Residential Services Flashcards
Advance Directive
A statement executed by a person while of sound mind as to that person’s wishes about the use of medical interventions for him or herself in case of the loss of his or her own decision-making capacity
Conservator
A person who has the legal authority and duty to protect the assets of another, protected person (a minor or incompetent). A conservator is appointed by a court, in the same way that a guardian is appointed, but can only make decisions about property, not about medical care or other decisions personal to the protected person.
DNR
An order by the physician, with respect to a specific patient, to the effect that, should cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest occur, no attempt should be made to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the patient.
Durable Power of Attorney
A power of attorney that remains (or becomes) effective when the principal becomes incompetent to act for himself or herself. (It should be noted that in most states, even an agent with a durable power of attorney cannot make medical treatment decisions for an incompetent patient, unless state law provides that he or she can or a court has given him or her specific authority.)
Guardian
A person who has the legal responsibility, and the authority to make decisions, for an incompetent person or a minor. A guardian is appointed by a court. The written guardianship order specifically states the authority of the guardian, and might convey authority to make decisions only about money and property management, or authority to make personal decisions (such as those regarding health care), or might convey authority to make both kinds of decisions.
Living Will
A will concerning the life of the person executing the will, in which the individual provides guidance for circumstances under which they wish to refuse, or discontinue the use of, life-support measures administered to themselves should they become incompetent. (A living will is in contrast with the usual last will and testament in which the subject matter is the disposition of property or custody of minor children.)
Power of Attorney
A written agreement under which one person (the principal) authorizes another (the agent) to act on his or her behalf. The agent need not be a lawyer. An ordinary power of attorney automatically terminates if the principal becomes incompetent. (See durable power of attorney.)
Aging in Place
Means the residents’ needs may change over time.
Describe Delirium
Is a rapid onset of intellectual impairment characterized by disturbances in attention, short-term memory, disorganized thinking, and changes in psychomotor activity. The cause is usually specific and if treated appropriately is reversible. Causes can be a drug reaction or a UTI. The rapid changes are the clue to the diagnosis.
Describe Huntington’s Chorea
Is a fatal genetic disease of the central nervous system. Manifesting around the age of 40 with symptoms of “clumsiness,” it progresses to involuntary twisting movements of the extremities and face. A progressive cognitive decline starts with forgiefulness, irritability, and withdrawal, and moves to severe memory loss and loss of reasoning. Drug therapies can ease symptoms.
Describe Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI is broadly defined as a brain injury inflicted by an external force that may result in significant impairment of an individual’s physical, cognitive, and psychocial functioning. A fall is the most likely cause in those over the age of 75. Risk factors are alcohol consumption, osteoporosis and medications.
Describe Substance Abuse
Substance abuse often arises in old age as a coping mechanism to deal with lose, anxiety, depression, or boredom. Estimates that 2-17% of those over 60 abuse alcohol. They may be unrecoginzed and undertreated on medications or prescribed sedatives that can contribute to falls and confusion.
Describe Anxiety
A person with anxiety may experiece increased heart palpations, rapid pulse, respiratory distress, trembling and dizziness. They will feel a response out of proportion to actual situations. Diagnosis should determine if anxeity is a chronic psychiatric disorder or if it is a symptom of another disease. It can cause deterioration of physical and cognitive functioning. It is treated with medications, behavior therapies to help muscle relaxation, and psychotherapy.
Describe Depression
The most common psychiatric disorder of later life. It’s difficult to diagnose because of the multiple physical symptoms. Residents may show an unkempt apperance, weight loss, lack of interest and withdrawal. It is highly treatable. Severe depression may lead to suicide attempts, and staff must be trained to recognize the symptoms and stay on the alert.
Describe Schizophrenia
Person with schizophrenia have a variety of behavioral and intellectual disturbances, delusions, and hallucinations, including memory and speech disturbances, impaired impulse control, and combativeness. Medications and psychiatric therapy often help.
