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The Threatening Elder: A Case Study in Managing Behavioral Challenges

Dive into the case of an 83-year-old demented female with multiple medical issues, wheelchair-bound, and expressing a desire to live independently. Explore her sudden declaration of "I want to kill myself!" and the challenges it poses. Learn how to handle behavioral issues in elderly residents effectively.

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The Threatening Elder: A Case Study in Managing Behavioral Challenges

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  1. The Threatening Elder

  2. Case 83-year-old demented female Wheelchair-bound Multiple medical problems Angry Wants to leave the facility Believes she can live independently Says the 5 words “I want to kill myself!” Never noted before today
  3. Medical Problems Osteoarthritis Total hip replacement on the right Glaucoma High blood pressure Heart disease Hypothyroidism Poor gait, now in wheelchair Dementia Depression Constipation GERD
  4. Medical Problems Problematic for self-harm Increased pain and frustration Worsening depression Thyroid disease Lessened ambulation Loss of independence Confusion causes: Dementia Depression Constipation Thyroid disease Pain
  5. Medications Ultram Acetaminophen Timolol Furosemide Metoprolol L-thyroxine Sertraline Omeprazole MOM Senna Donepezil
  6. Medications Delirium could be an issue here Ultram Too much or too little levothyroxine Poorly treated depression Sertraline too low Or just not effective Too low dose of thyroxine Leads to worsened mood
  7. Laboratory Recently: TSH CBC CMP Vitamin D Vitamin B12 UA All came back normal
  8. Assess the Threat Risks No previous attempts, ideations But has depression No family history Not a white male No new health or social stress Desire to go home is longstanding She is a bit less cognitively impaired than peers But still moderately-severely demented
  9. Opportunity Minimal opportunities exist Non-ambulatory Could not leave the facility on her own All potential methods removed Finger foods, no utensils Blind cords, shoestrings, belts taken Cognition is poor enough a plan is unlikely MMSE 11/30 Commonly confused enough to need help with ADL steps
  10. Information to Provider All medical conditions, medications Rule out medical precipitant When did this ideation begin? About 30 minutes ago What circumstances were present? Shift change, staff exiting What did she actually say or do? “ What’s the use…I might as well…” Context of these comments? Being told she could not leave and go home Angry with staff for refusing to take her home What is she doing now? Back in her room, no further comments
  11. Plan One-to-one for one hour Can she be redirected? Every 15 minute checks For the remainder of the shift Removed all potential self-harm opportunity Utensils, cords, watch pills be swallowed, e.g. Document all statements, actions Reassess every hour and note in chart
  12. Plan Remember: An assessment by a provider can be done over the phone Does not require a transfer to another medical facility If significant risks and opportunity exists a transfer to an ER may be appropriate Make sure there is risk, however Avoid the expensive round-trip ambulance ride Costs everyone, especially a confused, frightened resident
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