UNIT 2: COMPREHENSIVE GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT 2.4 SOCIAL AND AFFECTIVE ASSESSMENT

Although comprehensive social value is a function of the social worker, the nurse must know and note in clinical story all the data of interest which has present or future impact on the elderly. The assessment of social and family function allows knowing the resources available to the person, their support networks (social support) (White AM, 2009; Nihtila E, 2008).

Having available social support is associated with better self-perceived health status of elderly own (White AM, 2009) Above and beyond that, the study by Schulz in 1999 says that when the primary caregiver is an elderly person and has overload care have a 50% risk of dying in the next 4 years.

Therefore, to detect any change in family social function should deepen with other assessment tools: tools for valuation of social resources, Zarit caregiver burden questionnaire. This questionnaire applies to carergivers of dependents to establish the degree of overload suffering and consists of a list of questions that identifies how they feel caregivers.

In practice, it is important to identify social and family problems (abuse, social isolation, etc.) and potential problems in adults undergoing retirement, the importance of the changes brought about in the patient's life. This assessment should be carried out together with a professional social work, if necessary, to ensure continuity of care and where to find caregiver burden or problem should arise to this professional

Psychosocial intervention (support groups, family, community, etc.), improves cognition in elderly (Pitkala KH, 2011) and social activities provide positive health outcomes of older adults. Participation in these activities has a protective effect against deterioration of motor function (Buchman AS, 2009).

It is advisable to strengthen the ability of family and friends to provide support to the older person, which also soothes and reduces caregiver burden (Gracua-Fuster, 1997). Also a community activity is related to positive attitudes towards physical activity, use of leisure time and participation in the community (Rodriguez A, 2006).

Several studies have reported a direct relationship between social activity and disability or functional status of older adults. It is therefore recommended to increase social activity to lessen the burden of the deterioration of motor function (Everard KM, 2000, Mendes de Leon CF, 2003)

In addition, to boost support mechanisms, both formal and informal, influence lifestyle, financial independence, health status and social protection. (Montes de Oca V, 2003).

In clinical practice, we recommend to all seniors:

- Changing lifestyles: to promote healthy lifestyle

- Physical activity: aerobic group exercise

- Cognitive activities: memory training in a fun way on a daily

- Social activities: join a social group, increase support networks

REFERENCES:

- Treaty for geriatric residents. Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology. [Home Site] [accessed May 18, 2012] Available at: http://www.segg.es/tratadogeriatria/main.html

- Clinical Practice Guideline: Assessment Comprehensive Geriatric Gerontological Ambulatory Elderly. Mexico: Ministry of Health, 2011. Available at:

http://sgm.issste.gob.mx/medica/medica_documentacion/guias_autorizadas/Geriatr%C3%ADa/IMSS-491-11-valoraci%C3%B3n%20geronto-geriatrica/IMSS-491-11-GER%20Valoraci%C3%B3n%20geronto%20geriatrica.pdf