The root of it all--genograms as a nursing assessment tool

1. The genogram is a tool that can be used by nurses to provide a comprehensive, holistic picture of the elderly client and his environment. A genogram can serve both as an assessment tool and as an intervention strategy. 2. Information gathered through a genogram can be classified as demographic, functional status/resources, and critical events/dynamic changes. 3. The ability of the elderly client to actively participate in the genogram process gives assessment data about the client's functioning in sensoriperception, memory, functional communication, fine motor skills, and behavioral domains. 4. The genogram provides a highly organized and easily visualized method of gathering, displaying, and communicating information to the elderly client and to other health-care professionals.