Demographics in the United States have changed drastically over the years. The Baby Boomer generation, history’s largest cohort, is aging into their golden years. The repercussions of this massive population shift will affect not only the US, but all developed nations.
One of the primary concerns associated with aging populations is the increased demand for healthcare services. Elderly individuals often require specialized care due to the prevalence of chronic diseases and age-related conditions.
Engaging the elderly to live healthier lifestyles would alleviate the growing pressure on healthcare systems overburdened with work. As a healthcare practitioner, Ami Bulsara believes embracing the social determinants of health will go a long way to providing better care for the elderly, and other vulnerable populations.
The Social determinants of health (SDH) refer to the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, and work. SDH analyzes how these factors have a significant impact on their health and well-being, and provides holistic solutions that improve individuals’ physical health. These determinants extend beyond the traditional healthcare system and encompass various aspects of individual’s lives and their surrounding environments.
Ami Bulsara, a neonatal nurse, has experience providing these kinds of services to parents of patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
“Providing care is not just in terms of the baby’s physical health, but the mental and emotional health associated with the social determinants of health,” said Bulsara.
While Bulsara’s work as a nurse lies mainly in pediatrics, her health experience extends to other vulnerable people. Before becoming a nurse, Bulsara assisted doctors in different clinics through administrative & clinical roles.
“I started my career as a medical assistant, I worked for an OBGYN. I worked the front desk, I managed appointment books, did billing and insurance handling,” explained Bulsara. While not directly involved in providing clinical services, this early experience exposed Bulsara to the intricacies of American healthcare. That includes handling the overwhelming affordability crisis in the nation’s healthcare system.
According to the Organization for Economic Development (OECD), the US spends more than twice as much on healthcare than any other OECD country. Extreme costs and insurance problems can cause the sort of mental health problems Bulsara feels need to be alleviated through SDH. Properly addressing the social determinants of health is not a task that can be done solely in the healthcare industry, it will involve working with communities. Bulsara’s volunteer experience has added to her overall knowledge of how SDH can improve overall well-being.
“In terms of community involvement, I’ve been helping out at a senior’s daycare center for a couple of years now,” said Bulsara. “I help out with some recreational activities, like games and things like that we play or lead a yoga session, nothing too strenuous.”
Bulsara understands that physical and social activities are integral to the health of her patients, and the community at large. Always aiming to care for others, moving forward, Bulsara is furthering her education with a Master of Science & Nursing. With that accreditation, Bulsara can prescribe medication, as well as see her own patients. Ami Bulsara’s time working with the community empowered her to think of healthcare from a social level, and with her continuing education, she will get a chance to provide holistic care for her patients.
