Having received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and encountering the associated stigmas, Michael Ellenbogen encourages increased advocacy efforts for the geriatric population struggling with this disease.

Having received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and encountering the associated stigmas, Michael Ellenbogen encourages increased advocacy efforts for the geriatric population struggling with this disease. He says, “We did nothing wrong to get this disease, and we need to speak up to let our voice be heard…There are no excuses for not wanting to help. The human cost factor is too high, and we are all accountable to do something” (Ellenbogen, 2012). As an advanced practice nurse caring for the geriatric population, it is important for you to join in advocacy efforts within your community whether it is in support of Alzheimer’s or another prevalent need such as abuse. You should be aware of community agencies that advocate for the well-being and care of your local geriatric population, as these agencies often provide resources and assistance to the elderly in need. In your role of care, you are able to identify prevalent needs and work with patients, their families, and agencies to promote change and impact lives.

To prepare:

• Review this week’s media presentation, as well as the American Geriatric Society’s Public Policy and Advocacy website in the Learning Resources.
• Locate and research two agencies that advocate for the elderly in your community. Consider their current advocacy actions and/or campaigns.
• Reflect on your experiences and observations at your practicum site. Consider new advocacy actions you might suggest to the agencies you selected. Based on these advocacy actions, think about new policies that might improve the care of the population at your current practicum site.

By Day 3

Post a description of two agencies that advocate for the elderly in your community, including their current advocacy actions and/or campaigns. Then, explain new advocacy actions you might suggest to these agencies based on your experiences and observations at your practicum site. With these advocacy actions in mind, suggest at least one new policy that might improve the care of the population at your current practicum site.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

ANSWER

Discussion 10

Geriatric Population

As an individual’s age, the body immunity and tissues become weak which make them prone to diseases. The ability to work is also limited which affects their income levels, therefore, making survival difficult. The community and the government need to come up with ways to support such individuals in their final stage of life. Lack of help creates depression, loneliness, and may even cause early deaths. Because of the suffering, People and governments have decided to form agencies which advocate for the elderly to ensure they live comfortably in their final stage of life (Gilbert, 2018).

Agencies that Advocate for the Elderly

CareOne is an organization that pushes for quality care for the elderly. The institution is committed to apply best clinical practices in order to meet their client’s needs in addition to providing individualized care to all residents.  People tend to take advantage of the elderly due to the reduced memory capabilities. Protecting and fighting for the elderly rights is one of the main courses of the agency. They also advocate for better health care conditions and help to the economically weak (Hanser & Gomila, 2015). The organization has helped in creating a favourable environment for the elderly to live some more days.

The second agency is the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute (JRI), which approaches the advocacy from a different perspective. Instead of targeting policies and how they impact on the elderly it focuses on providing better skills and sponsors the professionals that work with the elderly (Jin et al., 2015). The organization supply geriatric professionals with resources that help the elderly in different ways. Training of individuals interested in working with the aged help them do their work effectively. The organizations must also put in mind that the elderly live in a community and how others relate towards them impact a lot on their health. Therefore, these organizations have to come on the ground, engage with the other community members, educate them on how to handle the elderly and make their lives comfortable…