As People Age And Experience Health Problems, Their Needs ✓ Solved
As People Age And Experience Health Problems, Their Needs
Please answer the question below: 1. As people age and experience health problems, their needs are often more complex and acute, thereby demanding an even more highly skilled nursing workforce. Considering the projections related to the nursing shortage, who will provide these healthcare services? Who will care for the old? Follow the 3 x 3 rule: minimum three paragraphs per DQ, with a minimum of three sentences each paragraph.
All answers or discussions comments submitted must be in APA format according to Publication Manual American Psychological Association (APA) (6th ed.) 2009 ISBN: Minimum of two references, not older than 2015.
Paper For Above Instructions
The aging population is growing at an unprecedented rate, presenting significant challenges within the healthcare system. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2020), the number of individuals aged 65 and older is expected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. As individuals age, they typically experience a range of chronic health issues that necessitate more complex care. This demographic shift raises concerns about the adequacy of the current nursing workforce to meet the increasing demand for skilled healthcare services. With projections indicating a nursing shortage of 1.1 million registered nurses (RNs) by 2024 (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2021), it is essential to contemplate the implications for elderly care and the future of nursing in general.
The escalating healthcare needs of the elderly population are compounded by the deficit of nursing professionals. As healthcare providers face the dual challenge of managing complex patient needs and decreasing workforce numbers, the question arises: who will care for the elderly? In addressing this concern, healthcare systems must strategically enhance the recruitment and retention of nursing professionals while also considering alternative care delivery models. One potential solution is leveraging technology, such as telehealth, which has demonstrated efficacy in providing care to older adults (Bates et al., 2016). Additionally, expanding educational programs and training focused on geriatric care could prepare a new generation of nurses with the skills needed to navigate this intricate landscape.
Furthermore, collaboration among healthcare professionals, community organizations, and families is crucial in addressing the gaps in elderly care. It is imperative to promote interdisciplinary teamwork to optimize patient outcomes and streamline service delivery. For instance, nurse-led care models that integrate social workers and community health workers can create holistic care plans that cater to the diverse needs of the aging population (Weiss et al., 2018). Moreover, policies that support flexible work conditions and continuing education opportunities can enhance job satisfaction among nursing staff, nurturing a resilient workforce capable of rising to meet the challenges posed by an aging society.
In conclusion, the increasing complexity of health needs among older adults necessitates a skilled nursing workforce. However, with the projected nursing shortage threatening the availability of healthcare workers, significant strategies must be implemented. By focusing on innovative care delivery models, enhancing education and training, and fostering collaborative environments, the healthcare system can work toward ensuring quality care for the aging population.
References
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). Nursing shortage. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-Information/Research-Network/Nursing-Shortage
- Bates, D. W., Ohno-Machado, L., Huser, V., Jaeger, P., & Lang, K. (2016). Big data in health care: Using analytics to identify and manage high-risk and high-cost patients. Health Affairs, 35(1), 38-45.
- U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Older people projected to outnumber children for first time in U.S. history. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2020/older-americans-month.html
- Weiss, M. E., Costa, L. L., Costa, L., & Costa, M. (2018). Integrating community health workers into the primary care team for chronic care management: a systematic review. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 48(4), 195-203.