Shut-in and Shut-Out of Society; the Vulnerable Elderly Population
Shut-In and Shut-Out of Society: The Vulnerable Elderly Population
James Estes
Excelsior College
Abstract Increasing concern over the impact of health problems associated with the elderly shut-in population has fostered the attention of communities and public health professionals across the country. However, despite the attempts of local and state services, many members of this group are being overlooked and basically forgotten. The objective of this project was to directly observe, record, and participate in the daily efforts of volunteers as they develop, organize, and implement services that aid in the healthcare maintenance of shut-in elderly. Objectives were met by dedicating service hours to this vulnerable population and observing methods to improve their quality of living in the areas of healthcare, personal hygiene, nutritional settings, and ability to seek assistance with activities of daily living. These observations were aimed at diminishing the ever-increasing factors of morbidity and mortality in this aging group. Appropriate actions were organized and accomplished by the overall collaboration of community senior citizen programs and local hospital volunteer efforts. Each member of this group was screened for specific needs and assistance was provided based on the member’s health condition and financial instability to receive healthcare services. Among the findings of this volunteer effort, the main observation concluded that the overall quality of life and health were improved for this vulnerable population. Positive impacts were noted with the interventions provided by public and private cooperation. Volunteers were in great demand and the supply of these dedicated servants was limited. Funding also allowed for the varied services performed and this aspect of the program was also limited. While the time frame of this volunteer service was limited, valuable insight was gained by the participant for
James Estes
Excelsior College
Abstract Increasing concern over the impact of health problems associated with the elderly shut-in population has fostered the attention of communities and public health professionals across the country. However, despite the attempts of local and state services, many members of this group are being overlooked and basically forgotten. The objective of this project was to directly observe, record, and participate in the daily efforts of volunteers as they develop, organize, and implement services that aid in the healthcare maintenance of shut-in elderly. Objectives were met by dedicating service hours to this vulnerable population and observing methods to improve their quality of living in the areas of healthcare, personal hygiene, nutritional settings, and ability to seek assistance with activities of daily living. These observations were aimed at diminishing the ever-increasing factors of morbidity and mortality in this aging group. Appropriate actions were organized and accomplished by the overall collaboration of community senior citizen programs and local hospital volunteer efforts. Each member of this group was screened for specific needs and assistance was provided based on the member’s health condition and financial instability to receive healthcare services. Among the findings of this volunteer effort, the main observation concluded that the overall quality of life and health were improved for this vulnerable population. Positive impacts were noted with the interventions provided by public and private cooperation. Volunteers were in great demand and the supply of these dedicated servants was limited. Funding also allowed for the varied services performed and this aspect of the program was also limited. While the time frame of this volunteer service was limited, valuable insight was gained by the participant for
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