Identifying Potential Problems for a Patient at Home

Patient Condition

Problem for Home Care

Provision

impaired hearing

unable to hear audible alarm, difficulty escaping in home fire

addition of visual alarm

impaired vision

unable to read instructions or see readings; increased risk for falls

large print; audible alarm if

forgetfulness

unable to remember drug schedule; problems cooking on a stove

someone to make sure that medications taken

confusion

unable to handle complex instructions or equipment

dementia

wandering off; unable to take essential medications; agitation or behavior may make difficult to handle

mental illness

may not take essential medications; may reject assistance

poor manual dexterity due to arthritis

unable to open "safe" medical containers

poor strength

unable to open containers or move equipment

poverty

unable to afford essentials

sedatives or other medications that impair coordination

increased risk of falls

impaired mobility

increased risk of falls; unable to go out for food, medications or doctor visits; unable to escape in an emergency

bedridden or chair bound

increased risk of bed sores

osteoporosis

increased risk of complications after a fall

medications to increase bone density; avoiding factors contributing to low bone density

incontinence

fouling of bed and clothing; increased risk for bed sores

need for assistance in toileting

unable to get food or drink

malnutrition, dehydration

need for assistance in getting food

malnutrition

poor healing, organ dysfunction

smoking

increased risk of burns or fire

drug or alcohol abuse

complications of abuse; neglect in self-care

being alone for significant periods

no one to respond to a problem

extreme environmental temperature

risk of hypothermia or hyperthermia

need for heat in winter and cooling in summer

hostile or frustrated family members

abuse or neglect; stealing of medications