The Elderly - Vulnerable Population in Prince William County Virginia

The Elderly: Vulnerable Population in Prince William County Virginia

Dollar M. Weidner

George Mason University

College of Health and Human Services, School of Nursing

Introduction

The life expectancy of Americans continues to rise. As reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, it is estimated that by 2030 there will be over 70 million people 65 years or older, which represents 20 % of the U.S. population (King & Wheeler, 2007). As the baby boomer generation ages, this figure will continue to grow. With the increasing numbers of the elderly population, there are not enough health care providers being trained to address the needs of this population and, as a result, makes the elderly vulnerable. Furthermore, elderly adults are even more vulnerable if they suffer from physical or mental impairments, which will make it difficult for them to care for themselves (WHO, 2011).

Many elderly also do not have access to proper means of transportation; they might not own a vehicle or they may either choose not to drive or can no longer drive. This impedes their ability to visit their health care provider, as well as their ability to evacuate during emergency situations. In addition, many of these elderly may be disabled and live alone, which, in turn, may leave them vulnerable to being stranded in their home without adequate food, shelter, or medical care. Oftentimes, some elderly people may have difficulty voicing their needs, especially if they become separated from their families or caregivers. As a result, the special needs of the elderly are often overlooked. The elderly residents in Prince William County are vulnerable due to a variety of these reasons. Reports by the 2000 U.S. Census indicated that the number of older adults living in Prince William County is increasing, and that the county had the distinction of having the largest percentage growth of older adults in the state of Virginia.

Legal

As the public looks toward improving the lives of the elderly, abuse and neglect of elders living in their own homes have gone largely unidentified and unnoticed. This can take various forms, such as physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse (WHO, 2011). Many of the elderly become more vulnerable as they become more dependent upon their family members for care and support. Not all family members are able to provide the necessary and proper types of care (medical, financial, emotional, psychological, etc.), which, in turn, often causes strain on the family members and may subject the elderly family member to the risk of various types of abuse. Reports estimate that between 4-6% of the elderly have experienced some form of maltreatment at home, and that such abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long term psychological consequences. (WHO, 2011). In Prince William County, the Adult Protective Services (APS) offers an elder abuse prevention program service to investigate elderly adults 60 years old and older who reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation. The elderly can call the Virginia Adult Protective Services hotline at 1-888-832-3858 or Prince William County services at 703-792-4200, or visit the website at Adult Protective Services Website http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/as/aps.cgi whenever they experienced abuse (2013). Secondly, the Prince William Area of Agency on Aging also offers a free legal assistance to elderly, disabled, or low-income individuals and families who face the loss of a critical need such as personal safety, income, housing, medical benefits, education or family stability. Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV) seeks to provide equal access to the civil justice system for the residents of Prince William County who are unable to afford private legal counsel. For scheduling an appointment or to find out about hours of operation the number to call is 866-534-5243 (2013).

Psychosocial

Many elderly live in loneliness and isolation. One study notes that 38% of older women and 19% of older men lived alone as of 2005. Many of these older adults may be dealing with depression, lack of self-worth, or are feeling forgotten by family or their community. On the other hand, reports shows that the elderly who have found meaningful ways to stay active in society by interacting socially, express a greater sense of happiness which, in turn, can lead to a positive physical and mental state. The elderly report that social involvement contributes to a positive self-attitude, self-acceptance, as well as positive health benefits (Maher, 2000). Companion Aide Registry for the Elderly (CARE) (an in-home-assistance program in the Prince William Area Agency on Aging) offers in-home care to adults on an ongoing basis to the elderly who are in need of companionship and assistance with their daily living tasks, such as housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal preparation, supervision of medications and friendly visitor services. There are also two Senior Centers located in Manassas at 9320 Mosby Street and in Woodbridge at 13850 Church Hill Drive. These centers offer a wide variety of programs and activities which enhance health and wellness, strengthen the mind, and give older adults an opportunity to enjoy time with friends. Both centers are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lastly, the adult day-care programs provide Adult Day Healthcare for qualifying residents of Prince William County, in the City of Manassas, and in the City of Manassas Park. The program includes group-based activities, personal care, and health monitoring for adults aged 45 and older who cannot or should not remain at home alone during the day. The program also provides essential respite for caregiving families. The Adult Day Care Center is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. and is located at 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Woodbridge (2013).

Financial

The elderly, especially the minority, unemployed, and low income elderly, have a much higher risk of falling below the poverty line. According to widely available reports, currently 12 % of elderly in the United States aged 65 and elders live below the poverty line . Virginia ranks at 13% in the elderly population, which is just above the poverty line. As such, these elderly are barely able to make ends meet. In Virginia, elderly African Americans and Hispanics constitute the highest percentage that fall below the poverty line, which is 28 % for African Americans and 21% for Hispanics (Kaiser Family, 2011). King and Wheeler state that older adults below the