Alice Hoggan, 72 years old, is admitted to a long-term care facility after a serious myocardial infarction. After visiting with Mrs. Hoggan, the social worker is surprised that she is taking the loss of her independence and self-care ability so well

Question

Which of the following statements addresses this assessment?
a. Mrs. Hoggan must be in the denial phase of grieving a loss
b. Mrs. Hoggan has probably withdrawn and is depressed
c. Mrs. Hoggan is probably just thankful to be alive
d. Mrs. Hoggan is demonstrating the concept that loss and its meaning vary with individuals

Answer 1

D
Older adults are a diverse group of individuals. The adjustment to disability or loss of independence is affected by the older adult's life experiences, previous coping mechanisms, values and beliefs, and social support system. Often an older adult is depressed (response B), but Mrs. Hoggan does not exhibit symptoms of depression. The case study does not support responses A and C. Mrs. Hoggan is not exhibiting denial by accepting her loss of independence. Believing that she is simply thankful to be alive is a trivial way to express acceptance.