The Community of Shelby County, Kentucky, Term Paper Example

Abstract

This paper tackles the healthcare related problems of the seniors in the community of Shelby County, Kentucky. The demographics of the county is discussed in the paper. Two of the possible health concerns of the seniors are elucidated in the paper as well as the strategies and community health interventions that are set in place together with the various possible interventions that the community can do to improve health care.

Demographics

In 2014, Kentucky has an estimated population of 4,413,457 wherein 44,875 is distributed in the Shelby County. The population in the county has accumulated a 6.7% increase from the estimated and recorded population of 42,074 in 2010. The population is composed of persons under 5 (7.1%); persons under 18 (24.1%); persons over 65 (14.0%); females (51.5%) and males (48.5%). In addition, the racial demographics are divided into: White population (88.6%; African-American (7.7%); American Indian (0.5%); Asian (1.0%); Native Hawaiian (0.2%); and Hispanic or Latino (8.75%). It is imperative to note, though, that there are about 14.5% of the population that has some form of disability (United States Census, 2015).

It is undeniable that one of the most vulnerable members of the community is the senior citizens. As stated, the population is at 14.0% but it is expected to increase in the years to come. It is imperative to understand that as population ages, the risk of getting sick and frail increases as well. This is not to say that other groups and races are not at risk of getting ill. The problem with old age is that as people get older, the immune system weakens and the body does not function like it supposed to or used to when it is younger. In Shelby County, KY alone, the health of the seniors is deteriorating and it is in this paper that an analysis of the community health interventions pertaining to the seniors’ demographic is made. One of the primary questions to be answered is whether or not the county is ready for its aging population and if there are policies and community healthcare interventions in place to support and provide for the needs of the one of the most vulnerable members of it community.

One of the primary healthcare problems that seniors are facing in the county is the absence of a medical or healthcare model for a day care for seniors. This is one of the top problems among the seniors. There is no solid model for elder care. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are one of the most common aging-related diseases in the aging community. But there are not enough resources that provide for day care services. As a matter of fact, there are only 3 known adult day program providers in the whole community: Apple Patch, Kaleidoscope, Inc. and Multi-Purpose Community Action Agency.  It is important to note that since the elderlies are very limited when it comes to their mobility and sometimes due to the disease process that they are experiencing, they cannot go outside and socialize anymore. Hence, there is an increasing rate of depression and premature death among the group. The day care service can help them socialize and promote their well-being by attending a group that is designed to implement programs that cater to the physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being of the seniors.  In order to provide solution to the problem, Shelby County has assessed that it needs to work with its Department of Health, hospitals and Multi-Purpose Community Action Agency. With the increasing percentile of seniors in the county, the available resources are not enough to accommodate those that want and need day elderly care.

Another health-related problem that the seniors in the community are facing is the lack of access to basic needs. Not all the seniors in the community are prepared for their retirement and have medical insurance to cover their health-related expenses. In addition, most of them are low-income and do not have access to transportation to get to clinics and adult daycare. Therefore, even if there are daycares for elder, although limited, some seniors do not have the means to go.

Because of the lack of transportation access and financial means to provide for their own medical and basic needs, the risk of acquiring more diseases is high among the seniors.  Some seniors are experiencing malnutrition because they do not have access to healthy meals. In this regard, the Shelby County are providing support services for the elderly. They are offering delivery of meals to those who need the help (My Health Assessments, 2015). However, there are not enough support workers and volunteers to meet the demand. The waiting list for the home delivered meals is likewise growing. Also, because of the situation, the seniors are not able to get monthly health check-ups and dental check-ups. One of the possible strategies being proposed is the development of mobile clinic where transportation is one of the major problems. In addition, it can also be proposed that a medical bus or a health department afforded transportation vehicle  picks-up the elderly, the infirm and other citizens in the community to go to their medical and dental appointments on a regular basis (Kandel & Adamec, 2009). In addition, low-income medical and dental services must be afforded to the seniors and the community in general in order to improve health.

Education is also one of the key factors that need to be afforded to the citizen. Family and community support is essential. Family members, guardians and caregivers must be educated and be taught to advocate for their beloved seniors, adults, teens and children (Corrigan, 1998). It is a cliché but “deterrence is better than treatment”. In conclusion, Shelby County is doing great in providing support to its residents. There may be flaws and limitations but the county is doing its best in order to overcome the hurdles in providing quality life for its vulnerable citizens and to the whole community.

Citations and References

Corrigan, P. (1998). Building Teams and Programs for Effective Rehabilitation. New Dir Ment Health Serv, 79, 1-93.