The ageing family in crisis: assessment and decision‐making models

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present a multidisciplinary model for use with elderly families in crisis and decision making. The application of systems in family assessment theory is outlined in order to understand the complexities of family assessment and decision making. A schematic family assessment and decision-making model is discussed. These models identify what the problem is, the family structure and supports, and possible interventions and evaluation. Ineffective processing strategies such as regression and premature closure are reviewed, and strategies for effective decision making are outlined.

An embedded decisional model of stress and coping: implications for exploring treatment decision making by women with breast cancer

“…A paucity of treatment decision‐making research exists that examines decision‐making processes from the perspective of a transactional stress and coping theory. As a consequence, knowledge development within this area has not reflected the inherently stressful nature of decisional conflict and the concurrent personal, situational, relational and temporal aspects of choice ( Schaeffer 1989, Beckingham & Baumann 1990, Tabak 1995, Stanton et al. 1998 ).…”

An embedded decisional model of stress and coping: implications for exploring treatment decision making by women with breast cancer

“…A paucity of treatment decision‐making research exists that examines decision‐making processes from the perspective of a transactional stress and coping theory. As a consequence, knowledge development within this area has not reflected the inherently stressful nature of decisional conflict and the concurrent personal, situational, relational, and temporal aspects of choice ( Beckingham & Baumann 1990, Schaeffer 1989, Tabak 1995, Stanton et al . 1998 ).…”

Effect of a Supportive-Educative Nursing Intervention on Older Adults’ Perceptions of Self-Care After a Stroke

“…Older adults not only must make decisions about how to cope with sudden changes in functional ability, but also often face the need to change their living arrangements or secure additional fmancial or personal resources to meet their self-care needs. Little research exists documenting how effective older adults are in making decisions in crises (Beckingham & Baumann, 1990) or how nurses can assist them in this process.…”