NUR 4244 – Deliverable 4 – Vulnerable Populations Report

NUR 4244 – Deliverable 4 – Vulnerable Populations Report

When the elderly show characteristics of isolation and seclusion, it can lead to declines in nutritional, physical, and emotional well-being. These factors can even lead to increased mortality risk for the elderly population (Thomas et al., 2014). Other characteristics of vulnerability in old age include those who are childless, frail, and even isolated. These contribute to the elderly’s emotional well-being. Marital status can also have an impact on the quality of life perceived by the elderly (Gutierrez-Vega et al., 2017). Marital status, emotional support, physical assistance needs, and community are important factors affecting self-rated health and quality of life perceived by the elderly.

Throughout an individual’s lifetime, behavioral and lifestyle variables have a profound impact on well-being. The elderly population can help to prevent diseases and disabilities and improve their quality of life through healthy behaviors such as proper nutrition, exercise, use of preventive health care, and avoiding other bad habits. Identifying modifiable factors associated with chronic diseases is associated with prevention. Behaviors such as smoking, poor nutrition, and less physical activity can contribute to higher rates of chronic diseases in the elderly. The improvement of health behaviors among this vulnerable group is vital to increase longevity and enhance quality of life. A healthy lifestyle, such as smoking and drinking cessation, regular exercise, and a reasonable diet, are among the most important behaviors determinants of health status. These healthy behaviors help reduce the severity and risk of recurrent disease, improve the quality of life, and extend life expectancy for the elderly (Wu et al., 2017).

The role of the public health nurse is to understand and treat the complex physical and mental health needs of an elderly population. The public health nurse plays an important role in helping the elderly maintain an independent lifestyle by emphasizing preventative care, providing supportive and care services, and ensuring emotional and physical support to the elderly. Public health nurses work with diverse partners and providers to address complex challenges and chronic health problems to assist the elderly population in remaining at home (Meadows, 2009).

Social support is a multidimensional approach when assessing the influences on the elderly’s health outcomes. The health and well-being of this vulnerable population can be influenced by social factors such as emotional and physical support. Loneliness and isolation can negatively affect both the physical and mental health of an elder (Mikkelsen et al., 2019). Support for the elderly can be found in many places, including senior living facilities, meal delivery services, religious affiliations, and adult day care centers. Providing information and access to these support groups is an intervention for vulnerable adults that can improve their quality of life.

NUR 4244 – Deliverable 4 – Vulnerable Populations Report

Another multidimensional strategy aims to help older adults age in place, targeting both the home environment and individual physical function. Providing an inter-professional intervention to vulnerable older adults is an innovative approach that could incorporate a nurse, occupational and physical therapists, meal delivery services, and case managers for example (Pho et al., 2012). The nurse component of this inter-professional team would address key barriers to functional independence, such as pain, depression, medication management, and communication with providers. Therapy teams would assist the client with physical function and help carry out daily living activities. A meal delivery service, such as Meals on Wheels, would assist in providing nutritious meals, a quick safety check, and much-needed human interaction for the homebound client. Lastly, the role of the case manager would assist the client and their family in making decisions, achieving autonomy, and providing advocacy.

References

Gutiérrez-Vega, M., Esparza-Del Villar, O. A., Carrillo-Saucedo, I. C., & Montañez-Alvarado, (2018). The Possible Protective Effect of Marital Status in Quality of Life Among Elders in a U.S.-Mexico Border City. Community Mental Health Journal, 54(4), 480–484. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-017-0166-z