Submitted by: Submitted by loretta57
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Category: Other Topics
Date Submitted: 12/16/2011 02:43 PM
Vulnerable populations in the United States are many and increasing in number as health care costs continue to skyrocket, making access to care less feasible for older Americans and other groups. The demand for health care public services for the elderly have dramatically increased, and with multiple changes in employment and income levels, directly impacts this population in a negative manner.
Financial constraints, physical disability, and a lack of resources for this growing population are only a few barriers for the elderly to receive quality and consistent health care, making this group extremely vulnerable to changes in the current health care system. Although the PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) of 2010 with all its efforts may help the elderly population to a small degree, the brunt of the issues surrounding that vulnerable group remains with individuals and the American public.
The socio-economic impact on the elderly in the United States regarding access and affordability to health care is a conundrum not easily solved. Given the rising costs of health care added to increasing physical frailties, the elderly population is high-risk with reference to the economic condition of the particular age group.
Health or Illness Trends-Disease Morbidity and Mortality With-in the Elderly Population
The following trends in elderly health are the major causes of death in older Americans:
o high blood pressure
o heart disease
o diabetes
o lung diseases
o stroke
o cancer
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Except where noted, the figures above are taken from surveys of the non-institutionalized elderly. Although nursing homes are being increasingly used for short-stay post-acute care, about 1.3 million elderly are in nursing homes (about half are age 85 and over). These individuals often have high needs for care with their ADLs and/or have severe cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease or other dementias....