Project Description:
This proposal addresses three of the priority areas: 1) access to care, 2) social isolation, and 3) educational attainment. The aim of this project is for seniors in Albany County, Wyoming to be able to use technology in their homes to access health care, purchase groceries and other household goods, and communicate with family and friends. Nursing students, who have an understanding of aging and patient safety in the context of COVID-19, will be educated to provide education and support to seniors to increase their confidence and use of technology to access care and decrease social isolation. This education of seniors could occur by phone or in person at home or in public settings, such as senior centers, depending on the status of COVID-19 and Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) and University of Wyoming (UW) guidelines for educational programming. Safety of seniors, nursing students and educators will be of utmost importance throughout the project. This project has been developed with scalability in mind so if successful it can be extended throughout Wyoming in partnership with Wyoming Coalition on Aging (WyCOA), Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND), AARP-Wyoming, community college nursing/health professions educational programs, primary care clinics and senior centers. Furthermore, this project was developed with community needs in mind. Ivinson Memorial Hospital, the sole acute care facility in Albany County, is in the process of completing a community needs assessment. Access and affordability of care and the shortage of health care professionals has been identified as a priority in this draft report. Behavioral health, substance abuse, specialized medical care and care coordination are also identified as unmet needs throughout the report. Interestingly, health literacy is also highlighted. This project will impact these needs by facilitating seniors access to care through technology and telehealth and enhance their health technology literacy.
Keyword(s):
nursing, COVID, assistive technology
Core Function(s):
Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Continuing Education/Community Training, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County
COVID-19 Related Data:
Yes
