Reference no: EM133396967

Question: Recently you have noticed that 80 year old Helen, who is quite a chatty and interactive lady has started to withdraw during her usual group activities. During the Wednesday craft group, she was observed using only her left arm and stopped participating halfway through. She then told one of the staff she didn't feel like going on the Thursday outing for morning tea. Helen also loved setting the table for lunch and helping out with the cleaning around the facility, however this week she refused to be involved with both.

Helen worked as a bank manager until she was 62. She had been a single parent since she was 39 when she went through a separation from her ex-partner. She was a fit and active mother of three, who was able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Her children often share stories of Helen at home as she was a very strict and domestic mum who loved the house 'spic and span'. She is nicknamed the 'Mary Poppins' of the residence.

When she was 60, Helen was involved in a motor vehicle accident which damaged her right shoulder. Surgery helped her to fully recover, however, because she likes to keep moving, she continued to experience a number of flare-ups over the years. She remained on pain relief and anti-inflammatories as recommended by her GP and had been referred to have numerous ultrasounds which showed a full thickness tear of her rotator cuff muscle and subdeltoid bursitis. She continued work at the bank on modified, light duties for the next two years.

Upon review of Helen's program which is very group oriented, you realised the following:

Helen's program involves group based activities, physical activities and occupational tasks around the house to help with maintaining strength in her arm.
Helen decided to join in the working bee that was held on the Saturday morning, at the local school. The school implemented their own organic garden and some of the residents joined in to help. When asked what activities she was involved with during the working bee, Helen mentions moving lots of heavy pot plants.
You realise the working bee was held the weekend before Helen started to change her behaviour.
What subjective questions could you ask Helen to find out more? Provide at least five.
What objective measures would be undertaken by a health practitioner to assess her physical state? Provide at least three.

What areas or functions of the body are impacted?