Greta Balodis: Transition Into Residential Health Care

Greta Balodis is a 75-year-old elderly lady who is widowed and now lives with her daughter Anna and her family in a single-story house due to being diagnosed with a right-sided cerebral vascular accident (CVA), in addition to atrial fibrillation (AF) (Case World). Greta previously lived independently in her home but due to the decline in her current health over the last two years has affected her day to day living, activities and is requiring more assistance with certain tasks that her daughter assists with (Case World). In addition, Greta also has, “mild residual left-sided hemiplegia and resolving dysphagia” (case world). In this scenario Greta is to transition into residential health care and into late adulthood, it looks into the complications
Greta migrated from Latvia, then to the UK and lastly to Australia in 1973 (case world). Greta’s migrant status in relation to her language, communication and cultural differences may impact her transition into residential health care. These barriers exist due to interpretation and communication issues a health care worker may have when assessing the needs and requirements of a patient. In Greta’s case, her daughter is a great resource for her to break down information, while Greta speaks English and seems to have a good understanding of the language different terms or the understanding of content may cause some complications in her transition. In addition, cultural differences may have an impact as, “linguistic and cultural differences make access to health care more difficult for migrant groups” (Meeuwesen 2012, p.135). This barrier for Greta’s linguistics may possibly result in, “poorer quality of health care” (Meeuwesen 2012, p.135). Having Greta’s daughter support her through her transition will allow for a better communication with the health care team and therefore put Greta in a better position to deal with the
2009, p.35). The use of a multidisciplinary approach in relation to person-centred dementia care would help aid the transition, as this approach identifies the best practice to involve the patient in the care as it helps too, “prevent distressing behaviours that may have an impact on future care arrangements for the person with dementia” (DeBellis et al. 2009, p.35). This would put Greta in a position to better interact, without a person-centred care approach Greta’s interactions with the health care system may be without the recognising of her beliefs, culture, respect of background, differences, attitudes, views and needs (Hunter et al. 2015, pp.704-705). Due to Greta’s dementia, special considerations will need to be addressed and acknowledged in the interactions and communication the health care team may have with Greta in her transitional process. Without them, it may impact the care and quality of care that Greta will receive during this