Focus on the elderly as a vulnerable group
QUESTION
• Week 2: Discussion Question – From Grassroots to Policy
Discussion Topic
Points: 40 | Due Date: Week 2, Day 3 & 7 | CLO: 3 | Grade Category: Discussions
Discussion Prompt
Select and describe the key characteristics of one vulnerable population from your practice or locale and discuss why this population is considered vulnerable. Include one or two health practices and beliefs of the chosen population that increases the vulnerability of the population. Describe how you, in an advanced nursing role, could be an advocate for this vulnerable population at the local, state or national level.
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Expectations
Initial Post:
• Due: Thursday, 11:59 pm PT
• Length: A minimum of 250 words, not including references
• Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA from within the last 5 years
Focus on the elderly as a vulnerable group
ANSWER
CLASS WORK
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Focus on the elderly as a vulnerable group
Vulnerable groups in our culture include individuals without health insurance or with poor incomes, the aged, the homeless, and individuals living with HIV, and those with lengthy health illnesses such as schizophrenia or other significant mental ailments (Russell et al., 2019). Additionally, rural residents may be included, as they may have problems getting healthcare. As they have less access to health care and are less likely to be insured, people of color are more susceptible than the general population. Housing, unemployment, and poor education each contribute to their health issues. In this study, we focus on the elderly or the senior citizens as vulnerable groups within our locality. The elderly in society are considered a vulnerable group because their age bracket is characterized by chronic illnesses, which increases their dependency on the younger population and higher cost of living (Tibuakuu et al., 2018). At the same time, the elderly are considered economically vulnerable because they may require long-term care because of the risk factors such as their health status, cognitive abilities, and social network. The health belief that makes the majority of the elderly vulnerable is that they are physically unable to take care of themselves or do not have total mental capacity (Tibuakuu et al., 2018)). These beliefs make the elderly feel helpless and dependent within our societies. Older adults may also experience mental illness, malnutrition, and impairment in their activities of daily living; these beliefs and practices instigate more vulnerability in their population.
As an advanced practicing nurse, advocacy involves championing the right social policies that promote justice for our elderly populations. In this responsibility, I would advocate for adjustments to healthcare policies that ensure the elderly are provided with the proper medical attention during their old age. For example, a champion for better affordable medical insurance policies favors the elderly. I would also champion the elderly to have a special wing for their specialized care provision in the healthcare facilities like a specialized ward for the elderly. I would also strive to ensure the elderly are connected to their resources to have stable well-being. For instance, ensure that they are well informed about anything they should know about insurance coverage and provide financial counseling assistance. I would also ensure that they get competent caregivers teams in the hospitals whenever they seek medical services.
References
Russell, G., Kunin, M., Harris, M., Levesque, J.-F., Descôteaux, S., Scott, C., Lewis, V., Dionne, É., Advocat, J., Dahrouge, S., Stocks, N., Spooner, C., & Haggerty, J. (2019). Improving access to primary healthcare for vulnerable populations in Australia and Canada: Protocol for a mixed-method evaluation of six complex interventions. BMJ Open, 9(7). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027869
Tibuakuu, M., Michos, E. D., Navas-Acien, A., & Jones, M. R. (2018). Air pollution and cardiovascular disease: A focus on vulnerable populations worldwide. Current Epidemiology Reports, 5(4), 370–378. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40471-018-0166-8
Focus on the elderly as a vulnerable group