Healthcare Administration Perspective in Gerontology

Question 1: 

I would not automatically assume dementia in Roberta’s case. This is because a lthough dementia affects a person’s memory, social abilities, and thinking capability, it is not the only medical condition that could have led to h er fall. Roberta’s falling could have been c aused by other conditions such as chronic stress, depression, use of other medications, loss of energy as a result of malnutrition or concussion . Further, the fall could have been caused by the fact that she was age d ( Mace & Rabins, 2017 ).

Question 2: 

I would recommend ruling out Roberta’s separation from her family without further testing by a professional psychologist to determine whether she is indeed suffering from memory loss.

Question 3: 

I would recommend t he following follow-up services and supports for Roberta; 

Roberta should be evaluated by a professional psychiatrist to determine her memory status.

Roberta should be allowed to stay close to her family.

Proper medication should be provided other than pain relievers in case she is found to have memory problems.

Answers to questions regarding Jimmy 

Question 1: 

I recommend that the first thing that Olivia should do is to have a discussion with Jimmy to inquire about his sudden change of character or the issues that may be affecting him. I also would not automatically assume that Jimmy could have Alzheimer's dementia . This is because although the condition can cause a change of character in an individual, Jimmy does not seem to be showing signs of memory loss.

Question 2: 

I would recommend that vascular dementia is ruled out as part of the differential diagnosis. This is because v ascular dementia is closely associated with stroke. Thus, i f Jimmy has never had a stroke before , then the condition ought to be ruled out ( Ferri et al., 2005 ).

Question 3: 

Following diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia by the health care provider, I would advise Olivia to do the following; 

Encourage Jimmy to be come more active in such activities as daily household work, group meetings or other social engagements, a s well as general body exercises like walking or simple home workouts . 

Foster a safe living environment for Jimmy.

Ensure Jimmy eats healthy.

Seek alternatives such as memory-boosting drugs from a professional doctor ( Mace & Rabins, 2017 ).

References 

Ferri, C. P., Prince, M., Brayne, C., Brodaty, H., Fratiglioni, L., Ganguli, M., ... & Jorm, A. (2005). Global prevalence of dementia: a Delphi consensus study. The lancet , 366 (9503), 2112-2117. 

Mace, N. L., & Rabins, P. V. (2017). The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss . JHU Press.