Maslow's Hierarchy - Security with an elderly client

[ADPIE1]

Trying to figure out what helps an elderly client in a long term care setting feel more secure:

Personal drawers or furniture in their room being left alone....

I know that per Maslow - security is a haven from external threats and the ability to safeguard personal possessions so I believe that it would be the personal drawers but then again not having someone constantly move items in your room also makes sense to me.... because of the safe from external threats. Even though a nurse should not be considered a threat I guess if they move items around then the person doesn't feel like they are safe because they don't have control....

Help working on a paper and want to have a good handle on this issue. thanks

[Rob72, ASN, RN]

An over-used word: respect. Staff should knock when entering the room, address the patient as "Mr./Ms./Mrs.X" unless or until directed otherwise, and ask before moving things, setting down lab tray, sitting close to the patient, etc..

Put another way, if you were quadraplegic, what behaviors from staff and visitors would allow you to maintain some level of control and dignity? Asking permission is courtesy, giving permission is grace.

[CaliforniaRNnow]

Treating the patient with respect and dignity. Also having items from home makes them feel more secure... like family photos, etc.

[ADPIE1]

just to let you know I spoke with my teacher ... the correct answer is personal drawers. Not sure how we got onto the respect issue in the reply post...

[KristeyK]

Well, although I am being a smart alec here, is it considered disrespectful to go rummaging through someone's drawers without permission?

On the serious side, it's typically a good idea to go with the more simple need when it comes to Maslow, especially the lower levels. This is something I've learned the hard way myself, as I have a HORRID tendency to second guess my answers because something sounds "too easy" or "too right" to actually be the correct answer. KWIM?