The 85-year-old female client has moved to an assisted living apartmen

The 85-year-old female client has moved to an assisted living apartment so that she can remain independent yet have some limited assistance with her ADLs.

Which of the following suggestions should the nurse make that would be most appropriate to reduce sensory deprivation?
1. Provide pictures of the client’s family.
2. Purchase all-new furnishings.
3. Suggest that the client take all her meals in her apartment until she gets the chance to know her neighbors better.
4. Ask family and friends to wait a few days to visit until the client has an oppor-tunity to settle in.

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Meaningful stimuli reduce the incidence of sensory deprivation. In the home, meaningful stimuli include pets, music, television, pictures of family members, and a calendar and clock Keeping as many of her own furnishings as possible may help make her new environment more like home. The presence of others offers positive stimulation. The ability to discuss concerns with loved ones is an important coping mechanism for most people. Therefore the absence of meaningful conver-sation will result in feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and depression for the client. Often, this is not apparent until behavioral changes occur.