ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Identify three agencies in your local community that support individuals in later adulthood.
Provide an overview of the services each provides.
Identify the service gaps you notice.
Explain how to improve existing services to address these gaps.
Describe services that should be added to better serve this population and explain why.
Use the Learning Resources to support your analysis. Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
To preserve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being as they age, people frequently need more assistance. In this post, I’ll name three organizations in my neighborhood that offer services to help people in later adulthood. I’ll give a summary of the services each agency offers, point out any gaps in those services, make recommendations for how to make the current services better and outline new services that ought to be established to better serve this demographic.
The Senior Center, the Meals on Wheels service, and the geriatric unit at the nearby hospital are the three organizations I have chosen. In addition to social and recreational events, health and wellness programs, and educational workshops, the Senior Center offers a range of services to older persons. Seniors who are housebound and unable to cook their meals receive wholesome meals through the Meals on Wheels program. The hospital’s geriatric unit offers older persons who need hospitalization medical care and rehabilitation services.
Even while these organizations offer vital services, there are still some service gaps that must be filled. The absence of transportation services is one obvious gap. Many senior citizens have mobility problems and depend on others or public transportation to move around. Seniors would find it simpler to participate in these organizations’ social events, medical visits, and other activities if there were safe, cheap transportation options available.
The agencies could work with regional transportation providers or develop their transportation programs to overcome the mobility gap. For instance, to provide inexpensive transportation to its members, the Senior Center might collaborate with a ride-sharing business. As an alternative, the organizations might look for money to buy their cars and hire drivers to transport senior citizens.
To better meet the needs of older individuals in the community, more services could be offered in addition to filling the transportation gap. In-home assistance with tasks like meal preparation, housekeeping, and personal care is a crucial service. Many senior citizens want to age in place and would gain from having access to these services.
Support for caregivers is an additional service that could be included. Finding the help you need can be difficult for caregivers who are taking care of elderly loved ones since it can be difficult and stressful. Caregiver navigation would be made easier if support groups, educational initiatives, and respite care services were made available.
In conclusion, the Meals on Wheels program, the local hospital’s geriatric section, and the Senior Center all offer helpful services to assist people in later adulthood. However, there are still some service gaps that must be filled, including those for transportation and in-home assistance. These organizations can more effectively address the needs of older persons and support them as they age with dignity and independence by working with community partners, looking for funding, and introducing new services.
References:
(2021) National Council on Aging. Aging in place is what? from https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/aging-in-place/
Health and Human Services Department of the United States, 2021. Care
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