Running head: Aging and Disability 1
Aging & Disability
, Aging and Disability 2
Aging and Disability
Life after a stroke is a lifelong process of recovery and rehabilitation that requires
continuous support outside of the hospital setting. In regards to Connie and Joe’s
situation/scenario, a referral to community resources would be most beneficial to getting
recovery and family support off to a good start. Connie is a stroke survivor after suffering from a
stroke a year ago which in turn resulted in limitations in her mobility, two falls in the past year,
and continuous in-home physical therapy twice a week. Joe whom is Connie’s caregiver and life
partner suffers from type II Diabetes and heart problems. Joe has expressed being bored staying
home while caring for Connie due to his worries of leaving her and risking the possibility of her
having another fall. Connie and Joe share two sons together that do not live in the home but visit
weekly. Due to the couple advanced age (being over 80), Connie’s stroke, Joe’s current health
issues, and the current living status of living by themselves makes them a qualified candidate for
a referral to community resources. As the Registered Nurse case worker for Connie’s case
………………….NEED TO COMPLETE
Assumptions
My first assumption about Joe and Connie’s situation is that a referral to community
resources is needed based on the family’s need for education and increased involvement in
promoting continued development and maintenance of functional health by identifying unmet
tasks, feelings of isolation, nonadherence to therapeutic regimen and physical or sensory
limitation Connie is faced with. Nonadherence to therapeutic regimens is a significant problem
for older adults, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and cost of treatment. (Hinkle &
Cheever: Brunner & Suddarth's; page 44) My second assumption made is that the couple may
be faced with financial barriers in the referral process due to limited sources of income. My third
Aging & Disability
, Aging and Disability 2
Aging and Disability
Life after a stroke is a lifelong process of recovery and rehabilitation that requires
continuous support outside of the hospital setting. In regards to Connie and Joe’s
situation/scenario, a referral to community resources would be most beneficial to getting
recovery and family support off to a good start. Connie is a stroke survivor after suffering from a
stroke a year ago which in turn resulted in limitations in her mobility, two falls in the past year,
and continuous in-home physical therapy twice a week. Joe whom is Connie’s caregiver and life
partner suffers from type II Diabetes and heart problems. Joe has expressed being bored staying
home while caring for Connie due to his worries of leaving her and risking the possibility of her
having another fall. Connie and Joe share two sons together that do not live in the home but visit
weekly. Due to the couple advanced age (being over 80), Connie’s stroke, Joe’s current health
issues, and the current living status of living by themselves makes them a qualified candidate for
a referral to community resources. As the Registered Nurse case worker for Connie’s case
………………….NEED TO COMPLETE
Assumptions
My first assumption about Joe and Connie’s situation is that a referral to community
resources is needed based on the family’s need for education and increased involvement in
promoting continued development and maintenance of functional health by identifying unmet
tasks, feelings of isolation, nonadherence to therapeutic regimen and physical or sensory
limitation Connie is faced with. Nonadherence to therapeutic regimens is a significant problem
for older adults, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and cost of treatment. (Hinkle &
Cheever: Brunner & Suddarth's; page 44) My second assumption made is that the couple may
be faced with financial barriers in the referral process due to limited sources of income. My third
