Final answer:
In the early stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment for an elderly patient, COTAs and healthcare teams should assist with ADLs and offer emotional support. Other interventions, like long-term care planning and physical therapy, may be considered later.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the early phase of diagnosis and treatment of an elder with cancer, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and the healthcare team should focus on activities that address the immediate needs of the patient. These include b) Assisting with basic activities of daily living (ADLs) and d) Offering emotional support and counseling. Assisting with ADLs ensures that the patient maintains as much independence as possible, while emotional support helps to cope with the psychosocial impacts of a cancer diagnosis. Creating long-term care plans and conducting physical therapy sessions might be more relevant as the treatment progresses or after more information regarding the patient's prognosis and response to treatment is available.