By Lusungu Luhanga | Project Leader
Elderly Mobile Health Check-ups 73092
Introduction
Elderly Assistance Network (EAN) works to improve the health, dignity, and well-being of older people in vulnerable communities. Many elderly individuals face serious barriers in accessing healthcare due to poverty, mobility challenges and limited health services. Over the past three months, EAN conducted a community health check-up initiative aimed at identifying health conditions among elderly people and connecting them to appropriate care and support.
Project Objectives
Activities Implemented
During the reporting period, the project conducted community-based health check-ups for elderly individuals. A total of 119 older people were reached through health assessments that included blood pressure monitoring, general health assessments, and nutrition screenings. Through these assessments, 59 elderly individuals were identified as requiring advanced medical care. Among them, 11 elderly people were identified with serious eye problems requiring specialist assessment, and 8 elderly individuals require tuberculosisi (TB) screening. many older people were found living with long-standing untreated hypertension. some had stopped taking medication due to lack of access to healthcare facilities and financial constraints, leaving their conditions unmanaged. EAN is currently working to strengthen collaboration with Chileka Health Centre to facilitate referrals and ensure elderly beneficiaries receive advanced care and specialist support.
Nutrition Support
Nutrition assessment identified 22 older people as malnourished. With support from Gift of the Givers Foundation, these elderly beneficiaries are now receiving nutrition support including Likuni porridge, Chiponde ( peanut butter), and soya pieces. In addition, EAN organizes a weekly elderly feeding program every saturday, providing nutritious meals to elderly individuals. This program not helps address hunger but also creates an opportunity for social interaction and emotional support among older people.
Project Impact Summary
Indicator Results
Older people reached 119
Elderly identified needing advance care 59
Eye problems 11
TB assessment 8
Malnourished elderly identified 22
Weekly feeding program every saturday
Beneficiary Story
During one of community healthy visits, the EAN team met an elderly woman who had been living with persistent headaches and dizziness for several years. She had stopped visiting the health facility beacause she could afford transport and had no one to accompany her. During the health check-up, the team discovered that her blood pressure was dangerously high. She had not had her blood pressure checked in a long time and was not taking any medication. Through the project, she was referred for medical assessment and is now receiving follow-up support and motoring. This intervention may have prevented a serious health complication such as stroke. stories like this highlight the importance of community-based health screening and the urgent need to support vulnerable elderly individuals who are often left without access to basic healthcare services.
Challenges
Next Steps
EAN plans to continue strengthening its services by expanding community health screenings, strengthening referrals with health facilities, and increasing nutrition support for vulnerable elderly individuals. The organization will also continue mobilizing resources to improve access to regular monitoring for chronic conditions such such hypertension and diebetes.
Conclusion
The health check-up project has played an important role in identifying serious health challenges affecting older people in the community. Through health screenings, nutrition support, and partnerships with hhealthcare providers, EAN continues to improve the quality of life for vulnerable elderly individuals. However, the need remains significant. Continued support will help ensure that older people receive the healthcare, nutriition, and dignity they deserve.
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