NUR4636 Community Health Nursing Case Study Chapter 28 Work

NUR4636 Community Health Nursing case Study chapter 28 working with the

Analyze the case of Sally Anne, a 19-year-old mother living homeless with her two children, and determine what information is needed for a complete assessment of their health and social conditions. Assess whether the family’s circumstances are likely to worsen after hospital discharge and identify community resources in a small town that could support homeless families. Discuss barriers that prevent such a family from accessing developmental assessments and treatments, considering economic and social factors.

Paper For Above instruction

The case of Sally Anne, a 19-year-old homeless mother living with her two young children in a small town, presents significant challenges to healthcare providers and social services. It necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, not only addressing immediate medical concerns but also coordinating community resources to support her family’s ongoing needs. Conducting a comprehensive health and social assessment forms the cornerstone of effective intervention, allowing caregivers to develop tailored plans to promote recovery and prevent future deterioration.

Complete Assessment: Information Needed

To adequately assess Sally Anne and her children, several critical pieces of information must be collected. Firstly, detailed medical histories for both children, including immunization status, past illnesses, allergies, and developmental milestones, are essential. Understanding their nutritional status, including recent weight changes and dietary intake, will inform nutritional interventions, particularly since Turk appears malnourished and dehydrated. It is also important to evaluate the psychosocial environment: assessing family dynamics, exposure to domestic violence or neglect, and the presence of trauma or stress factors that could influence behavioral and developmental health.

In addition, a complete social assessment should include information about their living conditions, safety, and access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and hygiene facilities. Since the children are living in a vehicle and appear unclean, understanding their access to clean clothing, proper sanitation, and safe shelter is crucial. Mental health evaluation for Sally Anne herself, including her emotional well-being, support system, substance use (if any), and capacity to care for her children, should be prioritized. Gathering data about previous healthcare access, barriers to treatment, and any history of child abuse or neglect will also guide intervention planning.

Family’s Prognosis Post-Discharge

Considering their current circumstances, it is likely that the family’s situation may deteriorate further once they leave the hospital unless robust community support systems are activated. Homelessness poses ongoing risks for health deterioration, including recurrent infections, dehydration, developmental delays, and behavioral challenges. Without intervention, the lack of stable shelter can impede regular medical follow-up, interfere with developmental assessments, and exacerbate existing health issues. The stress associated with homelessness also increases the risk of neglect or abuse, as well as mental health problems for both mother and children.

Community Resources for Homeless Families

In a small town, community resources may be limited but still pivotal. The family could benefit from local homeless shelters, which provide temporary housing and case management services. Outreach programs often offer healthcare, mental health support, and social services tailored for homeless families. Local health clinics or community health centers can provide ongoing medical care, immunizations, and developmental screening. Food banks and nutritional assistance programs, such as WIC, are critical in ensuring adequate nutrition.

Other vital resources include agencies offering housing assistance, such as voucher programs or transitional housing, and social work services that coordinate long-term support. Schools or childcare centers with outreach programs can aid in developmental assessments. Mental health services, including counseling for stress, trauma, or depression, are necessary for Sally Anne’s emotional health. Faith-based organizations or local charities may also offer support with basic necessities and emotional support, helping to stabilize the family’s situation.

Barriers to Prevent Family from Falling Through the Cracks

Several barriers hinder homeless families from accessing consistent care and developmental services. These include logistical barriers such as transportation difficulties, lack of health insurance, and limited local healthcare facilities. Economic instability directly contributes to inconsistent access, especially if the family lacks a fixed residence or reliable income. Lack of awareness or knowledge about available resources can prevent families from seeking help, compounded by fears of stigma or child protective services involvement.

Furthermore, social and systemic barriers such as discrimination, language barriers, or distrust of authorities may discourage engagement with services. Fragmentation of services often results in families falling through gaps, especially if case management is not coordinated. Mental health and substance use issues can also impair the family’s capacity to seek or adhere to treatment plans, emphasizing the importance of integrated, culturally sensitive, and accessible services.

Conclusion

Addressing the complex needs of Sally Anne and her children requires a thorough assessment that covers health, developmental, psychosocial, and environmental factors. Ensuring proper follow-up post-discharge depends heavily on active engagement with community resources tailored to support homeless populations. Overcoming barriers related to transportation, awareness, systemic inadequacies, and social stigma is critical to preventing deterioration and promoting healthy development. Providing integrated, compassionate services can help break the cycle of homelessness and foster stability and resilience for vulnerable families like Sally Anne’s.

References

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• Kuhn, R., & Culhane, D. P. (1998). Applying cluster analysis to assess patterns of homelessness. American Journal of Community Psychology, 26(2), 377-392.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2020). Homeless Families. Retrieved from https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/homelessness-101/homeless-families/
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• United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (2020). The 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress. Washington, DC.
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