Learning Objective #1: Identify chronic health issues and priorities in teaching self-care to independent older adults in the community

Learning Objective #2: Develop teaching strategies that can empower older adults to be aware of both services and Internet resources to promote self-care

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Background: Nurses need to assess the health care needs of older adults and promote positive self-care within the community. As chronic health conditions are among the leading causes of death and disability with this population there needs to be opportunities for older adults to obtain information, seek clarification, and obtain social support.

Purpose: Health promotion and teaching positive self-care is the role of the nurse working with older adults. When assuming the role of advocate, case manager, case finder, counselor, or educator it is important to note that any one person cannot provide for these health care needs in isolation. There needs to be a better understanding amongst health care providers of alternative ways to provide education and instruction to older adults in the community. Learning to live with a chronic disease or comply with medications is an ongoing process.

Design and Methodology: Over the past five years, nursing students and their clinical instructor have been working with older adults in the community on weekly health education programs. They have assisted with a Needs Assessment, planned interactive health teaching programs, and developed a 1:1 computer-assisted health education dialogue entitled: “Ask A Nurse.” The outcome of these efforts resulted in the development of a personal health portfolio for older adults.

Implications: This program was designed to present a model for nurses to review in planning health education programs for older adults. In today's economy, nurses need to create learning opportunities regarding prevention, risk reduction, and effective management of chronic diseases.