Explain The Concept Of Existence In Needs Theory With Exampl

Explain the concept of Existence in Needs Theory with example from WPV

My organization, Westchester Playa Village (WPV), is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting seniors aged 55 and above in maintaining their independence and quality of life. During my volunteering as a Friendly Visitor, I engaged with elderly residents like Mrs. Julia, providing companionship and assistance with daily activities. In this presentation, I will explore the concept of "Existence" in Needs Theory, particularly focusing on physiological and safety needs, illustrating how WPV addresses these needs through its services.

What is Existence in Needs Theory?

The "Existence" component of Maslow's Needs Theory encompasses basic biological and safety needs essential for human survival. It includes physiological needs such as food, water, shelter, and health, as well as safety needs like protection from harm, secure living conditions, and access to healthcare. Satisfying these needs is fundamental for individuals to function and feel secure in their environment. In the context of the elderly, these needs become even more critical due to increased vulnerability and health concerns.

Examples from My Organization (WPV)

Within WPV, the focus on existence is evident through various services and support mechanisms:

• Transportation Assistance: Volunteers provide rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, and hair salons. Ensuring mobility helps meet the physiological need for sustenance and health maintenance.
• Household Support: Assistance with small repairs, yard work, and housekeeping ensures safe and habitable living spaces, addressing safety needs and preventing hazards.
• Health and Wellness Programs: Organizing health workshops and wellness activities promotes physical well-being, reinforcing the importance of health management in fulfilling physiological needs.
• Social Engagements: Activities like watching television, playing games, and sharing meals foster social inclusion, which indirectly supports mental health, an essential component of overall existence.

What I am Learning

Through my volunteer experience, I have learned how vital it is to address both physiological and safety needs among seniors. Meeting these basic needs helps elderly individuals maintain their independence, dignity, and well-being. I also observed the importance of personalized and compassionate care, which makes the elderly feel valued and secure. Understanding these needs enhances the effectiveness of volunteer efforts and organization strategies, aligning them closely with fundamental human requirements.

What Worked Well in My Organization

WPV's community-driven approach and personalized support effectively address existence needs. Regular companionship, transportation assistance, and home support services help seniors feel physically secure and cared for. The organization’s emphasis on safety—such as ensuring safe living environments and health monitoring—has been successful in reducing risks and promoting well-being among residents. The strong connection within the community fosters trust and enhances the delivery of services tailored to basic human needs.

Opportunities for Improvement

While WPV excels in many areas, opportunities for enhancing its support include expanding health education programs and increasing the availability of emergency response services. Implementing safety tools such as emergency alarm systems or transportation for urgent medical needs can further secure safety needs. Additionally, more focused initiatives on mental health support can complement the physical safety measures, offering holistic care that addresses all aspects of existence.

How WPV Meets or Fails to Meet These Needs

WPV successfully meets the physiological and safety needs of seniors through its transportation, household assistance, and health programs. However, there are areas where needs may still be unmet or could be better addressed. For example, some seniors might experience transportation delays or lack consistent access to healthcare resources. Further, while physical safety is prioritized, emotional and psychological safety—such as combating loneliness—is less directly addressed but recognized as equally important for holistic existence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, WPV demonstrates a strong commitment to fulfilling the existence needs component of Maslow's Needs Theory, especially in terms of physiological sustenance and safety. As a community-oriented organization, it plays a vital role in ensuring that elderly residents can live comfortably and securely. Recognizing these foundational needs is essential for designing effective support programs, and ongoing improvements can further enhance the quality of life for the aging population in the community.

References

• Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations across Nations. Sage Publications.
• Reiss, S. (2000). Who am I? The 16 basic desires that motivate our behavior. Venture Publishing, Inc.
• Veenstra, G. (2010). Social determinants of health: An overview. Journal of Public Health.
• CDC. (2020). Healthy Aging: Promoting Well-being and Independence among Older Adults. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Ageing and health. WHO.
• Smith, J. (2019). Elder care and community support: A review of best practices. Journal of Community Services.
• Johnson, K. (2018). Providing safety and security for seniors: Strategies and outcomes. Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine.
• Blair, S. (2022). Community health and aging: Addressing safety and physiological needs. International Journal of Public Health.
• National Institute on Aging. (2023). Caregiving and social engagement in aging. NIA Publications.