An important outcome of the Well Elderly Study demonstrated:
A) Older adults do not need occupational engagement
B) Occupational therapy is only appropriate for older adults with chronic conditions
C) Older adults live well with chronic conditions
D) A thorough needs assessment is essential for community practice

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Several steps were taken to develop the Lifestyle Redesign intervention implemented in the study, including an extensive needs assessment, pilot study, qualitative studies, and literature review (Mandel et al., 1999). One of the qualitative studies examined the adaptive strategies that were being utilized by successful community-dwelling elderly persons not living with disabilities. Researchers interviewed 29 community-dwelling well older people and found that the following 11 life domains were most threatening to the participants: activities of daily living (ADLs), adaptation to a multicultural environment, use of free time, grave illness and death, spirituality, health maintenance, mobility maintenance, personal finances, personal safety, psychological well-being and happiness, and relationships with others (Clark et al., 1996). This study was especially significant because it identified certain areas that occupational therapy had not traditionally addressed at the time with elders. These needs were specific to this particular group of elders and their environment: an urban, multicultural high-rise apartment building. This pilot study was important because it highlighted the need for occupational therapists to perform extensive needs assessments for the specific populations they work with to tailor interventions. Thorough needs assessments allow occupational therapists to identify significant factors affecting a unique population that may be different from those associated with the general population.

An Important Outcome of the Well Elderly Study Demonstrated