...Vulnerable Populations Vulnerable populations are groups of people not well integrated into the health care system because of ethnic, cultural, economic, geographic, or health characteristics. As a result those individuals are in danger of not acquiring medical care there by creating a potential threat to their health. Examples of vulnerable populations include racial and ethnic minorities, elderly, underinsured or uninsured, psychiatric population, immigrants, children, and people with disabilities or multiple chronic conditions (Urban Institute, 2010). To demonstrate an understanding of the impact vulnerable populations have on the United States health care system, it is important to focus on one particular population, e.g., children. It is important to discuss a description of children demographics, explain why children are classified as vulnerable, what influence does this have on America’s health care, and finally to perform an analysis of how stakeholders are affected by this population. Demographics Gender mix. According to the 2010 census, there were 74.2 million children in the United States, 1.9 million more than in 2000, a number that is anticipated to increase to 87.8 million by 2030. There were approximately equal numbers of children in three age groups: 0–5 (25.5 million), 6–11 (25.0 million), and 12–17 (25.1 million) in 2010 (The United States Census, 2010) Children made up 24% of the population in 2010, down from the “baby boom” (1964). The population of...
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...Elderly as a Vulnerable Population According To the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (2002), vulnerability is the Ability to "Be Easily Physically, Emotionally, or mentally hurt, Influenced or attacked." “As one of the faster growing segments of the population, over 70 million American citizens will be considered elderly by 2030 (Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention , 2007).” The United States Census Bureau states that, the Population greater Than 65 years old is growing at a rapid pace and by the year 2050 will duplicate and will increase from 12 to 20 percent of the population. This same percentage will be considered vulnerable population. Currently 40 million of people in the United States are 65 years or older, according to the Census Bureau these numbers will be expected to double by 2050, longevity will increased and this will bring a new number of common diseases which, will make this group more vulnerable. At Any Given Time, anyone can become vulnerable, the composition of the population has changed demographically and the elderly population has increased in recent years because of the development of the science and technology, but with this increment of the elderly population the vulnerability increases as well, due to some factors that this vulnerable population is exposed to, such as increase of the needs, physical and mental limitations, and lack of financial resources. Chronic illnesses increase vulnerability in elderly patients because...
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...provide health education, care management and primary care to individuals and families who are members of vulnerable populations and high risk groups. Public health nurse integrate community involvement and knowledge about the entire population with personal clinical understandings of the health and illness experiences of individuals and families within the population. Community and public nurse focus on the prevention of illness, injury or disability, the promotion of health and maintenance of the health of the populations, they work with communities, target health promotion and disease prevention, they act as teachers, counselors and plays an important role in preventing wide spread illness and disease. Community and public health nurses’ goal is to promote, preserve, and maintain the health of populations through the delivery of personal health services to individuals, families, and groups, and also the prevention of disease and disability, to promote and protect the community as a whole. According to Stanhope & Lancaster (2012), nursing has numerous roles including identifying vulnerable individuals and families through outreach and case findings, encouraging vulnerable groups to obtain health services, developing programs that respond to their needs and teaching vulnerable individuals, families and groups strategies to prevent illness and promote health (pg. 728). My community family consists of an African American marriage male and female for over 5 years with...
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...Vulnerable Populations in Current Events As the cold winter months approach so does another cold and flu season. Individuals, communities and the nation itself must prepare in advance for the possibility of the flu striking home. Especially susceptible are vulnerable populations unable or unwilling to provide themselves the necessary care to prevent getting the flu. Or caring for themselves in the event they do get the flu. Vulnerable populations are individuals, families, or communities ho lack the necessary resources or capabilities to protect their own health. These “populations” are vulnerable because of factors such as socio-economic resources, limited financial means, age, gender or, limited knowledge of the English language. Women, children or the elderly are especially vulnerable The flu is an extremely contagious disease passed from person to person. A society or community ill prepared or failing to act in a timely manner in regards to vulnerable populations will only tend to increase the risk of infection for all people by increasing the number of people can spread the disease (Hutchins, Truman, Merlin & Redd, 2009). Implementation of programs to provide vaccinations to vulnerable populations may help to prevent an outbreak of the flu or at least stem the tide in the event of an outbreak. In the facility that I work, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, we have implemented such a plan. We provide free flu shots to low income families and children. All...
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...Vulnerable Populations in Current Events Paper NUR/440 Version 4 Health Assessment and Promotion for Vulnerable Population University of Phoenix Vulnerable Populations in Current Events Paper Vulnerability is an important component that nurses need to be familiar with when they’re working with different types of clients from different cultures, values and beliefs. Our jobs as nurses are to be able to identify and enhance the strengths of the patients and community and to help them to choose the right intervention in order to keep a healthy life. Nurses must address issues of vulnerability, because those populations are the most likely to become sick all the time due to the different stressors in their life. Vulnerability can be minor or severe, and as nurses we need to identify and address those different stressors that can cause temporary or permanent damage to our patients. In this paper the author will talk about the article “Gang youth as a vulnerable population for nursing intervention,” which defines a vulnerable population, what barriers may prevent these groups from obtaining needed services, and what the author experiences with vulnerable groups in the author’s own life. This article refers to our youth gang members from different poor communities, especially Chicago and Los Angeles, where we see a big number of youth involved in gangs. Usually, before these youths join the gang, are already exposed to this type of environment, and most of them come from...
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...Vulnerable population paper Vulnerable Populations in Current Events Paper Vulnerable Populations in Current Events Paper When I think of a vulnerable population, a few population groups come to mind, including mentally disabled, socioeconomically disadvantaged, those with physical limitations, children and the geriatric populations. During my assessment/admission interview of patients, I listen for clues that may indicate that they fall into a vulnerable category. I have had patients tell me that they have neglected to take care of their ailments because they cannot afford to take off a day from work, or they don’t have adequate insurance or any insurance coverage at all. The chosen article focuses on protecting vulnerable populations from pandemic influenza in the United States. According to the article, the vulnerable populations include those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children and persons with disabilities as well as correctional populations (to include staff and facilities). It is essential to protect these vulnerable populations in order to effectively slow or mitigate an influenza pandemic. The vulnerable population may have several barriers that prevent them from obtaining the much needed medical services. Such barriers include socioeconomic status, health beliefs, behaviors, and status; and access to health care over which an individual or family may have limited control (Hutchins, 2009, S246). Moral, ethical...
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...A Vulnerable Population NUR/440 9/22/14 A Vulnerable Population Introduction A vulnerable population is a group of individuals who are disadvantaged. A vulnerable population can include ethnic minorities, race, decreased income children, uninsured, the homeless, and the elderly, those with specific diseases, unhealthy, mentally ill, and chronically ill. The disadvantaged individuals can include residents who live in a rural area and have barriers accessing healthcare. Vulnerability can be enhanced by ethnicity, sex, race, age, and other factors including the absence of source of care, income, limited insurance coverage. There are social factors that can interfere with healthcare and health such as housing, poverty, and inadequate education. There are three categories of health domains that make up a vulnerable population. These categories are physical, psychological, and social. Physical needs include, chronically ill, high-risk mothers and infants, disabled, HIV-infected individuals. The Psychological domain includes those who are chronically mentally ill and suffer from schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or have a history of substance abuse, alcohol abuse, or suicidal. The social realm includes individuals who are living in an abusive environment with abusive families, immigrants, refugees, the homeless. A large vulnerable population is sexually active adolescents. There are many risks and an increasing need for education. Demographics ...
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...Two Vulnerable Populations and Their Theories Quanisha Hobley Winston Salem State University Abstract Vulnerability is when an individual loses the ability to fully make informed decisions on his or her own. This paper will discuss the vulnerable population of people with mental illnesses, and the elderly. There are many groups of people that fit the “vulnerable population” category, to include: mentally disabled, socioeconomically disadvantaged, those with physical limitations, children, and the elderly population. Nursing theories should coincide with nursing care. Orem’s self-care deficit theory supports the elderly population. Peplau’s interpersonal theory supports those that suffer with mental illnesses. When I think of a vulnerable population, many population groups come to mind. Any individual that due to conditions, either acute or chronic, who has his or her ability to make informed decisions diminished is considered part of a vulnerable population. Vulnerability is a result of uncontrollable individual factors over which the patient has no influence (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). According to de Chesney & Anderson, Vulnerability is a general concept meaning “susceptibility” and has a specific connotation in health problems (2012). Individuals can become vulnerable at any time of their life because of change in circumstances, placing them at increased risk. One group considered to be a vulnerable population is the elderly. For many years, society...
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...Vulnerable Population and Self-Awareness Paper Leah Robertson June 19, 2012 NUR/440 Sharon When thinking about vulnerable populations, individuals, and families there are so many different keys that affect what makes a person vulnerable. Being aware of the attitudes, stereotypes, demographics, and financial aspects that make a certain population or person vulnerable can be a valuable lesson in being a nurse. Using a population from episode one in the neighborhood I would like to identify why I felt this particular population was vulnerable and my perceptions before and after the research that I have done. I feel that episode one had a good variety of different situations within one small area, starting with a predominantly white neighborhood with middle to low-income jobs. Several types of housing are available and cost of living at 94%, and a low unemployment rate at 4.4%. Looking at the community you would think it was just a normal place to live with little to no issues or problems. When I began looking into the neighborhood facts and evaluating the demographics this was my perception of what the families would be like, white, normal, middle aged and middle range income. The family that I choose to research is the Allen family, Clifford, Pam and Gary. Clifford and Pam have been together for 40 years and are happily married, with a 24-year-old son that lives at home. When I see this my stereotypes come out, I thought you couldn’t get more normal and happy...
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...Epidemiology and Vulnerable Population NUR/408 January 14, 2013 Theresa White Epidemiology and Vulnerable Population This paper will define epidemiology and vulnerable population. The methods and steps involved in the epidemiology process will be discussed. The diseases of a specific vulnerable population and emphasis of one disease will be examined with cultural, ethical, and legal considerations. The epidemiology triangle is explained and evaluating the feasibility of prevention will be explored with definitive steps for prevention. Epidemiology and Vulnerable Population Stanhope and Lancaster (2012) states “epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related events in human populations and the application of this knowledge to improving the health of communities (p. 282). In many communities there populations at risk for to specific health care problems creating a vulnerable population. “Vulnerability is a general concept meaning “susceptibility,” and its specific connotation in terms of health care is at risk for health problems” (De Chesney, 2008, p. 3). As Stanhope and Lancaster (2012) identify “epidemiology is a multidisciplinary enterprise that recognizes the complex interrelationships of factors that influence disease and health at both the individual level and the community level; it provides the basic tools for the study of health and disease in communities” (p. 282). In every community there are vulnerable populations as this...
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...Vulnerable Population: Elderly population NUR/440 July 11, 2011 Anavictoria Fortaleza Vulnerable Population and Self-Awareness Paper The Elderly Population According to Chesnay (2008) “vulnerable populations are those with greater than average risk of developing health problems by virtue of their marginalized sociocultural status, their limited access to economic resources or personal characteristics such as gender or age. Anyone can be vulnerable at any given point in time as a result of life circumstances or response to illness or events” (p 3-4). For the last few decades, society and government have put a great deal of concern and interest on the aging population. The number of elderly population in the United States is rapidly increasing. The US population under the age of 65 tripled during the 20th century. This number is to double by the middle of next century. Over 70 million American citizens will be considered elderly by 2030, or about 20% of the population will be senior citizen (Walsh, 2009). The growing numbers are attributed to aging “Baby Boomers” and increasing life expectancies. Disability and disease are more common in elderly population such as hip fractures, parkinson’s disease, malnutrition, cardivovascular disease and malignant cancer. More than 70% of the elderly population has been diagnosed with a chronic disease (Pishchita, 2007). According to CDC, arthritis is the leading cause of disability among individuals over 65 years of age and 47% of...
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...The Elderly as a Vulnerable Population Lauren M. Lorio NUR/440 April 9, 2012 Maria Mendez The Elderly as a Vulnerable Population Vulnerability is defined as susceptibility or increased risk for health problems (DeChesnay, 2008). A group of individuals are considered at higher risk for illness when their physical, emotional, psychological, or social health, is compromised (Aday, 2001). There are many leading causes for why a population is considered at higher risk; socioeconomic, age, gender, demographics, personal, and cultural backgrounds are some of the key factors (Aday, 2001; Sebation, 1996). Individuals can become vulnerable at any time because of change in life circumstances, placing them at higher risk. One group considered to be a vulnerable population is the elderly. In the article, “Patterns of Perceived Barriers to Medical Care in Older Adults: a Latent Class Analysis,” authors Joshua M. Thorpe, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Korey A. Kennelty, and Nancy Pandhi (2011), examine various levels concerning barriers to health care accessibility for the elderly population. The purpose of the study is to “…identify risk factors, potentially assisting healthcare organizations with targeting policies and interventions designed to improve access in the most vulnerable older adult populations” (Thorpe et al., 2011, p. 1). Categories of distinct classes of older adults were established in the article, placing Class one at the lowest level of risk for accessibility issues, and...
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...Is A Family? Nichole Ziegler University of Phoenix Health Assessment & Promotion of Vulnerable Population NUR/440 Dr. Carrillio October 29, 2011 What Is A Family? According to de Chesney (2008), "the notion of a vulnerable population is a public health concept that refers to vulnerability by virtue of status; that is, some groups are at risk at any given point in time relative to other individuals or groups." This could mean status of income, to health status, to relationship status and to cultural status. A diverse population is a population that does not necessarily mean you are vulnerable it could just mean that you are not the highest of population regarding the factors that make you unique. " Because of lack of legal recognition for their unions, gay and lesbian parents can face heavier tax burdens, higher costs for health insurance, and diminished financial protections in the event of death or disability "(Crary, 2011). Same-sex marriages who are only recognized in 6 states, do not get the status of being married, which means that when same-sex marriages are not classified as a "family" which means they cannot receive assistance through government agencies like healthy start, WIC, or any other service that Job and Family Services can offer heterosexual couples. " Broadening the definition of "family" to allow LGBT families to benefit fully from government safety-net programs, and revise the tax code to provide equitable treatment for these families " (Crary...
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...Vulnerable Populations Kelly S. Matthews NUR/440 April 6, 2015 Deanna Radford Vulnerable Populations Vulnerable populations have an increased risk for poor health and have a potential to be susceptible for potential illnesses. There are many different aspects and circumstances that make a person or populations vulnerable. Knowing what makes you vulnerable and accessing needed care can decrease your risk to susceptible diseases and illnesses. Self awareness is the key to understanding the affects of vulnerability and accessing necessary care to maintain optimal health. In the Neighborhood 2.0, I chose the Young Family. The Young family is a young, African American family that lives a comfortable life. The Young family is a family of four, with health insurance and great family support. Steve is a college educated man that provides a great life for his family. Although Steve is healthy he is a smoker. Race, ethnicity, social status and personal limitations can affect vulnerability. Steve Young is an African American man who works a very stressful job. He has been a smoker since he was 17 years old. In the Neighborhood, we learn that Steve’s daughter, Kelsey, has been treated several times for allergies and chronic coughing. I chose to take a closer look at Kelsey, for my vulnerable population. She is vulnerable because she is an African American child who has been diagnosed with Asthma. She has no control over the circumstances that could have contributed...
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...Vulnerable Populations Nur/440 March 3, 2011 A vulnerable population is any person or group of persons considered susceptible, or at risk, to physical harm or illness (DeChesnay & Anderson, 2008, p.3). The elderly are vulnerable to many health care problems and violence (DeChesnay & Anderson, 2008, p. 3-4). They may feel as though they are not in a position to defend themselves any longer, feeling as if they are ‘no match’ for their abuser. Much elderly abuse comes at the hands of family members (Phelan, 2010). The elderly may not seek help as they may fear retaliation by the abuser or they may simply not know who to turn to for help. In addition, as the elderly patient advances in age, there is a possibility of Alzheimer’s or dementia affecting their judgment and recall. They may not remember the abuse from day to day or have difficulty verbalizing abuse. Other factors that may impede the victim from speaking out are shame and fear that the abuse won’t be kept confidential or be investigated once reported (Caple & Schub, 2011). For family dealing with the care of an elderly family member, the lines between abuse and dispute are blurred. Consider also, the frustration of a family member dealing with an elderly relative who suffers from dementia or Alzheimer’s. The behaviors that come with those illnesses can be enough to set a family member over the edge as they deal with wandering, repetitious habits, forgetfulness, etc. An untrained layperson/caregiver...
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