...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...
Words: 809 - Pages: 4
...Vulnerable Population and Self Awareness Doreen Carranza NUR/440 August 13, 2012 Vicki Clithero Vulnerable Population and Self Awareness Effective healthcare is dependent on understanding vulnerable individuals and populations with respect to biases and prejudices of healthcare providers. According to de Chesnay (2008), “Vulnerability is a general concept meaning susceptibility, and its specific connotation in terms of healthcare is at risk for health problems” (p. 3). Anyone can be vulnerable at different times in his or her life under specific circumstances. According to de Chesnay (2008), “Vulnerable populations are those at risk for poor physical, psychological, or social health. Anyone can be vulnerable at any given point in time as a result of life circumstances or response to illness or events” (p. 3). In order to render good healthcare, healthcare providers need to be aware of their own vulnerability. This paper will discuss the vulnerable population of the elderly; demographics of the elderly; personal awareness of the elderly including attitudes, biases, and stereotyping prior to studying the elderly; the impact of research on personal attitudes after gathering information, and how knowledge might affect the delivery of healthcare to the elderly. The amount of aging people in the United States continues to increase, in We the American Elderly (1993) it states that: From 1990 to 2020, the elderly population is projected to increase to 54 million persons...
Words: 1074 - Pages: 5
...Vulnerable Population and Self-Awareness Paper NUR/440 – Health Assessment and Promotion For Vulnerable Population 12 December 2011 Vulnerable Populations and Self Awareness Introduction This paper is a study of the vulnerable population of the elderly in the United States and will discuss the mindfulness of this author’s personal biases, attitudes, and conceived stereotypes regarding this population. The patient chosen as an example for this paper is Norma James from the University of Phoenix “neighborhood”. Mrs James is a widow who’s vulnerability relating to health care will be compared with information gathered through research and applied to the elderly population and those with chronic illness. The vulnerabilities faced by Norma will be a realistic representation of the challenges associated with this population. Elderly Patients with Chronic Illness Despite the efforts of healthcare providers and various organizations across the United States to reduce or eliminate disparities within vulnerable healthcare populations, significant disparities continue to cause limited access to healthcare. This limitation poses risk to populations such as elderly and those living in poverty. The health domains of vulnerable populations can be divided into 3 categories: physical, psychological, and social. Those with physical needs include the elderly, chronically ill and disabled, chronic medical conditions include respiratory diseases, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia...
Words: 1046 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 1527 - Pages: 7
...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...
Words: 1056 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 822 - Pages: 4
...Vulnerable Population and Self-Awareness Charlene Friday NUR/440 July 14, 2014 Maria Mendez Vulnerable Population and Self-Awareness Vulnerable populations are groups that are not well integrated into the health care system because of ethnic, cultural, economic, geographic, or health characteristics (Urban Institute, 2014). The elderly can become more vulnerable for a variety of reasons. Limited options for health care, physical or mental impairments and lack of transportation all contribute to the elderly being classified as a vulnerable population. Demographics involving the elderly include financial status and physical impairments. The majority of the elderly in our country are living on fixed incomes. Most do not have any retirement and rely on social security for their income. These problems place this population in the position of having to choose between basic needs or buying their medication and seeking health care. According to Social indicators research found that elderly with low-income levels have poorer functional capability, lower physical activity and poorer psychological well-being (Arendt, 2005). The elderly account for largest number of poor Americans. Challenges facing the well-being of the elderly are increased by high health care cost and low income that seniors are now facing they are having an even harder time getting by. The majority of states have at least 12 percent of residents over the age of 65. Unfortunately the focus of health...
Words: 1231 - Pages: 5
...Vulnerable Population in the Workplace Noy-Starra Edge Nur/440 May 7, 2012 Mrs. Mendez Vulnerable Population in the Workplace Long term acute care hospitals (LTACHs), give extended medical, rehabilitative, and intensive care to individuals with clinically complex problems that need hospital level care for greater than 25 days (American Hospital Association, 2012). Many LTACH admissions are elderly patients, which is a vulnerable population. “Elderly and aged patients are considered to be capable and competent, they should be treated as a vulnerable group of patients, who may need additional care and protection of their interests because of their possible incapability to realize their rights themselves (Pishchita, 2007, p.350). Most LTACH take Medicare and Medicaid payments and all take private insurance. The government provides insurance for low-income seniors and younger persons with disabilities that are govern by the state of the individual. According to Caring for Vulnerable Populations (2011), these persons are among the sickest and poorest individuals making them rely on dual enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid government programs for necessary services. “55% of this population has an annual income below $10,000 and sixty million Americans currently obtain coverage through state-based Medicaid programs. These individuals come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and pose unique care coordination challenges. They disproportionately face chronic diseases and challenges...
Words: 994 - Pages: 4
...Elderly and Vulnerability Vulnerability is an idea which means susceptibility and its relationship to health care delivery system. This paper will indentify a vulnerable population; describe the population demographics based on research of professional literature and websites including locals, state or national levels. It will also describe a personal awareness of the population, attitudes, biases, and serotypes; it will state the effect of research on personal attitudes and how it might affect health care delivery. Finally, it will use self reflection to evaluate our perception before after learning about the population. Background of Focal Point Gil Martin in the ‘neighborhood’ is a fifty two year old Hispanic male married to Helen. They have been married for eighteen years. He had a son Mark from the previous marriage and a step daughter Tracy. Gil’s father recently passed away and he has been helping his elderly mother manage her home. While at the mother’s house, Gil suggested to his mother (Mary) to consider moving in with them. Mary accepted the suggestion with happiness but to Gil’s surprise. When Gil got home, he told his wife and was met with a negative reaction. Vulnerable Population The elderly in America are considered to be a vulnerable population in regards to health, wellness and provision of healthcare. While this consideration may sometimes be based on assumptions related to age and wellness, there are increased risk factors that do place a...
Words: 1504 - Pages: 7
...Malnutrition among the Elderly Nursing 408 Malnutrition among the Elderly Introduction According to research published in the May issue of the Annals of Epidemiology, in a nation where people die from complications of too much food, some die from having too little (Lee & Berthelot, 2010). Although malnutrition is often thought of as a killer in the developing world, it's also a problem for the elderly in the United States. In this paper, I will discuss multiple concepts related to malnutrition among the elderly, and how this topic relates to epidemiology. First, I will define and describe malnutrition among the elderly. Second, I will explore the steps and methods of epidemiology related to my chosen topic of malnutrition among the elderly. Third, I will converse about the epidemiological triangle, and the type of epidemiology used for my chosen topic. Fourth, I will discuss how the characteristics of the elderly population influence vulnerability. Fifth, I will define how cultural considerations may impact health status, and any ethical or legal considerations. Last, I will explain the relationship of the malnutrition to various levels of prevention. Researchers from Louisiana State University examined data from 3,141 counties and older adult malnutrition mortality using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. According to CDC data, between 2,000 and 3,000 older adults die from malnutrition each year (Lee & Berthelot, 2010). Trevor Rowe once said, “Unless...
Words: 2067 - Pages: 9
...Vulnerable Populations-Part 1 Jane Doe University of Phoenix Nursing 531 June 25, 2012 Georgetta Baptist A vulnerable population is defined as “those at risk for poor physical, psychological, or social health” (de Chesney, 2012). There are many vulnerable populations and this paper will concentrate on the elderly. According to Walsh (2009), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states the elderly are considered anyone 65 years old or older. With the increased lifespan of elderly, there have become new demographics of young old (65-74), old (75-84), and oldest old (85 & over), and the frail old (anyone over 65 with physical or cognitive disabilities). The US census bureau estimated in 2011, the population of elderly persons 65 and over living in the U.S. to be 311,501,917. Between 2000 and 2010, the population 65 and over grew at a faster rate than any other population in the United States, 15.1% compared to 9.7% of the rest of the US population. Thirteen percent of the population is elderly; 55.2% are married, 32% live with family members, 51.7% are female, 48.3% are male, 60% are white, 17% are black, 18% are Hispanic, and 5% are other races. Education wise, 10.9% have less than a 9th grade , 10.3% have attended between 9th and 12th grade but did not receive a diploma, 36.4% are high school graduates, 20.6% have some college, and 22.5% have Bachelor’s degree or greater. It is estimated that elderly between the ages of 65-84 are doubling as the baby...
Words: 2120 - Pages: 9
...Epidemiology Paper In this epidemiological paper, I will be discussing about my chosen vulnerable population of elderly and the disease of type II diabetes among elderly population. I will also be discussing epidemiology and what it means, the steps and methods of epidemiology and how it was done for my chosen population and disease. Ethical and legal considerations, how to provide culturally competent care, and at last, I will discuss whether the research was descriptive or analytical, and the process of feasibility and evaluation of prevention of diseases. As stated in Nursing Standard, epidemiology is a scientific research discipline concerned with observing, measuring and analyzing health-related occurrences in human populations (Last 1995, Trichopoulos 1996). Mausner and Kramer (1985) suggest that epidemiological studies can be applied to all diseases, conditions and health-related events (Whitehead, 2000). Although epidemiology is focused on observing, measuring, and analyzing, it also evaluates diseases and health services, rationalizes resources, and prioritizes as to how to formulate strategies for health promotion. Epidemiology can also help to determine the health of the population, planning of health policies and services, and maintaining a healthy environment for all. When it comes to nursing, epidemiology offers nurses many benefits in incorporating health practices into their professional roles, helps them in having a better understanding in regards to the disease...
Words: 1846 - Pages: 8
...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...
Words: 500 - Pages: 2
...Paper NUR/440 July 23, 2012 Aging Population as Vulnerable Populations in Current Events For this paper the vulnerable population that I chose is the aging population. According to Smith, Tingle, and Twiss (2010), in another 18 years (by the year 2030), 20% of the US population will be that of baby boomers. This population is so vulnerable and has many barriers such as medical instability, transportation problems, mobility issues, and financial instability. As this vulnerable population of baby boomers progress to age and grow in number, most of them they do not to ask for help, which further increases their barriers. They must overcome these barriers to have a better and safe life. Definition of a Vulnerable Population According to Oxford Reference Online (2011), a vulnerable population is a classified group of population that is identified at a higher risk than the general population from a specific or broad condition (Oxford Reference Online, 2011). Elderly population is considered vulnerable because they have barriers and issues with their bodies as they age, and with their mental and spiritual wellbeing. Barriers of a Vulnerable Population According to Smith, et. al (2010), it is important for community and local governments to acknowledge the aging population and provide age-friendly services (p. 15). There are a number of barriers faced by the aging population as they are in the process of aging and the society...
Words: 607 - Pages: 3
...fall rate among its pediatric patients. A policy and plan were created in the institution, and then the nursing staff was educated on the Humpty Dumpty Fall Scale. Whereas the fall rate before instituting the plan and Fall Scale was 4.5% per 1,000 patient days, the percentage dropped to 0% per 1,000 patient days after the plan and Scale were introduced. The article notes that the enthusiasm of the staff was a determining factor in reducing the institution’s fall rate. This article is useful in considering the importance of assessment tools in prevention, as well as in demonstrating the role of the nurse in making significant institutional changes. This article is also useful in considering populations that are vulnerable to falling outside of those that are commonly considered, such as the elderly and orthopedic...
Words: 874 - Pages: 4
