MSN 5550 Health Promotion And Disease Prevention Case Study

Msn 5550 Health Promotion Prevention Of Diseasecase Study Module 2ins

Read the following case study and answer the reflective questions. Please provide evidence-based rationales for your answers. APA, 7th ed. must be followed.

CASE STUDY: An Older Immigrant Couple: Mr. and Mrs. Arahan

Mr. and Mrs. Arahan, an older couple in their seventies, live with their daughter, her husband, and their two grandchildren in a middle-income neighborhood in a suburb of a metropolitan city. Both are college-educated, formerly full-time workers in their native country, with Mr. Arahan inheriting wealth from his wealthy parents. They migrated to the U.S. when their daughter, a registered nurse, became a citizen and sponsored them. Their adjustment to U.S. life was smooth initially, as they were healthy and fluent in English.

They now spend most of their time caring for grandchildren and managing household chores. As their grandchildren have grown, they feel increasingly isolated, missing social interactions and a more active lifestyle. They contemplate returning to their home country but are hindered by political and economic issues, as well as their attachment to the modern conveniences and lifestyle they have in the U.S. They are concerned about aging-related health issues, winter challenges, and their care needs if they become frail, especially considering their daughter’s limited financial planning for their long-term care.

The couple recently attended a church-supported parish nursing service offered by retired registered nurses. They learned about available healthcare services and expressed their desire for support in managing their health and social well-being.

Reflective Questions

1. What strategies could be suggested for this older adult couple to enhance their quality of life?

2. What community resources can they utilize?

3. What can the daughter and her family do to address the feelings of isolation of the older couple?

4. What health promotion activities can ensure a healthy lifestyle for them?

Paper For Above instruction

Enhancing the quality of life for older adults like Mr. and Mrs. Arahan requires a multifaceted approach that integrates individual, community, and familial strategies. As they face feelings of social isolation, health concerns, and adaptation challenges, targeted interventions can significantly improve their well-being and promote healthy aging.

Firstly, implementing person-centered strategies such as encouraging social engagement is vital. Activities like community participation, volunteering, or participating in senior clubs can combat loneliness, foster a sense of purpose, and promote emotional health. Facilitating access to culturally sensitive programs that resonate with their background can enhance their sense of belonging and support social integration. Additionally, promoting physical activity suited to their health status, like walking groups or gentle yoga classes, can improve mobility, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. Education about managing minor health issues and recognizing warning signs can empower them to take charge of their health, reducing anxiety and preventing complications.

Community resources are integral to supporting older adults. The parish nursing services offer a valuable resource, providing health assessments, health education, medication management, and referrals to healthcare providers. Local senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), and community health clinics can offer services ranging from transportation to meal programs and social activities. Faith-based organizations often host support groups tailored to cultural needs, providing both social support and health promotion activities. Additionally, technology-based resources such as telehealth and virtual social networks can enhance communication with healthcare providers and family members, especially for those with mobility limitations.

Addressing the social isolation experienced by Mr. and Mrs. Arahan necessitates active involvement of their daughter and her family. Regular visits, shared activities, and involvement in their daily routines can greatly improve their emotional health. Creating opportunities for intergenerational engagement fosters stronger familial bonds and provides companionship. Empathy and awareness from family members about the importance of social connections are key, as is encouraging them to participate in community groups or faith-based activities. Moreover, establishing routine communication and involving them in decision-making regarding their health and lifestyle can boost their sense of autonomy and value.

Health promotion activities tailored to their needs should focus on preventive care and healthy lifestyle choices. These include regular health screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, osteoporosis, and vision and hearing assessments, which are crucial for early detection and management of age-related conditions. Maintaining a nutritious diet that aligns with cultural preferences supports overall health. Routine physical activity, adapted to their capacity, can help prevent falls and maintain independence, while social activities contribute to mental health. Education on smoking cessation and alcohol moderation, if applicable, along with stress reduction techniques, can further enhance their health outcomes. Furthermore, flu and pneumococcal vaccinations are critical for preventing infections, which can be particularly severe in older adults.

In conclusion, a holistic approach involving community resources, family support, and personalized health promotion activities can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults such as Mr. and Mrs. Arahan. Healthcare providers and families must collaborate to foster social inclusion, promote healthy lifestyles, and facilitate access to appropriate health services, ensuring aging with dignity and vitality.

References

  • American Geriatrics Society. (2019). Clinical Practice Guidelines for Health Promotion in Older Adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 67(5), 987-996.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Healthy Aging: Promoting Well-being and Prevention. CDC.gov.
  • Fitzgerald, J., & Brooks, D. (2021). Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Strategies for Prevention. Journal of Community Health, 46(2), 202-210.
  • Kane, R. L., & Kane, R. A. (2017). Strategies for Promoting Health and Well-being Among Older Adults. The Gerontologist, 57(4), 754-760.
  • National Institute on Aging. (2022). Aging & Health: Maintaining Independence and Well-being. NIA.nih.gov.
  • World Health Organization. (2015). World Report on Ageing and Health. WHO Publications.
  • Roberts, R. E., & Mather, M. (2018). Enhancing Social Connections for Older Adults: Community-based Approaches. Aging & Mental Health, 22(6), 759-766.
  • Shearer, N., & Pillemer, K. (2020). Family Interventions to Reduce Loneliness in Older Adults. Journal of Family Psychology, 34(3), 350-359.
  • United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Aging Services Programs and Resources. HHS.gov.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Active Aging: A Policy Framework. WHO Publications.