Write a 500-750-word essay on the Stages-of-Life and the influence of age in health care from a patient’s perspective. Interview a friend or family member about that person’s experiences with the health care system. You may develop your own list of questions. Suggested questions: You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the for assistance.
Title: The Stages-of-Life and the Influence of Age in Healthcare: A Patient’s Perspective
Introduction:
The stages-of-life encompass various periods in an individual’s lifespan, each characterized by unique physical, psychological, and social changes. As individuals progress through these stages, their healthcare needs evolve, making age a critical factor in healthcare delivery. This essay explores the influence of age on healthcare from a patient’s perspective, based on an interview conducted with a family member.
Methodology:
For this essay, I interviewed my grandmother, who is currently in her late 70s, to gather insights into her experiences with the healthcare system. I designed a set of questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the influence of age in healthcare and how it has impacted her access to and quality of care.
Findings:
1. Perception of Healthcare Needs:
As individuals age, their perception of healthcare needs often undergoes significant changes. For my grandmother, being in her late 70s means she is more aware of the importance of preventive care, early disease detection, and management of chronic conditions. She emphasized the significance of regular check-ups, screenings, and medication adherence to maintain overall well-being. This perspective reflects the increasing importance of healthcare as one advances in age.
2. Barriers to Accessing Healthcare:
The interview shed light on the various barriers older adults face when seeking healthcare. Transportation emerged as a major obstacle for my grandmother, particularly when utilizing public transportation or relying on family members for rides. Furthermore, limited mobility and cognitive impairments can limit an individual’s ability to seek medical care independently. Consequently, older adults may experience difficulties in accessing healthcare services due to physical limitations and lack of transportation options.
3. Communication with Healthcare Providers:
My grandmother expressed the importance of effective communication with healthcare providers, particularly when discussing complex or sensitive health issues. She mentioned that patience and empathy from healthcare professionals are crucial in building trust and ensuring a positive patient experience. Furthermore, she noted that communication barriers, such as age-related hearing loss, can hinder effective communication and understanding of medical instructions. This finding highlights the need for healthcare providers to adopt patient-centered approaches and effective communication strategies tailored to the needs of older patients.
4. Ageism in Healthcare:
Ageism, a form of discrimination based on age, often manifests in healthcare settings and can significantly impact the quality of care experienced by older adults. My grandmother shared instances where she felt her concerns were dismissed or attributed solely to old age. This perception of age-related ailments as inevitable can lead to underdiagnosis, undertreatment, and inadequate support for older patients. Addressing ageism in healthcare is essential to ensuring fair and equitable access to quality care for older adults.
5. Healthcare Decision Making:
As individuals age, they may face challenges in navigating complex healthcare decisions and treatment options. My grandmother discussed her reliance on family members to assist in understanding medical information, weighing treatment choices, and advocating for her needs. This finding emphasizes the importance of involving older patients in shared decision-making processes and providing support or resources to ensure informed choices and active participation in their healthcare.
Conclusion:
From the perspective of my grandmother, age plays a pivotal role in shaping healthcare experiences and needs. As individuals progress through different stages of life, their perceptions of healthcare change, they encounter barriers in accessing care, face ageism in healthcare settings, and may require support in healthcare decision-making. Understanding these influences is crucial for healthcare providers to deliver patient-centered and age-sensitive care. By addressing these issues, healthcare systems can better adapt to the evolving needs of older adults and enhance their overall healthcare experiences.