Basic Descriptions
For this project, I observed two groups of individuals recovering from fractures and other injuries in the traumatology department. This department is responsible for providing immediate medical aid as well as short and long-term rehabilitation. The groups observed in the scope of this paper were split based on their age. The first group consisted of five elder adults aged 60 and above. The second group consisted of three adolescents aged between 14 and 17. The groups were placed in separate wards, thus eliminating any chances of inter-group interactions. Members of either group mostly interacted with one another. Some of the interactions included socialization and basic activities pertaining to their treatment schedule.
Physical, Cognitive, and Socio-Emotional Issues
The two groups are predisposed towards different physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional issues. Elder adults are typically frail in body and have weaker health due to aging, which makes them more prone to injuries and traumas received from falls. According to the NCOA (2018), fall-related injuries constitute the majority of deaths in elder Americans. In adolescents, falls and traumas are typically associated with accidents and as a result of physical activity. One of the boys observed in the scope of this study broke his leg while riding a bike, another was hit by a car while crossing the road, and the third one was recovering from injuries sustained in a school fight. Other issues that this population group is exposed to includes malnutrition, obesity, and seasonal illnesses.
Elderly patients have significantly more cognitive issues when compared to adolescents. Due to old age, many of older patients experience problems with seeing, hearing, and keeping balance, which often serves as a predictor of various falls and injuries. In adolescents, on the other hand, cognitive issues are much less widespread (Kagitcibasi & Ataca, 2015). Poor eyesight is becoming increasingly common, however, due to the widespread use of television, computers, and smartphones. Hearing damage is also likely because of listening to loud music using headphones. In some cases, cognitive issues are caused by trauma, which both groups are exposed to in equal measure (Kagitcibasi & Ataca, 2015).
Socio-emotional issues in elder adults stem from various challenges and disabilities as well as from the effects of social isolation that follow. This is especially true for low-mobility adults that stay at home most of the time. Unable to connect with their peers and healthcare workers, elderly patients tend to neglect personal care as well as their treatments (Kagitcibasi & Ataca, 2015). Depression is likely to develop as well. In adolescents, socio-emotional issues are heavily connected with the situation at home and in school. The desire for appreciation, success, and a stable home environment are the primary driving factors. Inabilities to acquire any of these are likely to cause adolescents to develop bad habits, depression, or engage in anti-social and dangerous behavior (Kagitcibasi & Ataca, 2015).
Observations of Group Behavior
Due to the nature of the traumatology ward, both groups were fairly limited in their physical interactions, as they had to stay in their beds and move only during nursing procedures. The elder group took well to the temporal lack of mobility, as their regular lifestyle did not involve much movement. The adolescent group was far more disconcerted with the change, as they often found themselves bored with nothing to do. The adolescent interacted with one another on a far more frequent basis and utilized various gadgets for entertainment. Elderly patients’ primary concerns were about the prolonged recovery process, which caused anxiety and symptoms of depression, while the adolescents were largely concerned with not being able to return to school. They proved more psychologically resilient when compared to elder adults, as they did not show any serious symptoms of socio-emotional distress. Both groups demonstrate typical behavioral traits related to their development stage, with the elders more concerned about their physical wellness and the lack of social contact, while the adolescents were preoccupied with the socio-emotional issues connected to the school and a lack of meaningful activity.
Potential Abnormalities
One of the patients in the elder group has exhibited lack of interest in self-care and has neglected the procedures and medicines prescribed to him by the nurse. He avoids contact with other patients of the ward and keeps his interactions with the nurse to a minimum. In addition, he has not been visited by his family ever since being placed under medical care. The patient has a poor appetite and often leaves half of his food on the plate. These are symptoms of depression, which need to be addressed. A referral to a psychologist is necessary.
Additional Information
Many sources indicate that disabilities and traumas are directly related to the development of various psychological illnesses in elderly and adolescent populations. Kagitcibasi and Ataca (2015) reinforce the findings of this paper by stating that in elders, psychological distress is caused by pain, disability, and social isolation, whereas the primary stressors in adolescents revolve around the inability to perform, improve, and connect with peers.
One of the theories that can be used by nurses in order to prevent negative psychological outcomes in elders and adolescents alike is the motivational theory of life-span development. It states that humans seek to achieve meaningful goals throughout their entire lifespan. Enabling patients to achieve those goals even while being debilitated by injuries would significantly decrease the likelihood of developing depression (Kay & Heckhausen, 2015).
Addiction theories help understand and prevent reckless behavior in adolescents. According to Heyman (2013), addictions and unhealthy behavior can be explained by the use of conditional theory that highlights the importance of societal influences and peer-pressure in the facilitation of reckless behavior. It can be used to formulate strategies to prevent addictions and related injuries.
Available Community Resources
Our community has several resources available to elders and adolescents in order to ensure safe development. The local hospital provides call-ins and nurse visits to discharged patients as well as venues for patient education and self-help (“Community resources,” n.d.). Adolescents can benefit from sports sections and clubs that can be found in the local school. The community psychological help center is a venue for both groups, as it offers help and support in case of depression and other psychological ailments. The suicide prevention hotline is available through phone and internet connection (“Community resources,” n.d.). Lastly, religious groups and churches can provide physical, psychosocial, and financial help to those who require it. In addition, Medicaid and Medicare cover psychological treatment and evaluation, which makes obtaining and using healthcare privileges granted by insurance a potential venue. In the event of a crisis or disaster, citizens can get help from FEMA and the local natural disaster services. These services can provide immediate medical help, psychological consultation, and temporary shelter (“Community resources,” n.d.).
References
Community resources. (n.d.). Web.
Heyman, G. M. (2013). Addiction and choice: Theory and new data. Frontiers in psychiatry, 4, 31.
Kagitcibasi, C., & Ataca, B. (2015). Value of children, family change, and implications for the care of the elderly. Cross-Cultural Research, 49(4), 374-392.
Kay, J. S., & Heckhausen, J. (2015). Motivational theory of lifespan development. In N. Pachana (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Gerophychology (pp. 98-102). Singapore: Springer.
NCOA. (2018). Fall prevention facts. Web.