7 Vulnerable Population and Health Issues: Older Adult Part 2 DR Allen

7

Vulnerable Population and Health Issues: Older Adult Part 2

DR

Allen College Graduate Nursing Program

NU 530 Population Health

Dr. CO

April 3, 2024

Vulnerable Population and Health Issues: Older Adult Part 2

This discussion evaluates older adults aged 65 and above residing in Sioux City, Iowa. The target population is vulnerable because they are susceptible to unintentional falls, a significant health risk. As highlighted in part one of this discussion, this demographic is subject to social isolation, financial insecurity, and inadequate access to humanitarian assistance, which exacerbates their exposure to health challenges. The identified problem statement is the elevated rates of falls among the elderly population in Des Moines compared to the national average, particularly among those who lack physical activity.

Health Promotion

Health promotion is best defined as empowering people to have more control and the ability to improve their healthcare. Chia et al. (2023) recommend that exercise interventions are practical and have positive outcomes, including older adults engaging in other health-promoting activities. Therefore, older adults in Sioux City can be provided with a community wellness center that offers exercise programs. Another intervention that is useful in health promotion is educating older adults. Healthcare providers offer community outreach programs that often educate people on how to lead better lives (Heng et al., 2021). These initiatives promote physical activity, nutrition, fall prevention strategies, and mental well-being among older adults.

Disease Prevention

Disease prevention is the effort and measures established to reduce the occurrence of diseases and complications. Iowa’s Health & Human Services agency has been at the forefront of combating diseases that afflict the older population. The agency provides nutrition services to derail this demographic’s onset of chronic diseases. In addition, there are annual flu vaccinations provided in Sioux to reduce the risk of this infection, and the COVID-19 vaccinations since the 2020 pandemic to protect this demographic. In addition, the Home Hazard Removal Program has been essential in reducing cases of hazardous falls at home (Iowa HHS, 2024). It is an initiative conducted by occupational therapists offering home care services.

Social Determinants of Health

Social factors significantly impact health outcomes and can impact the rate of falls in older adults. Economic stability ensures that older adults can access healthcare services that can be offered at home, and they can conduct home modifications to prevent falls. However, suppose an older adult has limited education and literacy on health issues. In that case, it can hinder their understanding of fall prevention strategies and adherence to medication regimens and result in inadequate access to healthcare services after a fall (Ehlers et al., 2018). An older adult with an excellent social support network benefits from repeated check-ins, consistent physical activities, and healthcare services provided by loved ones. Access to healthcare can be a barrier if issues of healthcare provider accessibility, healthcare insurance, and transport arise because they limit access to preventive care, screenings, and timely treatment for health issues like osteoporosis and vision impairment. Problems of this nature increase the risk of falls significantly. Older adults can also suffer increased falls if environmental factors do not account for their shortcomings. Areas with poor lighting, uneven walking areas, and poor access to public spaces can increase health risks and even the risk of falls.

Existing Programs and Resources

Iowa projects that by 2050, about 20% of its population will be 65 years and older, according to the Iowa HHS (2024). Therefore, they have programs in place to cater to this demographic. At the regional level, Sioux City has invested in community health clinics that cater to the older adult population. The health centers offer services to assess the risk of falling, medical checks, and physiotherapy services through exercise centers (Siouxland Community Health Center, 2024). At the state level, the Iowa HHS (2024) offers nutrition services, home safety evaluation, and general wellness and care services for older adults.

Gaps

Despite these programs being in place, they fail to address some concerns. Many adults have insufficient funds and resources to access these much-needed resources. In addition, inadequate funding for public programs reduces their effectiveness, and the high cost of private programs exacerbates the outcomes associated with falls among older adults (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2022). Another issue that arises is that these programs may not address the specific needs of high-risk subgroups within the older adult population, such as those with mobility limitations or cognitive impairments.

Plan Proposal

This proposed plan will promote fall prevention among older adults in Sioux City by addressing individual, social, and environmental risk factors.

Components and Strategies

First, the public needs to be educated through workshops and providing educational material on fall prevention and home-tailored solutions that a diverse audience can decipher. Secondly, a physical fitness program that provides balance training and encourages participation in walking groups to improve strength, balance, and mobility among older adults should be launched (Coimbra et al., 2020). Finally, developing community partnerships ensures that healthcare providers, community health centers, and volunteers all pool resources to run programs geared toward fall prevention to assist older adults in living improved lives.

Interprofessional Team Members

The team will need nurse practitioners to develop and oversee the program and coordinate care services. Physical therapists will be essential for establishing the exercise program and conducting fall risk evaluations. Social workers will be involved in outreach with volunteers to address psychosocial needs (Coimbra et al., 2020). Finally, occupational therapists will conduct home safety assessments and recommend adaptive equipment for at-risk patients.

Necessary Resources:

Materials: Develop educational materials, exercise equipment, and home modification kits for distribution to participants.

Technology: Utilize telehealth platforms and mobile applications for virtual consultations, monitoring, and participant communication.

Funding: Secure grants, donations, and partnerships with local organizations to support program development, staffing, and equipment.

Personnel: Recruit and train healthcare professionals, volunteers, and peer educators to deliver program components.

Reflection

Completing these assignments has enriched my understanding of issues related to population health, especially vulnerable demographics. It is worth noting that evaluating the issue of falls in older adults has led me to develop a community intervention proposal driven by evidence-based strategies. Besides, I have a deeper appreciation for why interdisciplinary approaches are necessary to achieving health intervention goals. I will incorporate the lessons gained in the future to encourage disease prevention and health promotion by leveraging partnerships with local stakeholders and advocating for equitable access to healthcare services for all individuals.

References

Chia, F., Huang, W., Huang, H., & Wu, C. (2023). Promoting healthy behaviors in older adults to optimize health-promoting lifestyle: An intervention study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 1628. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021628

Coimbra, V. L. M. M., Marques, E., Chaves, C., & Saraiva, R. J. (2020). Risk of falls and social determinants in the elderly living in a rural community. Global Academic Nursing Journal, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.5935/2675-5602.20200015

Ehlers, M. M., Nielsen, C. V., & Bjerrum, M. (2018). Experiences of older adults after hip fracture: An integrative review. Rehabilitation Nursing Journal, 43(5), 255–266. https://doi.org/10.1097/rnj.0000000000000096

Heng, H., Slade, S. C., Jazayeri, D., Jones, C., Hill, A., Kiegaldie, D., Shorr, R. I., & Morris, M. E. (2021). Patient perspectives on hospital falls prevention education. Frontiers in Public Health, 9(592440), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.592440

Iowa HHS. (2024). Aging services. Health & Human Services. https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/programs-and-services/aging-services

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2022, September). Promoting health for Older Adults | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/promoting-health-for-older-adults.htm

Siouxland Community Health Center. (2024, February 15). Medical Services | Siouxland Community Health Center | Sioux City, IA. https://www.slandchc.com/our-services/medical-services/