Developed by Kari Slade, BS Health Science, MA Public HealthRoosevelt High School Health Careers Program, Minnesota

It’s UniversalWe all have basic human needs, but we meet

these needs in different waysMost people who stay in a healthcare facility

will need help meeting their basic needsMaslow’s hierarchy is one way to examine

these needs

A look at the theoryAbraham Maslow proposed that humans are

motivated by their needsHe stated that we push towards having our

needs met, and that the goal is physical and mental well-being

5 categories of needs in the hierarchy ranked in order of importance for human fufillment

He maintained that our movement through these levels happens throughout life, and one level is not accomplished until all within it is accomplished

Maslow’s Hierarchy

Individual responseHow a person meets their need for these

different levels depends on:The characteristics of the personThe current situationOpportunities available

**Can you think of how these individual and societal factors may lead people to commit crimes, or get their needs met illegally or in ways that would hurt them?

Level 1: Physical NeedsThink about how you would assist a patient to meet this

need:Food (make mealtime pleasant)Oxygen (elevate head, or use O2 therapy)Water (offer frequently, and keep within reach)Elimination (assist, privacy)Rest (don’t disturb if unnecessary)Activity and exercise (encourage movement and AROM)Stimulation (encourage them to participate, listen and

encourage them to talk, put in non-isolated area)Sexuality (encourage them to do things they did before like

make-up and hair fixing, compliment them, provide privacy for couples, and provide appropriate place for self-stimlus.)

Level 2: Safety and SecuritySafety (area free of hazards, keep call light

within reach, do tasks safely)Security (respect resident’s belongings,

orient them to new surroundings, welcome family and friends, and knock on doors before entering)

Level 3: Love and BelongingCaring about someone: listen and encourage

them to talk, show interest, know some background info, take time, show you care

Other ways to care about client: touch gently, be kind and friendly to visitors, encourage family to attend activities, be patient with resident (golden rule)

Level 4: Self EsteemSense of Identity: call resident by name

requested, include resident in family conferences, give choices, respect choice of clothing, respect culture, heredity, interest and values

Feeling important and worthwhile: talk with resident about accomplishments (E-stage?), acknowledge resident, treat as an adult, assist resident to feel important by putting them in charge of something (ideas???)

Level 5: Self ActualizationThe “extras” in life: look for strengths and

praise, encourage continuation of hobbies, praise accomplishments

Spirituality: listen to the resident’s concerns, respect religious beliefs, plan care so religion can be a part of it, provide privacy for religious or family visits, respect and handle with care religious symbols, if they request to see a holy leader help with this

One artists image of self-actualization:

Your assignmentYou will be given one of the levels of Maslow’s

hierarchy, and asked to do the following:Come up with one example of a patient that is

in the hospital, and describe which level is their predominant need. Make this a case study, with a patient name, physical or mental health situation, and some details.

Include, as a follow up to this case study, what you could do as a health care provider to give good care that focuses on age/stage/and basic human needs.

Example33 year old male, admitted to HCMC for

mental health issues, thought to be bi-polar, came in with his wife, but then she left, seemingly upset, and he is now waiting alone to be seen by a psychiatrist

The second part of the assignment would take us into which level of basic need(s) are most important for him right now, how his age/psychosocial stage may effect his needs, as well as how we could best handle this as a HCP