occupational therapy

Case Scenario

Client: Eleanor Vance, 79 years old, Female, Widow

Diagnosis: Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

Living Situation: "Silver Maples" Independent Living (Unit 3B)

Setting: Courage Place Outpatient Rehab Clinic

Background: You are the outpatient Occupational Therapist assigned to evaluate Eleanor. She moved

into Silver Maples (Module 8) four months ago after her husband passed away. She is a retired librarian,

known for being articulate, well-dressed, and social. To the casual observer, she appears capable and

independent.

The Problem: Her primary care physician has referred her to OT after her family reported concerns with

hygiene and safety. In her apartment, her family found:

● Piles of unopened mail are stacked inside the microwave and oven.

● Her pill organizer is empty, but three full prescription bottles (refilled yesterday) are sitting

uncapped on the counter next to a bowl of candy.

● She has submitted four work orders claiming her thermostat is broken; it seems she is unable to

learn the digital interface and sets it to 90°F or 50°F erratically.