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Read the following case study and answer the reflective questions.
MSN 5550 Health Promotion: Prevention of Disease Case Study Module 2 Instructions: Read the following case study and answer the reflective questions. Please provide evidence-based rationales for your answers. APA, 7th ed. must be followed.
CASE STUDY: An Older Immigrant Couple: Mr. and Mrs. Arahan Mr. and Mrs. Arahan, an older couple in their seventies, have been living with their oldest daughter, her husband of 15 years, and their two children, ages 12 and 14. They all live in a middle-income neighborhood in a suburb of a metropolitan city. Mr. and Mrs. Arahan are both college educated and worked full-time while they were in their native country. In addition, Mr. Arahan, the only offspring of wealthy parents, inherited a substantial amount of money and real estate. Their daughter came to the United States as a registered nurse and met her husband, a drug company representative. The older couple moved to the United States when their daughter became a U.S. citizen and petitioned them as immigrants. Since the couple was facing retirement, they welcomed the opportunity to come to the United States. The Arahans found life in the United States different from that in their home country, but their adjustment was not as difficult because both were healthy and spoke English fluently. Most of their time was spent taking care of their two grandchildren and the house. As the grandchildren grew older, the older couple found that they had more spare time. The daughter and her husband advanced in their careers and spent a great deal more time at their jobs. There were few family dinners during the week. On weekends, the daughter, her husband, and their children socialized with their own friends. The couple began to feel isolated and longed for a more active life. Mr. and Mrs. Arahan began to think that perhaps they should return to the home country, where they still had relatives and friends. However, political and economic issues would have made it difficult for them to live there. Besides, they had become accustomed to the way of life in the United States with all the modern conveniences and abundance of goods that were difficult to obtain in their country. However, they also became concerned that they might not be able to tolerate the winter months and that minor health problems might worsen as they aged. They wondered who would take care of them if they became very frail and where they would live, knowing that their daughter had only saved money for their grandchildren’s college education. They expressed their sentiments to their daughter, who became very concerned about how her parents were feeling. This older couple had been attending church on a regular basis, but had never been active in other church-related activities. The church bulletin announced the establishment of parish nursing with two retired registered nurses as volunteers. The couple attended the first opening of the parish clinic. Here, they met one of the registered nurses, who had a short discussion with them about the services offered. The registered nurse had spent a great deal of her working years as a community health nurse. She informed Mr. and Mrs. Arahan of her availability to help them resolve any health-related issues.
Reflective Questions
1. What strategies could be suggested for this older adult couple to enhance their quality of life?
2. What community resources can they utilize?
3. What can the daughter and her family do to address the feelings of isolation of the older couple?
4. What health promotion activities can ensure a healthy lifestyle for them?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this case study, we are presented with the older immigrant couple, Mr. and Mrs. Arahan, who are facing challenges in their new life in the United States. They are experiencing feelings of isolation and uncertainty about their future as they age. As a medical professional, it is important to consider strategies to enhance their quality of life, community resources that can support them, ways to address their feelings of isolation, and health promotion activities to ensure their overall well-being.
Answer to Question 1:
To enhance the quality of life for this older adult couple, the following strategies can be suggested:
1. Engaging in social activities: Encourage Mr. and Mrs. Arahan to participate in social activities within their community. This could include joining clubs, attending community events, or volunteering for local organizations. Engaging in social interactions will help alleviate their feelings of isolation and provide opportunities for new friendships.
2. Seeking emotional support: Encourage the couple to join support groups or counseling sessions to address any emotional concerns they may have. It is important for them to have a safe space to express their feelings and receive encouragement and guidance.
3. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Encourage regular exercise, such as walking or gentle aerobic activities, to promote physical well-being and reduce the risk of age-related health issues. Emphasize the importance of a balanced diet, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. Encourage them to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
4. Pursuing hobbies and interests: Assist Mr. and Mrs. Arahan in identifying and pursuing activities they enjoy, such as gardening, painting, playing musical instruments, or joining a book club. Engaging in hobbies can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as well as opportunities for social connections.
5. Maintaining cognitive health: Encourage the couple to engage in activities that stimulate their minds, such as puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or taking part in educational programs. This can help to maintain cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline.
Answer to Question 2:
There are several community resources that Mr. and Mrs. Arahan can utilize to support their needs:
1. Senior centers: These centers offer a range of services and activities specifically tailored to older adults. They often provide socialization opportunities, educational programs, exercise classes, and health screenings. Mr. and Mrs. Arahan can benefit from the resources and support available at their local senior center.
2. Local libraries: Public libraries offer various programs and events for the community, including book clubs, workshops, and lectures. Visiting the library regularly can provide the couple with a sense of belonging and opportunities for intellectual growth.
3. Faith-based organizations: Apart from attending church services, Mr. and Mrs. Arahan can explore other activities offered by their church or other religious institutions. Many churches have senior groups, volunteering opportunities, and social events that can help them connect with others and engage in meaningful activities.
4. Volunteer organizations: Encourage the couple to consider volunteering for organizations that align with their interests and values. Volunteering not only provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose but also allows them to contribute to the community and build new relationships.
Answer to Question 3:
To address the feelings of isolation of the older couple, the daughter and her family can take the following steps:
1. Regular family activities: The daughter and her family can plan regular family activities, such as weekly family dinners or weekend outings, to spend quality time together. This will provide opportunities for the older couple to feel included and involved in family life.
2. Communication and emotional support: Encourage open and honest communication between the daughter and her parents. The daughter should actively listen to their concerns and provide emotional support. Regularly checking in on their well-being and expressing love and affection can help alleviate their feelings of isolation.
3. Involvement in grandchildren’s activities: Encourage the older couple to participate in their grandchildren’s activities, such as attending school events or extracurricular activities. This will not only strengthen the bond between generations but also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for the older adults.
4. Exploring community events together: The daughter and her family can explore local community events and invite the older couple to join them. Attending festivals, concerts, or cultural events together will provide opportunities for socialization and shared experiences.
Answer to Question 4:
To ensure a healthy lifestyle for Mr. and Mrs. Arahan, the following health promotion activities can be recommended:
1. Regular medical check-ups: Advise the couple to schedule regular visits with their primary care physician for preventive screenings and to monitor their overall health. This will help detect any potential health issues early on and ensure appropriate management.
2. Immunizations: Encourage the older adults to stay up-to-date with recommended immunizations, such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, to prevent common infections and related complications.
3. Medication management: Assist the couple in organizing their medications and ensuring adherence to prescribed regimens. Encourage them to communicate any concerns or side effects to their healthcare provider.
4. Fall prevention: Conduct a home safety assessment to identify potential fall hazards and recommend necessary modifications, such as removing clutter, installing grab bars, and improving lighting. Additionally, encourage participation in exercise programs that focus on balance and strength training.
5. Chronic disease management: If Mr. and Mrs. Arahan have any existing chronic conditions, emphasize the importance of medication adherence, lifestyle modifications (e.g., healthy diet, regular exercise), and regular follow-up with healthcare providers to effectively manage their conditions and prevent complications.
Conclusion:
By implementing the suggested strategies for enhancing quality of life, utilizing community resources, addressing feelings of isolation, and engaging in health promotion activities, Mr. and Mrs. Arahan can experience improved well-being and navigate their older adult years with support and resilience. It is important for the daughter and her family, as well as the healthcare providers involved, to collaborate and provide holistic care for the couple’s physical, emotional, and social needs.
