

Should an advance directive/health care proxy information be reviewed with the patient and son? Explain how you would do this.

See attached grading rubric by clicking on the 3 vertical dots at the top on the right hand side and selecting the “show rubric” from the menu.