Question

Tracy Jordan is the best friend of your mother. You have spent your childhood and adulthood around her, often spending family vacations together. Last week when you had dinner with you family, Tracy attended as well. Being close to her and with her knowing you are a nurse, she shared a concern that she has been having the past several weeks. She is 47 years old and divorced, and she currently lives alone. Her mother is deceased, and her father, who was diagnosed with dementia several years ago, is now a resident in a long-term care facility for people with cognitive impairments. Tracy is estranged from her sister, her only sibling. When she was 33, she was hospitalized for severed depression and suicide ideation. Her fear is that, should she become incapacitated again with depression, the sister whom she actively dislikes and with whom she does not get along will make treatment decisions as her next of kin. Tracy seems to be an individual who would benefit from a healthcare power of attorney, so you invite her over for lunch one day with the intent to discuss and educate her about her choices.

Question 1

How can you best advocate for Tracy?

Question 2

How can different parts of the Healthcare System come together to serve Tracy?

Question 3

What lifestyle changes would you suggest to Tracy to incorporate or modify to help mitigate the risk of falling into a depressive state again?

Explain your answers.

Answer 1

Answer 1.

Tracy can apply for a Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPA). Power of attorney is legal authority given to a another person decided by an individual to take descision Incase of the individual being unable to do so and Healthcare Power of Attorney is completely based on descision related to Healthcare. According to HCPA, which can be state specific or universal power of attorney, the individual can decide upon another person other than his/her family or relative who can act as an agent to take descision related to health or exercising her beliefs during treatment or avoiding procedures such as DNR or life prolonging treatment, when an individual is incapacitated to take such decision.

Answer 2.

HCPA can be made available from different hospital or by trusted online sources or legal consultant. Once the form is taken, all the terms and conditions should be read appropriately as what is to be given power for. The range of power of attorney can vary from simple decisions during short term unconscious state to end of life procedures. Once the terms are agreed upon, the individual should sign the forms in presence of two witnesses. It's better to get the forms notorized and the copies should be given to the agent and all the healthcare related agents such as physician, assisted Nursing home facility administrator and the authorized person. Incase of any emergency, the healthcare institution can approach the concerned person.

Answer 3.

Tracy has a familial history of dementia and has a history of depression with suicide ideation. The possible reason can be her divorce which worked as an instigating factor to develop depression and suicide. Lifestyle changes can help Tracy by the following measures.

1. Eating healthy- Tracy should include omega 3 fatthy acids, amino acids, complex carbohydrates that can help Tracy feel healthy and energized.

2. Exercise- Tracy should meditate, perform exercises which can improve her physical body, mental alertness, improve self esteem.

3. Good sleep- alterations in the sleep wake cycles can be one of the major reason for depression. Tracy can decide upon a timing for bed and to rise according to her need for age and impleyit strictly.

4. Improve relationship- Tracy can remain happy if she is surrounded by people around to love her. Tracy could try to patch up with her sister, visit and take care of her father, find out New relationship if she would like company or be in an atmosphere where she would be readily accepted and loved for. Not being loved makes a person depressed and can lead to suicidal ideation.

5. Stress management- stress can aggrevate the person's depression. Stress can never be wiped out but can only be managed efficiently and deliberately. Various stress management strategies should be looked upon and the best for the Patient should be selected.

6.attitude- attitude towards life makes a lot of difference in life. A negative attitude can attract many health hazards and depression is one major of them. Tracy should have a positive Optimistic attitude towards life.

7. Joining support groups- being in a support group helps in 2 ways ie. As a supporter and as support needed. At times when the road seems rough or you're in a downhill which can lead to depression, a person nearby understanding you and supporting you can be a great help.

All these measures can help Tracy mitigate her risk of falling into depression.