Elderly Adult Assessment

Part I

Interview either an older adult male or female over the age of 65. In order to preserve confidentiality, identify them as "O.M." or "O.F." and include their age and ethnicity. Describe their living situation (i.e., home alone, home with family members, home with assistance, etc.), and describe the type of dwelling they reside in and in what kind of environment (i.e., rural 2 story, urban apartment, etc.).

Part II

Interview the older adult using the specific interview questions provided below. Summarize the results in a narrative format (not a Q&A format), and also address the "student reflection" part of the assignment in the same section, using the appropriate headings.

a. Interview Questions:

How often do you experience pain?
What is the origin of this pain, and how long have you experienced this pain?
Does the pain interfere with your everyday activities? Which ones?
Did you report your pain to a healthcare professional, such as a nurse or physician? Why or why not?
If you received treatment for your pain, what kind, and were you satisfied with the treatment?
Do you believe pain is a normal part of aging?
What do you do to manage your pain?
Do you believe healthcare professionals genuinely care about your pain? Why or why not?
What do you believe should be done differently to help people who experience pain?