NCCAP Gerontology & Resident Needs Assessment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The concept of 'elderspeak' in gerontological practice refers to:
- A specialized communication technique for residents with dementia
- Simplified, patronizing speech used with older adults that undermines dignity (Correct answer)
- Sign language adaptations for hearing-impaired residents
- Reminiscence therapy using historical references
Correct answer: Simplified, patronizing speech used with older adults that undermines dignity
Elderspeak is a form of communication that infantilizes older adults through simplified language, slow speech, and endearing terms, which can diminish self-esteem.
Question 2: According to OBRA regulations, activity assessments in long-term care must be completed within how many days of admission?
- 7 days
- 14 days (Correct answer)
- 30 days
- 60 days
Correct answer: 14 days
OBRA regulations require that a comprehensive activity assessment be completed within 14 days of a resident's admission to a long-term care facility.
Question 3: Which of the following is a characteristic of the 'oldest-old' population (age 85+) that activity professionals should consider in programming?
- Higher rates of participation in vigorous physical activities
- Greater homogeneity in health status and functional ability
- Increased heterogeneity in functional capacity and health status (Correct answer)
- Stronger preference for group-based over individual activities
Correct answer: Increased heterogeneity in functional capacity and health status
The oldest-old population is highly heterogeneous, with wide variation in functional capacity, health status, and abilities that must be individually assessed.
Question 4: The 'Person-Environment-Occupation' model applied to activity programming emphasizes:
- Matching activity demands to the resident's current capabilities and environment (Correct answer)
- Using occupational therapy techniques in activity sessions
- Prioritizing the physical environment over individual preferences
- Focusing on employment-related activities for younger residents
Correct answer: Matching activity demands to the resident's current capabilities and environment
The PEO model considers the interaction between the person's abilities, the environment, and the occupational demands to optimize meaningful engagement.
Question 5: A resident diagnosed with vascular dementia is MOST likely to show which cognitive pattern?
- Gradual, steady decline in all cognitive domains
- Stepwise decline with plateaus following vascular events (Correct answer)
- Rapid global deterioration over months
- Fluctuating attention with relatively preserved memory
Correct answer: Stepwise decline with plateaus following vascular events
Vascular dementia typically presents with a stepwise pattern of decline, where cognitive losses occur after vascular events followed by periods of stability.
Question 6: Which assessment tool is specifically designed to measure the quality of life of individuals with dementia?
- GDS-15 (Geriatric Depression Scale)
- QUALID (Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia) (Correct answer)
- MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination)
- Barthel Index
Correct answer: QUALID (Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia)
The QUALID scale is specifically designed to assess quality of life in individuals with late-stage dementia who cannot self-report.
Question 7: When implementing the Montessori-based programming approach for residents with dementia, activities should emphasize:
- Correcting errors to improve cognitive function
- Errorless learning through graded tasks matched to ability level (Correct answer)
- Group competition to stimulate engagement
- Reminiscence about past accomplishments
Correct answer: Errorless learning through graded tasks matched to ability level
Montessori-based programming uses errorless learning with tasks graded to the individual's ability, promoting success and dignity.
NCCAP Gerontology & Resident Needs Assessment 3
The concept of 'elderspeak' in gerontological practice refers to: