Family Health

Select one of the options (A–E) described below. Choose one option, follow the instructions in the appropriate attachment, then prepare a 2-page (double-spaced) paper that includes each of the bulleted elements listed below.

For whichever option you choose, be sure to:

Discuss why you chose the project (a paragraph or two).

Present a summary of the results/findings (approx. 1 page). The summary of results/findings should be specific to the option (A–E) that you chose.

Your reactions to the experience (about half of a page).

What you gained from the experience (a paragraph). Provide substance, depth, and application of what has been learned in this class; in other words, try to use information gained in this class to your paper as much as possible.

A. Case Management Study: Identify an elder with some functional dependency and/or functional limitations. Describe that person’s situation (e.g., age, housing, family situation), limitations (physical and/or mental), and current resources (e.g. family, services currently being utilized). Develop a plan for that person to increase his/her ability to remain independent within the community, using formal and informal support services. Identify specific agencies and services that could be used, including phone numbers, addresses, and—when possible—a contact person. In your summary, provide a description of the person’s current situation, and then cover services and resources available to meet those needs. Be specific and name the services and agencies that can help and the type of help they can provide.

B. Do You Know Your Parents (or Grandparents) as People?: First, complete the form giving the responses you think your parents (or grandparents) will give, then have them give you their responses. This is best done when you can sit down with your parents for a couple of hours rather than over the telephone. When the questions are sensitive, inappropriate or out of date, you should substitute questions of your own. Turn in the completed form with your paper. Your “summary of results/findings” should summarize what you found; in other words, don’t just list responses given by parents/grandparents. Quotes and examples can enhance your summary.

C. Family Health History: Complete the forms provided. You need to be able to get information regarding your extended family members’ health. Go back at least two generations (parents and grandparents). Turn in the completed forms along with your paper. Within your “summary of results/findings” and “what you gained from it” sections you need to identify those health problems for which there appears to be a family tendency, and address what you can do now to try to avoid those problems. Include a discussion of your own health hazards based upon your current health habits, and discuss how lifestyle factors can influence your future health.

D. Long Term Care Facility Visit: As early as possible in the semester, contact a long term care facility (can be assisted or supportive living) and schedule a visit during which you interview a staff member and take a tour of the facility. During the interview (approx. 20 minutes) seek information on the background and history of the facility, mission, organizational structure, schedule/routine, funding source(s), personnel qualifications, etc. You might offer to send the questions ahead of time to expedite the interview portion of your visit. During the tour portion of your visit, ask to see all common rooms, a typical individual resident’s room (if possible), outside grounds, an activity in session, etc. Use the “Long Term Care Facility Visit” form provided.

E. Timeline Interview: Here is an opportunity to spend an hour with an older American (over 65) to learn his or her views on a variety of issues and events in the past. This can be a delightful and rewarding project. In your paper, be sure that you do not simply list questions and provide the respondent’s answers. Try to gain a sense of what was unique to people of this person’s generation. See the timeline interview guide for details, and be prepared to substitute relevant events for those that are not appropriate to the interviewee’s age group.