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Which method is best for evaluating a resident's long-term memory in a long-term care facility?
Show the person a series of objects and ask him to recall
Ask the individual how he spent New Year's
Have the individual state the place, date, and time
Ask the client to remember a specific item for therapy
The correct answer is: Ask the individual how he spent New Year's
Asking the individual how he spent New Year's is an effective method for evaluating long-term memory because it encourages the individual to recall personal experiences and events from their past. This type of question taps into episodic memory, which is the aspect of long-term memory responsible for storing and recalling life events. This approach not only allows residents to access specific, meaningful memories but also promotes engagement and conversation, making it a more natural and less stressful way to assess memory. Since New Year's celebrations often carry personal significance, individuals may have a wealth of details to share, thus providing a rich context for assessing memory recall. In contrast, other methods may not effectively assess long-term memory. For example, showing a series of objects and asking for recall focuses more on immediate or short-term memory rather than the retrieval of stored personal experiences. Similarly, asking the client to state the place, date, and time may test factual information or orientation rather than their ability to retrieve long-term memories. Having the individual remember a specific item for therapy typically assesses working memory or task-specific recall, which may not reflect overall long-term memory capabilities.