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A nurse is preparing to discharge an older adult client to the home of a family member while recovering from hip surgery. What situation may negatively affect the client's adjustment to living with family members?

User JNat
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Final answer:

An older adult's adjustment to living with family after hip surgery may be negatively impacted by emotional stress, generation gaps, and the burden of care on working family members. Misunderstanding and conflict could arise, affecting the care provided and the older adult's well-being.

Step-by-step explanation:

A situation that may negatively affect an older adult client's adjustment to living with family members post-hip surgery is the potential for misunderstanding and conflict due to varying expectations and life experiences between generations. Older adults might struggle with the loss of autonomy and privacy, and feel like a burden, which can affect their mood and recovery. Additionally, family caregivers often face the challenges of balancing their own work with caregiving responsibilities, potentially leading to stress and tension in the household. This may lead to gaps in care, especially if caregivers are also managing employment outside the home and are unable to offer constant support.

Working alongside different generations may be challenging due to differing attitudes and practices related to elder care. In the U.S., taking care of the elderly is often viewed as a burden, and many families are unable to manage the financial and emotional demands of providing constant care.

With this in mind, the adjustment for both the elderly client and the family members may be impacted by emotional factors such as guilt, sadness, and anger from both the caregivers and the care recipient. The complexity of the situation is intensified by the elder's life experiences, knowledge, and opinions, making the provision of care a delicate balance that requires sensitivity and mutual respect.

User Gregory Higley
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