Occupational Profile

HP is a pleasant 83 year old man. He left his job as a firefighter at age 49 due to a heart attack which occurred while on duty. After recovery he took a job as a security guard and then retired at age 65. He lives with his 73 year old wife of 51 years on the 10th floor in a senior housing building. HP has five grown children, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He enjoys playing cards with his male friends on most Wednesday evenings and likes to go out to dinner with his wife on Friday nights. Each Sunday he and his wife have lunch or dinner at one of their children's houses, where HP enjoys playing with his young grandchildren. HP can still drive but finds his night vision has decreased so his wife drives after dark.

A few weeks ago, HP fell at home when he tripped on a rug and fractured his hip, resulting in a left total hip replacement. He is now in rehabilitation where he is working on dressing, grooming and bathing. Occupational Therapy includes activities to increase muscle strength, range of motion, endurance and mobility. HP stated he would like to become independent again so he can fully participate in life as he did prior to the fall. HP expressed he does not want to be a burden to his wife and insists he will not let her help him perform his ADL's since she has terrible arthritis and it will cause her too much pain. He also does not want his children to be burdened with taking care of him.

HP has a very supportive family and although he is reluctant to ask for help, his wife and children are active participants in HP's life and willing to help out where needed. HP appears to have excellent cognitive function and is highly motivated to return to his prior level of function.