In the supermarket checkout, a young woman complained to her friend, “

In the supermarket checkout, a young woman complained to her friend, “Old people think we taxpayers should pay for them to be in a nursing home. Seems like a waste of money.” Which of the following would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?

a. “Did you know more than 90% of all the elderly live in their own homes while fewer than 5% live in care facilities?”
b. “Those old people built our society; we owe it to them to support them now.”
c. “Would it be better to put each person to sleep when they reach a certain age such as 80 years?”
d. “You know, you’ll get old someday too. Won’t you want someone to take care of you when you can’t anymore?”

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: A
In 2009, 93% of Medicare enrollees aged 65 years and over resided in traditional community settings. Three percent resided in community housing with at least one service available, and approximately 4% resided in long-term-care facilities. The other responses do not support a therapeutic response by the nurse in this situation.