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?
- Strategies to enhance the quality of life for this older adult couple:
One strategy to enhance the quality of life for Mr. and Mrs. Arahan is to encourage them to become more engaged in activities and social networks within their community. This can help alleviate their feelings of isolation and provide them with a more active and fulfilling lifestyle. They can join local senior centers or community groups that cater to their interests, such as hobby clubs, volunteer organizations, or cultural associations. Engaging in social activities can help them build new friendships and connections.
Another strategy is to encourage them to explore educational opportunities or pursue lifelong learning. This can include enrolling in classes or workshops that align with their interests or taking up new hobbies that stimulate their minds. Lifelong learning has been associated with positive outcomes for older adults, including cognitive health, social engagement, and overall life satisfaction.
Furthermore, promoting physical activity and exercise is crucial for their well-being. Encouraging them to participate in age-appropriate physical activities, such as walking groups, yoga classes, or water aerobics, can have numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, strength, balance, and mood.
- Community resources they can utilize:
There are several community resources available to support the well-being of older adults like Mr. and Mrs. Arahan. These resources include:
a) Senior centers: They can access local senior centers that offer a variety of programs and services tailored to the needs and interests of older adults. These centers often provide social activities, educational programs, health screenings, and exercise classes.
b) Support groups: Joining support groups specifically designed for older adults or immigrant communities can provide them with a sense of belonging and emotional support. These groups can address common challenges, share experiences, and provide a platform for social interaction.
c) Volunteer organizations: They can consider volunteering their time and skills to help others in their community. This not only contributes to the well-being of others but also provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment for themselves.
d) Transportation services: Access to reliable transportation services is essential for maintaining independence and participating in community activities. They can explore options such as senior transportation programs, public transportation, or ride-sharing services.
- Addressing the feelings of isolation of the older couple:
The daughter and her family can take several steps to address the feelings of isolation experienced by Mr. and Mrs. Arahan:
a) Encourage regular family interactions: The daughter and her family can make a conscious effort to have regular family dinners during the week. This can provide an opportunity for the whole family to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their bond.
b) Include the older couple in weekend activities: The daughter and her family should make an effort to include Mr. and Mrs. Arahan in their weekend socializing. Planning family outings, inviting them to join activities with friends, or arranging visits to places of interest can help them feel more included and engaged.
c) Facilitate social connections: The daughter can help the older couple establish new social connections by encouraging them to participate in community activities or introducing them to friends and neighbors who share similar interests. This can expand their social network and provide opportunities for meaningful relationships.
d) Explore intergenerational activities: Engaging the grandchildren in activities with their grandparents can foster closer relationships and create shared experiences. This can involve activities such as playing board games, cooking together, or engaging in hobbies that appeal to multiple generations.
- Health promotion activities for a healthy lifestyle:
To ensure a healthy lifestyle for Mr. and Mrs. Arahan, the following health promotion activities can be considered:
a) Regular health check-ups: Encourage the couple to schedule regular check-ups with their primary care physician to monitor their overall health, identify any potential health issues early on, and receive appropriate preventive care.
b) Healthy eating: Encourage a balanced and nutritious diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting the intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive salt can help promote good health and prevent chronic diseases.
c) Physical activity: Encourage them to engage in regular physical activity appropriate for their age and abilities. This can include walking, stretching exercises, strength training, or other activities recommended by their healthcare provider. Regular physical activity helps maintain mobility, strength, and cardiovascular health.
d) Fall prevention: Assess the home environment for potential fall hazards and make necessary modifications, such as installing grab bars in bathrooms, improving lighting, and removing clutter. Encourage them to participate in balance and strength training exercises to reduce the risk of falls.
e) Mental and cognitive health: Engage in activities that stimulate their minds, such as reading, puzzles, or learning new skills. Additionally, maintaining social connections and engaging in meaningful activities can contribute to their overall mental well-being.
It is important to note that these strategies and recommendations should be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of Mr. and Mrs. Arahan and should be discussed with their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.