Question

An older adult client has mild cognitive decline and generalized anxiety disorder. The client, who resides

alone in an apartment, routinely attends several recreational activities at a community senior center each
week. Over the past few months, the client reports difficulties managing the anxiety associated with preparing
for these outings, and asks the COTA for suggestions on how to reduce the occurrence of the anxious feelings. Which strategy would be MOST BENEFICIAL to include as part of the recommendations for supporting this objective?

A) Create a customized mnemonic of preparatory steps for each activity.
B) Develop a checklist of actions required to prepare for each activity.
C) Post a wall calendar in a common area of the apartment with times and days for each activity.

Answer 1

To reduce anxiety associated with preparing for outings for a client with mild cognitive decline and generalized anxiety, developing a checklist of preparatory steps is recommended as it offers a clear visual aid, simplifies the process, and provides a sense of control.

Step-by-step explanation:

In addressing the client's difficulties in managing anxiety associated with preparing for activities, the most beneficial strategy to recommend would be to develop a checklist of actions required to prepare for each activity. A checklist is a practical tool that provides visual cues and step-by-step organization to help the client remember and complete necessary tasks, thus reducing anxiety. This strategy is effective for someone with mild cognitive decline because it simplifies the process into manageable parts and is a form of external memory aid. Additionally, a checklist offers the client a sense of control and accomplishment as they can physically check off each completed item, which is helpful for someone coping with generalized anxiety disorder.