Maslow’s Hierarchy & Basic Human Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy & Basic Human Needs Developed by Kari Slade, BS Health Science, MA Public HealthRoosevelt High School Health Careers Program, Minnesota

It’s Universal • We all have basic human needs, but we meet these needs in different ways • Most people who stay in a healthcare facility will need help meeting their basic needs • Maslow’s hierarchy is one way to examine these needs

A look at the theory • Abraham Maslow proposed that humans are motivated by their needs • He 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 response How a person meets their need for these different levels depends on: • The characteristics of the person • The current situation • Opportunities 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 Needs Think 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 Security • Safety (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 Belonging • Caring 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 Esteem • Sense 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 Actualization • The “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 assignment You 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.

Example • 33 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

Maslow’s Hierarchy & Basic Human Needs