Introduction
The client is a 71-year woman who lives alone and did not mention any diagnosed psychological/cognitive condition that would interfere with the intervention. After assessing the situation and discussing possible self-care strengths and deficits with the individual in question, it was determined that the main aim is to improve the nutritional aspect. The client has not expressed concerns about home safety, memory impairment, difficulties with medication use, and other problems, yet certain weaknesses have been determined. Namely, the difficulty engaging in physical activity, overall weakness, and a lack of motivation have been mentioned during the interview.
The nursing diagnosis has been determined mutually since the client has expressed the concerns based on the list prepared in regards to potential strengths and weaknesses. As a result, the primary diagnosis is imbalances in nutrition related to the expressed lack of energy, recent weight loss, and fatigue. The scope of the paper is to address the needs of the individual in question through the implementation of an evidence-based plan for confronting risks correlating with imbalances in nutrition. Furthermore, the purpose is to provide the individual with the necessary resources, both community-related and informational, to improve the well-being of the client through nutrition-based interventions.
Community Resources
In order for the nursing diagnosis, namely, imbalanced nutrition, to be addressed, it is vital to examine the existing community services specializing in nutritional programs for the elderly. It is essential to mention that a balanced diet is especially important for seniors since, according to researchers, malnutrition can facilitate the worsening of certain chronic diseases and conditions. This factor is extremely risky when it comes to the elderly (Corcoran et al., 2019). Thus, the proposed community researchers will address the informational gap, as well as become direct sources of help and support in establishing a healthy and nutritionally-balanced diet. While the client has no severe mobility problems, the community resources that will be described can assist in regards to an easier transition to a more adequate dietary plan. Namely, the assistance involves teaching the client in relation to nutrition for seniors based on the recommendation of the Canadian government, a shopping assistance program, and a meal delivery service.
Informational Resource
The first proposal is addressing the informational gap of the client. After the interview, it has been assessed that the individual in question does not have enough knowledge when it comes to establishing an adequate dietary plan. For example, the protein intake is too low, a factor that has been detected through the conversations with the client. According to researchers, the protein intake has to be higher for the elderly, and a lack of increase can lead to malnutrition (Norman et al., 2021). Since malnutrition is the primary diagnosis, it has to be taken into consideration. Moreover, my opinion is that patient-centered care aspects are to be considered, which can be achieved only if the individual in question has the ability to choose how to approach the condition.
Giving the individual all the necessary information on the subject is empowering and can change the course of the condition, namely, malnutrition. The patient will understand the causes of the issue, receive useful data on how to confront the challenge, and be able to have power over the course of the treatment. It is especially crucial since nutrition is individual, and every person has preferences and specific traits when it comes to their choices of foods. For example, in my opinion, a universal diet plan cannot work for everyone since certain people may have a dislike when it comes to specific products. This can lead to low adherence, which disrupts the purpose of the project. Thus, being in charge of the meal plan ensures the long-term success of the intervention and reduces the risks of low resilience to lifestyle changes.
To address the issue, it is crucial to help the patient understand the importance of balanced nutrition and ways to improve the diet. For this particular reason, the Canadian government has an online resource that will be useful in terms of addressing the gaps in knowledge. Canada has had a food guide since the 1940s, yet it is often updated as new research, and possible complications are being managed (Government of Canada, 2022). Moreover, currently, the Canadian food guide provides information in regards to diets and supplementation specifically for seniors. For example, they recommend supplementation with vitamin D for people over the age of 50. As new information is being discovered about the specific characteristics of dietary implications, the guide has been assessed and redacted until it came to have the form it has now.
The aim is to use the resource to help the patient learn about the specifics of effective dietary changes to address inadequate nutrition. The approach will consist of multiple implications that will ultimately result in beneficial changes in nutritional behavior. Initially, the resource will be used when a nutritionist will have a discussion with the individual in question. Thus, the healthcare provider will go through the information in the online pamphlet and address all the crucial aspects. These include the importance of having a balanced meal plan primarily consisting of whole foods, the specific characteristics required for managing malnutrition in seniors, and information on all the needed microelements. The nutritionist will discuss the validity of the resource, as well as the information included in the recommendations. After the initial discussion, the patient will establish a meal plan alongside the nutritionist that is both healthy and appealing from the perspective of the client. This will ensure that the changes will not be met with resistance.
From my perspective, main benefit of the approach is the help that the client receives in terms of being able to understand the specific characteristics of nutrition. Moreover, the information is geared specifically for older adults, which means that the dietary needs that change with age are being considered. After the use of this particular resource and the implication of a nutritionist, the client will be able to continue the progress towards a more adequate approach to food independently, which is essential in this case. As a result, the individual in question will have all the necessary informational resources to address the issue.
Meal Delivery Service
A physical resource, compared to the previous one, which is informational, can become a great alternative to being in control of all the meals. Thus, an option such as a meal delivery service can become an excellent way for the patient to access high-quality meals without having to shop and cook. Shopping and cooking are often significant reasons why malnutrition occurs in the first place. On the one hand, a senior may not be motivated or do not have the physical ability to take care of their dietary needs. On the other hand, a lack of adequate nutrition can cause frailness and lack of energy, which ultimately makes the situation worse. I believe meal delivery service such as Meals on Wheels Ottawa can be a helpful community service resource for individuals such as the aforementioned 71-year-old woman.
The non-profit organization has been helping people with disabilities and senior citizens of Canada for a long time. Namely, the service has been available for more than 50 years in Canada alone (Meals on Wheels, 2022). Moreover, similar programs are helping the elderly and people with disabilities all over the world. Thus, the way the organization operates today was partly influenced by the international experience of similar initiatives that have been on the market before Ottawa’s version. The objectives of the entity, however, have remained unchanged. The free or affordable meals provided by volunteers through delivery to the doors of seniors and individuals with a disability help reduce the risk for malnutrition and a lack of food security.
While the service is available for people of many ages depending on their conditions and mobility, most of the people benefiting from the community service are older. Thus, it can be highlighted that the volunteers who deliver the meals are efficient in establishing contact with seniors. In my opinion, this is useful for socialization and establishing close contacts between the patient and the volunteers, which is an additional benefit. Moreover, the meals themselves are nutritious as they are intended for people of a certain age or with specific health problems. Thus, the risks of receiving food that is unhealthy do not correlate with the initiative.
The service can help the client maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Malnutrition is a result of inadequate food intake or the need for supplementation. Meals on Wheels Ottawa can directly interact with the client by making the process of acquiring the needed nutrients and minerals much more approachable. The client will not always need to go grocery shopping, think about the specific products required for a balanced meal, and make sure an appropriate amount of calories are being consumed. Moreover, since the service provides either affordable or entirely free meals delivered by volunteers, the financial burden of maintaining a healthy diet becomes more manageable. Thus, the client benefits from cooperating with the non-profit organization on multiple levels, which ultimately highlights the positive implications of the proposed plan. Another positive aspect is the daily interactions with the individuals delivering the meals. I believe that the client will always be motivated to talk to people who are experienced in approaching individuals of a certain age, which can positively impact the desire to partake in the initiative more actively. Thus, both social and dietary limitations can be addressed by implementing the Meals on Wheels Ottawa project into the daily life of the patient.
While the initiative implies that the person cannot be in charge of meals and the specific products that are to be consumed, it is intended to reduce the burden that seniors have. From my perspective, the client may apply for a daily delivery service or use it when certain aspects minimize the potential of preparing healthy foods. Thus, on days when health, mobility, motivation, psychological health, or financial problems limit access to the necessary products, Meals on Wheels can be an adequate alternative. It is, however, advised that the client relies on self-cooked meals when possible since mobility issues and other health aspects are not yet a limitation to achieving the goal of combating malnutrition.
Shopping and Grocery Assistance
The proposed informational resource, namely, the Canadian government and the community service Meal and Wheels, address the individual and outside help the client can receive in regards to nutritional needs. An option that incorporates both concepts is shopping and grocery assistance. On the one hand, the person is able to choose products, goods, and meals that fit their dietary needs and preferences. On the other hand, volunteers assist them in terms of helping them with transportation to the specific grocery stores that the seniors choose. Thus, I believe the combination of both individual choice and outside help illustrate the effectiveness of the aim. As a result, the initiative that can contribute to the client’s nutritional needs is The Good Companions.
The Good Companions is a non-profit organization established with the aim to help senior citizens socialize, receive necessary resources, and address their needs. The group was established more than 60 years ago and was initially a place where older adults could meet in a place where they could feel helpful, socialize with peers, and supplement their daily nutritional needs (The Good Companions, 2021). However, as the service became available in more areas in Canada, the services have expanded. Nowadays, one of the non-profit branches is based on the idea of voluntarily assisting the elderly with grocery shopping trips. The volunteers provide transportation and help people access the products they require. As a result, those who cannot access a grocery store can access the resources of the organization on certain days and find transportation.
Community service has two primary purposes that address different needs. First and foremost, the aim is to provide transportation to senior citizens in regard to shopping for food, which is a crucial need, especially for those diagnosed with inadequate nutritional behavior. However, another objective is to provide the users of the resource with a platform where they can socialize. Thus, multiple individuals can go shopping for products while having conversations and interactions, thus, facilitating motivation and empowerment. According to researchers, seniors who lack interaction and live alone may be more susceptible to malnutrition (Besora-Moreno et al., 2020). The two aims, while contrasting with each other, can both benefit the client. On the one hand, the individual can access fresh, nutritional, and healthy foods. On the other hand, I believe shopping for products becomes more entertaining, which ultimately increases the chance of actively seeking assistance from the organization.
The Good Companions can directly benefit the client in terms of cooperation and encouragement to follow the proper dietary recommendations. The client may not be motivated to follow a healthy diet plan that aligns with nutritional needs because of the lack of motivation to go to the store. Moreover, a lack of transportation or impaired mobility can become other factors that compromise the well-being of the patient. The service can address the aforementioned limitations and become an excellent way for the individual in question to access fresh produce on a biweekly basis or as needed.
The Good Companions, as mentioned prior, is an organization that has been established with the purpose of helping the elderly with both psychological and physical support. Moreover, the initiatives usually incorporate both concepts by ensuring the elderly can meet their dietary requirements while feeling a part of a community and interacting with others. While other individuals with impaired mobility and other disabilities can apply for assistance, it is inevitable that the main activities are geared to address the needs of senior citizens.
Conclusion
The three resources, while addressing one need, namely the client’s inappropriate nutrition, assist the individual on multiple levels. On the one hand, the informational gap can be addressed through the online resource provided by the Canadian government in regards to dietary aspects that are to be considered by the elderly. The second proposed resource facilitates the fulfillment of the need for healthy meals through food delivery. Thus, the client does not have to prepare, purchase, or plan the meals as they are being provided for free or for an affordable price by the non-profit organization Meals on Wheels Ottawa. Thus, direct help is provided in regards to combating malnutrition. The third resource that has been recommended is a combination of independently deciding on specific products and being offered help with transportation. Namely, The Good Companions is another non-profit organization that provides transportation for seniors who cannot easily access grocery stores.
All three resources meet the expectations in terms of service delivery and meeting the patients’ needs as they are provided by reputable entities. Thus, the informational assistance is based on the Canadian government recommendation, while the community resources have been helping seniors for more than 50 years and have a reputable experience in facilitating help for older people in need. I believe that the needs of the client, which is addressing the inadequate nutrition currently assessed through the interviews, can be fulfilled through all three sources. The informational and transportation assistance is complimentary, while the meal delivery is either free of charge or offered at an affordable price, highlighting the financial benefits of the interventions. The value-added benefit is not only the access to nutritional and balanced meals but also the ability to be independent in deciding on the dietary aspects as well as the opportunity to interact with individuals with the same condition.
References
Besora-Moreno, M., LlauradĂł, E., Tarro, L., & SolĂ , R. (2020). Social and economic factors and malnutrition or the risk of malnutrition in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Nutrients, 12(3), 737.
Corcoran, C., Murphy, C., Culligan, E. P., Walton, J., & Sleator, R. D. (2019). Malnutrition in the elderly. Science Progress, 102(2), 171–180.
The Good Companions. (2021). Grocery Shopping Program. The Good Companions.
Government of Canada. (2022).Healthy eating for seniors. Canada Food Guide.
Meals on Wheels. (2022). Meals on wheels Ottawa. Meals on Wheels.
Norman, K., Hab, U., & Pirlich, M. (2021). Malnutrition in older adults—recent advances and remaining challenges. Nutrients, 13(8), 2764.