Question

Read the following case study, then answer the questions that follow.

Gayle is an aged care support worker. She is working with Leila, an older person, who needs to exercise to build muscle mass and bone density to decrease the likelihood of falling and associated health risks as a result of falls. The district nurse and Leila support this strategy. Leila’s family is also involved in her case, and they disagree and are openly hostile towards Gayle and others in the group.

Gayle speaks with her supervisor, who asks Gayle how she has handled the family. Gayle responds, ‘I keep telling them about the benefits of exercise but they won’t listen.’

Her supervisor asks, ‘Gayle, have you tried asking them what their concerns are?’ Gayle admits that she has not. Gayle speaks with the family members. ‘I’d really like to find a strategy that we are all comfortable with. What are your main concerns?’

The family tells Gayle that they are most worried that Leila will hurt herself. Gayle acknowledges the family members’ concerns. She then discusses the physical impacts of falling. She explains in plain language how strong muscles can help a person stay upright and can help them stabilize more effectively. Leila’s son says, ‘So that’s why you want mother to exercise?’

As a group, they then develop an exercise program to help Leila gain strength.

Question

1. Explain how Gayle encouraged the family members to collaborate?
2. Who should you involve in assessing the outcomes of a risk minimization strategy?
3. What methods would you use to encourage the involvement of the older person, their carer, and others involved in the care plan?

Answer 1

Question 1 : Explain how Gayle encouraged family members to collabarate?
Gayle first communicates with the family members and tries to understand their concerns, ones she understands their concerns , she explains to them in plain language how the treatment might help Leila , after which Gayle pens down a strategy which is comfortable for the both of the family and herself.

Question 2: Who should you involve in assessing the outcomes of risk minimisation strategy?
The family of the patient must be equally involved and well informed.

Question 3: What methods would you use to encourage the involvement of the older person, their carer, and others involved in the care plan?
  The older person should be motivated, encouraged and Should be offered with proper advice and guidance, tailored to specific needs and comfort of the patient.
The family must be equally involved as the carer is , the strategy and patient care plan has to be discussed and be done accordingly.