Overview
The final project for this course is the creation of a patient wellness plan with wellness plan presentation.
The role of healthcare and human services professionals is critical in the care of aging individuals. These professionals have the opportunity to offer aging individuals options and strategies to help improve their quality of life and help mitigate the stress and struggle that can come with chronic diseases and other common challenges of the aging population. A professional in a healthcare capacity would explore the different options available to patients in order to help treat and manage their specific health conditions. These healthcare professionals are, in many ways, in charge of the fate of these individuals. They are responsible and capable of not only alleviating some of the issues that come with having a chronic disease, but also improving overall health and wellness of the individuals throughout their life span.
Throughout this course, you will follow a chosen client as he or she ages, and you will try to improve his or her overall health and wellness. For your final project, you will imagine that you are the healthcare professional tasked with offering recommendations for effectively managing your chosen client’s chronic illness(es) and improving his or her overall quality of life. Your client’s primary doctor has already provided a general traditional course of treatment for your client’s chronic illness. Your job is to establish a possible health and wellness plan to help with the various factors and challenges that impact the aging population and your individual client in particular. You will look to recommend other approaches (complementary alternative medicine and lifestyle modifications) that the client could use.
The project is divided into three milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in Modules One, Three, and Five.
In this assignment, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes:
Analyze the health and wellness status of aging clients from the perspective of a healthcare professional for informing wellness recommendations
Determine appropriate holistic and clinical options for improving chronic disease management in aging clients
Recommend wellness strategies informed by established best practices for achieving improved quality of life for aging individuals
Communicate the benefits and challenges of various health and wellness options clearly for ethically facilitating informed decision making of aging individuals
Prompt
Early in this course, you selected a patient to follow. Now that you have monitored your patient, learned of his or her traditional course of treatment of chronic conditions, and become familiar with his or her emotional, social, and overall wellness conditions, you will prepare a health and wellness plan for the patient. Your wellness plan should provide varied approaches to helping your patient improve his or her quality of life and management of illness. Finally, you will need to communicate your recommendations and options to your patient to help him or her make informed decisions.
Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:
Client Analysis: In this part of the summative assessment, you will analyze the information you have been provided regarding your assigned individual. You will review the overall health status of the individual throughout his or her life span, key factors that have influenced his or her health status, and the national guidelines for like individuals. The audience for this section is not necessarily your client; instead, it should set the stage for your professional recommendations.
Describe the overall health and wellness status of your assigned individual based on materials from the course and your previous analysis. What condition (health, social, emotional, etc.) was the individual in when the course began? What condition is he or she in now?
Analyze the health status of your assigned individual for different key factors that may have contributed to his or her current health condition. For example, what risk factors are typically associated with the health condition of the assigned individual?
Explain the national guidelines regarding health status of an individual similar to your chosen individual. What do the national guidelines (such as, but not limited to, those published by the Centers for Disease Control [CDC], Medicare, and the National Institutes of Health [NIH]) state about the specific condition, and why will these guidelines work or not work for your client?
Wellness Recommendations: In this part of the summative assessment, you will base wellness recommendations for the client on your previous analysis of his or her health status. Be sure to consider how to help the individual improve quality of life and help manage his or her chronic disease. The audience for this section is not necessarily your client, but should be written professionally with citations where appropriate to support the best practices and theories used to make your recommendations.
Describe the traditional medical approachthat was initially recommended for the client and explain why that approach has been ineffective in managing the client’s chronic disease. What factors may have contributed to the ineffectiveness of this approach?
Determine if a complementary alternative medicine (CAM) approach could be implemented in order to more effectively manage the client’s chronic disease and improve his or her quality of life. Be sure to explain why this would or would not be recommended. What would be the benefits or drawbacks of applying a CAM approach to this specific chronic disease? Consider the many different CAM approaches that may apply to the situation.
Determine if lifestyle modifications could be implemented in order to more effectively manage the client’s chronic disease and improve his or her quality of life. Be sure to explain why this would or would not be recommended. What are some changes, both small and large, that the individual could make to improve his or her chronic disease?
Recommend wellness strategies informed by best practices for addressing wellness issues of the assigned individual. Be sure to incorporate CAM approaches and lifestyle modifications if appropriate. What accepted wellness strategies could you recommend for your individual? How would you adapt the wellness strategies to better fit the needs of your individual?
Use the provided
Plan of Action Template
to develop a plan of action for your specific individual to implement these strategies and achieve optimal health, justifying response. Be sure to consider both how the individual needs to manage his or her chronic disease and how he or she can best address wellness issues.
Explain how your recommendations will not only help the individual manage his or her chronic disease, and improve quality of life in the present, but also in the future. Be sure to justify your response.
Presentation: In this part of the summative assessment, you will develop a slideshow presentation to your client explaining the benefits and challenges that they would have to consider when making decisions about your recommendations.
Communicate the benefits of your health and wellness recommendations. Be sure to communicate appropriately with your assigned individual.
Articulate the challenges of your health and wellness recommendations. Be sure to communicate appropriately with your assigned individual.
Communicate how your recommendations will be more effective than other options. You can convey this information visually as well as through your writing. Be sure to provide examples to support your response. Why should the individual choose your path as opposed to others
What to SubmitYour client health and wellness plan should be 5–7 pages in length, with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and discipline-appropriate citations where necessary. Your health plan presentation should be 5–7 slides, using appropriate presentation software (PowerPoint, Prezi, etc.) and containing speaker notes that represent how you would communicate verbally to your client. 1
3-2 Final Project Milestone Two: Draft of Client Analysis
Courtney Roberts
Southern New Hampshire University
May 17, 2023
2
Draft of Client Analysis
For my client analysis, I will be reviewing and analyzing the overall health status,
influences and nation guidelines data regarding my patient Sally. I will assess her wellbeing and
critical facts that may have prompted or affected her current health status along with explaining
any national guidelines pertaining to Sally.
After analyzing Sally’s data, the most concerning data piece would be her long-lasting
history of obesity. Sally lives a sedentary lifestyle in the suburbs, and doesn’t follow a current
health exercise plan. Sally is 63-years-old, weighing 220 pounds at 5’3”. Sally has tried to take
matters into her own hands regarding her weight gain such as dieting, however little success has
been accomplished along her journey. After so many attempts during her journey, Sally may
have lost hope, interest and became frustrated or depressed with her results and started to lack
motivation. Lack of motivation is an immense obstacle for behavior change and will affect her
mental health and optimism. (Harber, 2020). Sally has three children that are not in their adult
life and probably plays a factor into how active she use to be compared to know by keeping up
with three children on a daily basis as a homemaker for 30 years. With Sally being an empty
nester, she may not have the social skills like she use to when she had company every day. Her
social well-being could also be a key factor in her current health status. Once her husband
retired, she has made the effort in partaking in a part-time job. With her husband that use to work
for a large company, later decimated the pension plan during the recession, which may have also
added stress to her lifestyle with the burden of also trying to be there for her husband as well.
While Sally was looking for a part-time job, she could also feel the financial burden of not
affording healthy foods and also contributing to unhealthy eating habits as comfort food. Sally
3
was recently admitted to the hospital because of a heart attack, she then had to have surgery to
implant stents to help with blood flow.
To name a few risk factors that could have contributed to Sally’s current health
conditions would result to stress, obesity, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits
regarding her diet. Obesity is a health issue that can result from individual behaviors, genetic or a
mix of both. (CDC, 2022). Obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. It
is associated with poorer mental health outcomes and reduced quality of life. (CDC, 2022).
Sally’s lack of ability financially to provide for healthier food options and lack of physical
activity didn’t increase her odds against obesity. Also, Sally taking on the extra responsibility of
trying to help provide with her husband, may have increased her risk of heart attack due to stress.
Stress leads to high blood pressure with smoking, overeating, which also follows the risks for
heart attacks (American Heart Association, 2022). Some established guidelines for long-term
health are choosing fresh foods, regular physical activity, healthy weight, no smoking or drinking
alcohol. After having a heart attack, it is possible to live a full life if the patient changes their
lifestyle. (CDC.gov, 2022).
Sally can take charge of her life leading to a healthier lifestyle to prevent long-term
health issues or a second heart attack. She can join a cardiac rehabilitation group that will her
recovery and help improve and make necessary changes to improve her life quality. (CDC,
2022). Sally could also take advantage of living in a large suburb for an exercise plan on the days
or times she not working her part-time job as an advantage to a full time position. while There
are plenty of resources and professionals that help her make the appropriate adjustments and
weight training plans that will have Sally going towards the right direction to improve her
current health status.
4
References
American Heart Association. (2022, July 26). Stress and heart health. www.heart.org.
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/stress-andheart-health
CDC. (2022, March 21). Obesity Basics – Causes of Obesity. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/causes.html
CDC. (2022, July 12). Heart attack symptoms, risk, and recovery. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_attack.html
1
Wellness Recommendation
Courtney Roberts
June 4, 2023
2
Wellness Recommendation
In chronic disease management and quality of life enhancement, a comprehensive
approach that integrates conventional medical interventions, complementary alternative medicine
(CAM), and lifestyle adjustments is imperative. The present work delves into the case of Sally, a
patient afflicted with a chronic ailment, and presents wellness suggestions derived from an
evaluation of her health condition. The present discourse aims to examine the constraints of the
conventional medical paradigm, assess the possible advantages and disadvantages of
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), investigate lifestyle modifications, suggest
wellness techniques, and formulate an action plan to execute these strategies. The objective is to
not only effectively manage Sally’s chronic ailment in the current period but also to enhance her
quality of life in the long run.
Traditional Medical Approach and Ineffectiveness
The conventional medical strategy employed for Sally’s persistent ailment predominantly
emphasized pharmacological remedies and symptom control. Notwithstanding Sally’s
compliance with medication and treatment regimens, her condition has not exhibited significant
amelioration. The lack of effectiveness can be ascribed to multiple factors, one of which is the
intricate nature of the ailment. Chronic illnesses frequently entail numerous elements and related
symptoms, rendering them difficult to manage exclusively through pharmacological
interventions. Another variable to consider is that certain pharmaceuticals utilized for the
management of chronic illnesses may elicit unfavorable secondary outcomes, thereby affecting
the patient’s holistic welfare and standard of living. The third factor pertains to the possibility
that conventional medical interventions may solely target symptoms without comprehensively
examining the root causes of the ailment, which may result in suboptimal disease management.
3
Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) Approach
Given the constraints of conventional medical practices, adopting a complementary and
alternative medicine (CAM) approach may present advantages in managing Sally’s chronic
ailment and enhancing her overall well-being. Integrating complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM) with conventional medical treatments can offer additional support. It is
imperative to thoroughly assess the distinct CAM methodologies and their appropriateness for
Sally’s ailment.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities, such as acupuncture, herbal
remedies, and mind-body techniques, can offer supplementary relief from symptoms, mitigate
stress, and enhance overall well-being. These methodologies frequently prioritize the resolution
of underlying factors of the ailment and the advancement of organic recuperation. Nevertheless,
there exist certain limitations associated with CAM. The efficacy of CAM modalities for
particular chronic illnesses may not be substantiated by substantial scientific evidence. It is
imperative to guarantee the safety and proper regulation of any complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM) intervention while ensuring that it does not impede conventional medical
treatments. It is imperative to exercise prudence in evaluating the concordance and plausible
interplay amid complementary and alternative medicine modalities and Sally’s extant
pharmacological regimen.
Lifestyle Modifications
Empirical evidence has consistently demonstrated that lifestyle modifications,
encompassing physical activity, nutrition, and stress management, are pivotal in managing
chronic illnesses and enhancing the quality of life. Integrating lifestyle modifications can
4
substantially aid in managing Sally’s chronic illness and improve her overall quality of life.
Several suggested modifications for Sally are as follows;
Physical Activity
Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle and has been shown to
have numerous benefits for physical and mental health. Empirical evidence has demonstrated
that routine physical activity yields many health advantages, particularly for those with persistent
medical conditions. Cardiovascular activities like brisk walking or cycling can enhance
cardiovascular health, boost endurance, and facilitate weight management (CDC, 2022 b).
Resistance training activities such as weightlifting or utilizing resistance bands have been shown
to improve muscular strength, joint stability, and bone mineral density (American Heart
Association, 2022). Physical activities that enhance flexibility, such as yoga or stretching,
facilitate the development of flexibility, balance, and mobility. By implementing a customized
exercise regimen, Sally can attain weight reduction, enhanced body composition, heightened
levels of vitality, and improved physical welfare.
Nutrition
Adequate nutrition is a crucial component in the management of chronic illnesses and the
preservation of general well-being. Consulting with a licensed dietitian will facilitate Sally in
implementing a well-rounded dietary regimen customized to her requirements (Williams et al.,
2015). Prioritizing portion control and integrating more nutritious food options, such as whole
grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, can facilitate her weight management objectives
while supplying vital nutrients (CDC, 2022). Maintaining a well-balanced diet has been found to
have beneficial effects on regulating blood glucose levels, managing cholesterol levels, reducing
inflammation, and improving overall health and wellness.
5
Stress Management
Chronic illnesses frequently entail emotional and psychological difficulties; professional
stress management is imperative for holistic health. Participating in stress-alleviating endeavors,
such as enrolling in a support group or undergoing therapy, can give Sally advantageous
mechanisms for managing stress, bolstering emotional well-being, and inspiring her to persevere.
The activities above facilitate establishing a secure environment wherein she can articulate her
apprehensions, exchange experiences with individuals encountering similar obstacles, and
acquire novel strategies to cope with stress. Through stress management techniques, Sally can
mitigate anxiety, enhance her emotional state, bolster her ability to adapt to adversity, and foster
favorable outcomes for her mental health.
Wellness Strategies
In accordance with established guidelines, the ensuing wellness tactics are suggested for
Sally’s particular requirements. Sally’s stress management and general health can benefit from
incorporating mindfulness-based stress reduction practices like meditation and yoga.
Additionally, Sally’s social connections, sense of purpose, and well-being as a person in society
can all benefit from the encouragement to get out more, do new things, and give back to her
community.
Plan of Action
It is imperative for Sally to effectively manage her chronic disease and enhance her
quality of life by implementing wellness strategies through a personalized plan of action. By
adhering to the prescribed procedures, Sally can adopt preemptive measures to tackle her health
issues and strive towards attaining maximum wellness.
6
To establish a customized exercise regimen, it is recommended that Sally seek the
guidance of a certified fitness expert who can evaluate her present physical abilities and create a
workout program customized to her requirements. The proposed strategy must consider the
individual’s medical status, objectives for weight reduction, and personal preferences. The
recommended regimen should comprise a blend of cardiovascular activities, such as brisk
ambulation or cycling, to enhance cardiovascular fitness and facilitate weight reduction (Kim et
al., 2018). Resistance training activities such as weightlifting or resistance band exercises have
the potential to enhance muscle strength and optimize body composition. Furthermore,
integrating flexibility exercises, such as stretching or yoga, can augment joint mobility and
overall flexibility. Consistent engagement in physical exercise can facilitate weight control,
enhance cardiovascular well-being, elevate emotional state, and augment vitality.
It is recommended that Sally seek nutritional counseling from a registered dietitian to
assess her current dietary habits and develop a personalized meal plan. The dietitian will consider
Sally’s health status, objectives for managing her weight, and dietary requirements. The optimal
meal plan should prioritize attaining a well-balanced nutritional intake, appropriate portion sizes,
and the inclusion of healthier food alternatives (Williams et al., 2015). The dietary approach may
prioritize the consumption of unrefined grains, low-fat sources of protein, fruits, vegetables, and
unsaturated fats, while restricting the intake of processed foods, sweets, and high-energy drinks.
The dietitian is capable of offering recommendations regarding mindful eating strategies,
including the recognition of hunger and satiety signals, as well as the implementation of portion
management techniques (Williams et al., 2015). Consistent follow-up consultations with a
registered dietitian can facilitate monitoring progress, implementation of required modifications,
and provision of sustained assistance and direction.
7
It is also recommended that Sally consider enrolling in a support group or availing of
therapy services to effectively manage the emotional aspects of her chronic disease. Support
groups offer a forum for individuals who share common conditions to exchange coping
strategies, mutual support, and the sharing of experiences. This may assist Sally in experiencing
a sense of comprehension, affirmation, and reduced isolation in her voyage.
Future Benefits and Research Justification
Incorporating the suggestions above would not solely aid Sally in effectively managing
her persistent ailment and enhancing her current standard of living but also serve as a valuable
contribution to her future welfare. Empirical evidence substantiates the beneficial effects of
lifestyle modifications, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions, and
holistic wellness strategies in managing chronic illnesses and promoting enduring health
outcomes (Williams et al., 2015). Sustained improvements in chronic disease management and
overall well-being can be achieved by addressing underlying causes, adopting a holistic care
approach, and integrating evidence-based practices, as demonstrated in Sally’s case.
Conclusion
Integrating complementary alternative medicine techniques, lifestyle adjustments, and
evidence-based wellness methodologies can enable Sally to cope proficiently with her chronic
ailment while enhancing her overall well-being. The recommendations above aim to mitigate the
constraints of the conventional medical approach, consider Sally’s requirements and strive to
foster sustained physical and mental health. Collaboration with healthcare professionals,
adherence to a personalized plan of action, and consistent evaluation of the efficacy of
implemented strategies are imperative for Sally to enhance her health outcomes.
8
References
Kim, H. G., Cheon, E. J., Bai, D. S., Lee, Y. H., & Koo, B. H. (2018). Stress and heart rate
variability: a meta-analysis and review of the literature. Psychiatry investigation, 15(3),
235.
Williams, E. P., Mesidor, M., Winters, K., Dubbert, P. M., & Wyatt, S. B. (2015). Overweight
and obesity: prevalence, consequences, and causes of a growing public health
problem. Current obesity reports, 4, 363-370.
CDC. (2022, March 21). Obesity Basics – Causes of Obesity. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/causes.html
American Heart Association. (2022, July 26). Stress and heart health. www.heart.org.
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/stress-andheart-health
CDC. (2022 b., July 12). Heart attack symptoms, risk, and recovery. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_attack.html