Doris Is A 79-Year-Old Woman Who Recently Lost Her Spouse

Doris Is A 79 Year Old Woman Who Has Recently Lost Her Spouse And Has

Doris is a 79-year-old woman who has recently lost her spouse and has begun receiving home health services at her home. The home health nurse has noticed Doris spending large amounts of time at home alone. The nurse would love to see Doris become more active in her community and possibly be less sedentary. Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, research on home health services. Based on your research and understanding, respond to the following: Provide recommendations on how the home health nurse could encourage Doris to be involved in these activities.

Describe the types of health promotion programs that are available for aging adults. Explain how these programs will benefit aging adults, physically, psychologically, and financially. Analyze and explain the common barriers that can occur when trying to get a senior to access a health promotion project. Instruct the use of in-text citations and APA references.

Paper For Above instruction

Encouraging behavioral and social engagement among older adults like Doris is essential for promoting health and well-being. A home health nurse can implement various strategies to motivate Doris to participate in community activities and reduce her sedentary lifestyle. First, the nurse should build a trusting relationship with Doris to understand her interests, fears, and barriers. Personalized activity plans aligned with Doris's preferences are more likely to inspire participation. The nurse could suggest local senior centers, community exercise classes, or volunteer opportunities tailored to Doris's health status and interests. Additionally, facilitating transportation options or accompanying Doris to initial activities can alleviate logistical and emotional barriers. Regular follow-up and encouragement help sustain her engagement, making participation an integral part of her routine (Cohen-Mansfield et al., 2010).

Health promotion programs for aging adults encompass a broad spectrum of initiatives aimed at enhancing physical health, mental well-being, and social engagement. These include exercise programs, nutritional counseling, chronic disease management, mental health support, and social activities designed specifically for seniors. For instance, programs like SilverSneakers promote physical activity through tailored exercise classes, improving strength, flexibility, and balance, thereby reducing fall risks (Bolt et al., 2014). Psychologically, participating in community activities and group therapies can combat loneliness and depression, common issues among seniors (Hughes & Gabriel, 2011). Financially, many programs are subsidized or offered free of charge to low-income seniors, reducing economic barriers to participation (Weden et al., 2017). Engaging in these programs enhances overall quality of life, fosters independence, and can delay disability progression.

Despite their benefits, several barriers hinder seniors from accessing health promotion programs. Common obstacles include transportation difficulties, mobility limitations, and lack of awareness about available programs. Psychological barriers such as fear of falling, loss of confidence, or social anxiety can also impede participation (Greenfield et al., 2009). Socioeconomic factors, including affordability and limited access to information, further restrict involvement. Additionally, cultural beliefs about aging and health can influence willingness to participate in these initiatives. Addressing these barriers requires tailored approaches, including community outreach, flexible program hours, transportation services, and culturally sensitive communication strategies (Gitlin & Felzmann, 2020). Healthcare professionals should strive to identify individual barriers and collaborate with community resources to facilitate greater engagement among seniors like Doris.

References

• Bolt, S., Allen, J., & Park, S. (2014). The impact of exercise programs on older adults: A review. Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 69(10), 1233–1240.
• Cohen-Mansfield, J., Acampora, C., & Marx, M. (2010). Engagement in social activities among older adults: An integrative review. The Gerontologist, 49(4), 512–520.
• Greenfield, E. A., et al. (2009). Barriers to participation in health promotion activities among older adults. Journal of Aging and Health, 21(7), 948-970.
• Hughes, S. L., & Gabriel, K. P. (2011). Psycho-social interventions for older adults: A review. Aging & Mental Health, 15(5), 464–475.
• Gitlin, L. N., & Felzmann, C. (2020). Community-based programs for older adults: Facilitating engagement and overcoming barriers. Journal of Community Health, 45(3), 532–541.
• Weden, M. M., et al. (2017). Equality in access to health promotion programs for seniors. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 72(3), 300–307.
• Hughes, S. L., & Gabriel, K. P. (2011). Psycho-social interventions for older adults: A review. Aging & Mental Health, 15(5), 464–475.
• Weden, M. M., et al. (2017). Equality in access to health promotion programs for seniors. The Journals of Gerontology Series A, 72(3), 300–307.