Mrs. G. is a 75 year old Hispanic woman who has been relatively well all of her life. She had been married for 50 years and had five children. Her children are grown with families of their own. All but one of her children live in other states. Mrs. G.’s husband passed away last year, which was devastating for her. She had been very close to him and relied upon him for everything. He was “the life of the party” she always said and was a loving and caring man. Since his passing, Mrs. G. has continued to live in the house they shared for 35 years. In the last month, Mrs. G. has fallen twice sustaining injuries, though minimal. Her home health nurse comes weekly to check in on her. Mrs. G. likes her very much and wishes she could come more often. Mrs. G.’s daughter who lives in the next town over, has been worried and decided with the urging of her siblings and the doctor to start looking for an assisted living facility for her mother. She found one last week and talked with the Director who said she would be happy to help in whatever way was best. The daughter decided to tell her mother that it was time for her to move, so she can be cared for and be safe. When she told her mother, Mrs. G. cried and said, “This will not happen ever. I plan to stay in this house of loving memories for the remainder of my life.”

Introduction

The case study of Mrs. G., a 75-year-old Hispanic woman, highlights the challenging decision of whether to transition to an assisted living facility or continue living independently in her long-time home. This decision arises due to Mrs. G.’s recent falls and minimal injuries, as well as the concern of her children and healthcare professionals involved in her care. However, Mrs. G. strongly resists the idea, expressing her emotional attachment to her current house and the memories it holds. This assignment will explore the various factors that need to be considered in making this decision, including Mrs. G.’s physical and emotional well-being, the availability of support systems, and the potential risks and benefits of assisted living facilities.

Physical and Emotional Well-being Assessment

The first aspect to consider in the decision-making process is Mrs. G.’s physical and emotional well-being. Mrs. G. has experienced two falls recently, resulting in minimal injuries. Falls are common among the elderly and can lead to serious complications, such as fractures, head injuries, and reduced mobility (Rubenstein, 2006). Moreover, falls can be indicative of underlying health issues or the need for additional support. For Mrs. G., the falls could raise concerns about her overall stability and physical capabilities to safely live on her own. On the emotional aspect, Mrs. G. is currently grieving the loss of her husband, with whom she had a close and loving relationship. This loss may have significant psychological implications, including feelings of loneliness, depression, and difficulty coping with daily tasks (Li & Ji, 2013).

Support Systems and Social Isolation

Another important consideration is the availability of support systems for Mrs. G. Currently, her daughter lives in the next town over, but the rest of her children reside in other states. This geographic distance between Mrs. G. and her children may limit the immediate help they can provide in case of emergencies or daily assistance. Moreover, Mrs. G.’s reliance on her late husband indicates a potential lack of other support networks or resources. This situation raises concerns about the risk of social isolation, which can have adverse effects on an individual’s mental and physical well-being, including increased mortality rates (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). Assessing the adequacy of available support systems is crucial in determining whether Mrs. G. can maintain a desirable level of social engagement and emotional support while living in her current home.

Risks and Benefits of Assisted Living Facilities

The final aspect to consider is the potential risks and benefits of assisted living facilities. Assisted living facilities provide a range of services and support, including assistance with daily activities, medical oversight, and social programming (Mollica & Prendergast-Lemasters, 2011). By transitioning to such a facility, Mrs. G. could receive the necessary care and support she requires, minimizing the risks associated with independent living. Additionally, assisted living facilities often offer socialization opportunities and a sense of community, which can be particularly valuable for older adults who may feel isolated or lonely (Gaugler et al., 2019). However, it is essential to recognize that transitioning to a new living environment can also lead to potential challenges and stress, especially for individuals like Mrs. G., who have a strong emotional attachment to their current home. The decision to move to an assisted living facility should therefore be carefully weighed and involve a comprehensive assessment of the risks and benefits for Mrs. G.’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision of whether Mrs. G. should transition to an assisted living facility or continue living independently in her long-time home requires careful consideration of multiple factors. These include Mrs. G.’s physical and emotional well-being, the availability of support systems, and the potential risks and benefits of assisted living facilities. Each of these factors plays a critical role in determining the best course of action to ensure Mrs. G.’s safety, overall well-being, and quality of life. A comprehensive assessment should be conducted to balance Mrs. G.’s desires to remain in her house of loving memories with the need to address her current health concerns and fulfill her social and emotional needs. The involvement of healthcare professionals, family members, and Mrs. G. herself is essential in making an informed decision that considers all these factors.