N331 Case Study #7: Elderly Name______Mr. Joseph S. is an alert 88-year-old man who lives alone in his home. Two months ago he fell, had a hip fracture, and currently uses a walker to get around his house. He used to do all the repairs on his home, but now can’t use a ladder.

Mr. S. says his living expenses keep going up while he has to live on a fixed income. By the time all the bills are paid, there sometimes is not quite enough money for food. He is afraid he will be a burden on his son, who lives 15 miles away.

Mr. S. notices his appetite isn’t the same as it used to be and he does not have energy to cook for himself. He forces himself to eat a little bit, but he finds he has trouble chewing food. His clothes do not seem to fit anymore; they just hang--a big difference from how he used to dress. He gets concerned when he isn't "regular," but has been experiencing cramping, gas, and diarrhea lately. These symptoms appear to be like those describing cancer of the bowel that he read about in a magazine for senior citizens. He wonders if this could be his problem.

1. Using the checklist on page 464 in your text (Illustration 18.2), evaluate Mr. S.’s nutritional health risk. (Record the score here.)

2. Medical studies did not find any evidence of cancer. What are some factors that might explain Mr. S.’s gastrointestinal symptoms? Hip fracture? Chewing difficulties? Lack of energy? Alterations in appearance?

3. Name four nutrients you think Mr. S. particularly needs right now. Name a good food source for each.

4. Mr. S. is thinking about ordering dietary supplements designed for “active seniors” because he wants his former pep and energy. How would you respond?

5. What role, if any, might Mr. S.’s son have regarding his father’s nutrition situation?

6. What are some voluntary or governmental resources related to foods and nutrition that might be available for Mr. S.?