HEALTHY AGEING

Healthy Ageing

Healthy Ageing

Introduction

The main purpose of this research report is to make a case analysis of Doris Jenkins. Mrs Doris Jenkins is an 82 year old widow, who lives alone, except for Thomas (her elderly cat), in a three storey terrace house. Her husband died suddenly, six months ago, of a myocardial infarction. Social services, her GP and the community nurse are involved in her care. She was in reasonably good health until her husband's death but has become progressively more unwell since.

Mrs Doris Jenkins is an 82 year old widow, who lives alone, except for Thomas (her elderly cat), in a three storey terrace house. Her husband died suddenly, six months ago, of a myocardial infarction. Social services, her GP and the community nurse are involved in her care. She was in reasonably good health until her husband's death but has become progressively more unwell since.

She has developed a number of new symptoms and has also had some long term mild arthritis particularly in her hands and knees but this is worse recently, which is causing her some concern. She has had medications prescribed by her GP. She has also bought medications from her local pharmacy, and has used some of husband's medicines that were left over when he died.

Her neighbours appear to be transient as the houses on either side of this row of terrace houses have been converted to flats. Although she has had central heating installed, she cannot afford to use it and relies on a gas fire in her lounge. She has limited mobility due to arthritis and is totally reliant on state benefits for income. She rarely goes out and a friendly neighbour, Mrs Vaughan, from a few doors away is her only contact with the outside world. Mrs Vaughan does the shopping for Doris and sometimes adds a little item from her own shopping, such as a packet of biscuits, as she is worried about Doris not eating properly. Recently when she was in Doris's kitchen, there was an unpleasant smell from milk that was 'off'. Mrs Vaughan was also concerned about how anxious Doris was becoming, especially now she insisted Mrs Vaughan uses a special knock on the door, so that Doris knows who it is before she opens it.

Scenario

Recently Mrs Vaughan noticed that Doris was shivering and her hands were cold and her lips had a bluish tinge. She dialled 999 and Doris was admitted to hospital. Following admission to the Medical Assessment Unit with a diagnosis of hypothermia, she underwent an assessment with a view to preparation for discharge back to her own home.

She has developed a number of new symptoms and has also had some long term mild arthritis particularly in her hands and knees but this is worse recently, which is causing her some concern. She has had medications prescribed by her GP. She has also bought medications from her local pharmacy, and has used some of husband's medicines that were left over when he ...