TASK SUMMARY:
This task requires you to complete a series of short answer questions.

Question 1
When developing an older person’s individualised plan, their personal needs, goals and preferences will need to be identified and prioritised.

a. Give three examples of things that an older person may identify as a need, goal or preference. (Hint: consider areas such as medical care, social and spiritual life and access to equipment/ resources.) (30 words each)

b. What strategies could you use to respectfully identify and prioritise an older person’s needs in the case that they are unable to effectively communicate, due to medical or social barriers? (50 words)

Question 2
Who would be included in a collaborative approach to health care? (30 words)

Question 3
In order to achieve the goals, set out in the individualised plan, input from a variety of service providers may be required. Services may address the social, psychological, medical and/or spiritual needs of the person.

a. Why is it important to support the older person to seek assistance from relevant health professionals if their goals are not being reached? (50 words)

b. Give at least three examples of resources and community support agencies that the client should have access to if necessary. (30 words)

c. What is your responsibility in providing access to these resources and agencies? (50 words)


d. Why is it important for service providers to be aware of all aspects of the individualised plan as well as their individual role within this plan? (50 words)


Question 4
How do you think providing support for an older person might impact their carer(s) and families?  (50 words)

Question 5
What support and/or respite might need to be provided for the carer(s)? (50 words)

Question 6
You have noticed unexplained weight loss in your client. Lately, their clothes have appeared unwashed and dishevelled, and they have seemed more confused and occasionally depressed.

a. What might this be a sign of? How might you gain more information regarding the situation? (50 words)

b. How would you respond to a situation in which you suspect or know of elder abuse? (50 words)

c. What are the possible emotional consequences of abuse for the older person? (50 words)

Question 7
Give at least two examples of situations in which a service or care worker might no longer be able to provide the level of service required. (30 words)


Question 8
What action would you take to alter the service, with minimum disruptiveness, so that the client continues to receive appropriate care? (50 words)


Question 9
As the body ages, it is common for certain health problems to arise that affect the care requirements of the person.

a. List five common health problems associated with ageing (50 words)
b. For three of the above, explain how these problems may be manifested, and how you would appropriately respond to or refer them. (50 words)

Question 10
List at least four different health professionals who may contribute to the care of an older person and explain what their function is. (30 words)

Question 11
Feedback is an important part of the development of the individualised plan. (70 words)

a. From whom should you obtain feedback on the effectiveness of the plan?

b. To whom should feedback be reported?

c. Give examples of at least two mechanisms for providing feedback. Why is it important to explain these mechanisms to service providers?


Question 12
Provide a detailed description (using examples) of the term ‘Social model of disability’ and how this affects the idea of ‘social devaluation’ of elderly clients. In your examples of social devaluation, use news articles and/or real case studies (respecting confidentiality). Explain (approximately 100 words)

a. How could this situation be changed?
b. What is stopping this situation from changing?
c. What resources or services are required to facilitate this potential change?