Assessment Task 4: Well Elder Health Assessment

Course Details

Course Code: NURS 2214

Course Title: Nursing Care of the Older Adult

University: Rasmussen University

Semester: Spring 2026

Level: Undergraduate (Year 3)

Assessment Weighting: 25%

Due Date: Week 8

Word Count: 1,000–1,500 words

Context

This assessment promotes understanding of healthy aging through direct interaction with a well older adult. It aligns with standards for gerontological nursing practice, focusing on functional status, cognition, nutrition, and safety. Students apply tools from lectures on aging theories and assessments to appreciate strengths and subtle needs in community-dwelling elders, preparing for holistic care in diverse settings.

Task Description

Interview and assess a well older adult (aged 65+) in the community using standardised tools. Document findings on physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and functional health. Identify strengths, potential risks, and one priority teaching need with a plan.

Requirements

• Select a consenting community-dwelling adult aged 65+ who is relatively healthy.
• Conduct a structured interview covering health history, daily activities, social support, and spirituality.
• Use tools: Katz Index of ADL, Lawton IADL, Mini-Cog, Geriatric Depression Scale (short form), and home safety checklist.
• Analyse findings for normal aging vs. risks; propose one evidence-based teaching intervention.
• Include at least four peer-reviewed sources from 2018-2026.
• Adhere to APA 7th edition; ensure confidentiality with de-identification.
• Submit as Word document via platform, including completed tool forms as appendices.

Marking Criteria/Rubric

1. Assessment Completeness (30%): Thorough interview data and accurate tool application; organised and detailed.
2. Analysis of Findings (25%): Identifies strengths and risks; differentiates normal aging from concerns.
3. Teaching Plan (20%): Priority need with evidence-based intervention; clear objectives and methods.
4. Reflection and Implications (15%): Insights on aging process; links to nursing practice.
5. Academic Standards (10%): Word count adherence, APA formatting, grammar, confidentiality.

Participant maintained independence in all basic activities of daily living per Katz Index, scoring 6/6 with no assistance needed for bathing or dressing. Instrumental activities showed minor limitations in transportation due to reduced night driving, scoring 7/8 on Lawton scale. Cognitive screening via Mini-Cog yielded full recall and accurate clock draw, indicating intact function. Nutrition discussion revealed balanced meals though occasional skipped breakfast from low appetite. Social support included weekly family visits and community centre participation reducing isolation risk. Safety checklist noted adequate lighting yet recommended grab bars in bathroom for prevention. Teaching focused on fall risk awareness with balance exercises. As emphasised by Eliopoulos (2018), proactive assessments support wellness maintenance in older adults, delaying functional decline. Follow-up encouraged annual screenings.

• References

1. Eliopoulos, C. (2018) Gerontological nursing. 9th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826161642.
2. Touhy, T. A. and Jett, K. F. (2022) Ebersole and Hess’ gerontological nursing & healthy aging. 6th edn. St. Louis: Elsevier. Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/books/ebersole-and-hess-gerontological-nursing-and-healthy-aging/touhy/978-0-323-69803-0.
3. Miller, C. A. (2019) Nursing for wellness in older adults. 8th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. Available at: https://shop.lww.com/Nursing-for-Wellness-in-Older-Adults/p/9781496368287.
4. Mauk, K. L. (ed.) (2018) Gerontological nursing: competencies for care. 4th edn. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Available at: https://www.jblearning.com/catalog/productdetails/9781284104479.