Older Adult Community Assessment Paper: Nursing Care Of

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Evaluate your neighborhood's adequacy in meeting the needs of older adults using the information gathered previously. Write an APA-formatted paper, at least three pages double-spaced, excluding cover page and references. Focus solely on community characteristics and older adult needs, avoiding personal experiences and irrelevant material. Use at least three current academic references within the past five years, in addition to references supporting neighborhood characteristics. Crime data should be reported as incidents per 1,000 or 100,000 inhabitants from government sources. Clearly cite all facts that are not common knowledge, including information about the community and older adult characteristics. Attach the community assessment table as an appendix within the paper. Ensure proper APA formatting, correct spelling, and grammar throughout.

Paper For Above instruction

The aging population presents unique challenges and demands on community infrastructure and health services. As the demographic shift toward older adults continues, it becomes increasingly vital to assess whether local communities adequately cater to their health, safety, and social needs. This assessment focuses on the community surrounding the Viridian neighborhood in Arlington, Texas, exploring various service providers, infrastructure, and safety factors relevant to older adults, with insights drawn from recent scholarly literature and government data.

Community Characteristics and Services

The neighborhood under review exhibits several features that support aging in place. The availability of healthcare services within close proximity, such as the Family Healthcare Associates and Texas Health Harris Methodist hospital, ensures timely access to primary and specialized health care. The community also benefits from transportation options, notably the Arlington Shuttle, which provides door-to-door service, reducing transportation barriers often faced by older adults. Accessibility to groceries, exemplified by the Tom Thumb grocery store with motor assistance carts and grocery pickup, further promotes independence (Miller, 2018).

Additional amenities, such as the Euless Family Life Center, offer social and recreational activities tailored to seniors, including fitness classes, arts, and educational programs. These facilities foster social engagement and physical activity—both crucial for healthy aging (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Religious institutions like the Nepali Cultural and Spiritual Center provide spiritual and cultural support, which can significantly improve mental health and well-being among older residents.

Safety and Emergency Services

Community safety is a critical factor for older adults. The local fire station and police department are readily accessible, with the Arlington Fire Department and Euless Police providing rapid emergency response. The violent crime rate, at 3.225 incidents per 1,000 residents, is relatively low compared to national averages, suggesting a safe environment conducive to aging in place (crimegrade.org, n.d.). Emergency services like the Exceptional Emergency Center 24/7 ER also enhance safety, offering immediate medical care for urgent health issues.

Housing, Transportation, and Social Support

Safe and accessible housing options are essential components. While specific housing data lacks detail, the presence of sidewalks, benches, and water stations within the community indicates deliberate planning for older adults' mobility and comfort. The availability of the Euless Senior Center and meal delivery services such as Meals on Wheels supports nutritional and social needs, preventing isolation and malnutrition (Mealsonwheels.org, 2022). Lawn maintenance services, like those provided by Mow Managers, assist older adults unable to engage in yard work, ensuring safety and aesthetic maintenance.

Transportation options, including the Arlington Shuttle, enable older adults to access healthcare, shopping, and social activities without reliance on personal vehicles, a significant factor given the decline in driving capability with age (Miller, 2018). The proximity of essential services—pharmacies, banks, and healthcare—within about a mile ensures affordability and ease of access, which are important considerations for this demographic.

Potential Gaps and Recommendations

Despite these strengths, potential gaps exist in the areas of mental health services and long-term care facilities. While behavioral health services are implied through hospital offerings, community-specific mental health programs tailored to older adults could be expanded. Furthermore, the availability of affordable senior housing options and accessible residential environments could be more explicitly assessed and enhanced to accommodate those with mobility or cognitive impairments.

To strengthen support systems, community planning should prioritize age-friendly infrastructure, such as more shaded sidewalks, accessible public transportation, and subsidized health promotion programs. Encouraging more social engagement initiatives and increasing outreach for vulnerable populations could address issues of social isolation and health disparities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).

Conclusion

The community surrounding the Viridian neighborhood in Arlington, TX, exhibits many features that support the health, safety, and well-being of its older residents. The proximity of healthcare facilities, transportation services, social centers, and safety infrastructure creates a supportive environment for aging in place. However, ongoing assessment and targeted improvements—especially regarding mental health services and accessible housing—are necessary to meet the evolving needs of an aging population effectively. This comprehensive evaluation underscores the importance of integrated community planning and resource allocation to promote healthy aging and improve quality of life for older adults.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Age-Friendly Communities. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aging-in-places/age-friendly-communities.html
• Meals on Wheels Inc of Tarrant County. (2022, February 7). Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County. https://www.mealsonwheels.org
• Miller, C. A. (2018). Nursing for wellness in older adults. Wolters Kluwer.
• crimegrade.org. (n.d.). Arlington, TX Violent Crime Rates and Maps. https://crimegrade.org