(a minimum of 1000 words)
A. Windshield Survey
The Windshield Survey is comprised of general qualitative observations that give you a snapshot of the community that you can capture as you drive/walk through the community. The demographic data can be obtained online, through the public library, county or township administration buildings. Please address the following in a narrative format following APA guidelines:
1.Geographical description
Boundaries, geographical, political, or economic, how is it seen.
Housing a zoning
Sign of decay
2. Health Resources
a. Type of services available: health department, private MD, dentist, hospital clinic,
b. pharmacy, health promotion, mental health
c. School and occupational health services
d. Official and voluntary services
e. Self help and support groups
f. Service organizations, faith-based programs
g. Stores (grocery, retail, drug, dry cleaning, etc.
h. Transportation
3. Citizen safety and protective services
a. Police and fire
b. Shelters for victims of abuse
c. Others: neighborhood watch etc.
4. Services provided by senior citizens senior centers, meals on wheels, transportation, day care, long term care.
a. Parks and recreational areas
5. Community welfare services beyond city/state aid as provisions for emergency food, shelter, and clothing.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The Windshield Survey is an essential tool for healthcare professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of a community’s health resources, geographical description, citizen safety, and welfare services. It involves observing and recording qualitative data on the community as one drives or walks through it. In this assignment, we will address various aspects of a community, including its geographical description, health resources, citizen safety, services provided by senior citizens, and community welfare services beyond city/state aid.
1. Geographical Description:
The geographical description encompasses the boundaries of the community, both geographical and political. It involves understanding how the community is seen in terms of its economic status and the presence of any specific landmarks or features. Additionally, it is important to assess housing and zoning patterns within the community. This can be done by observing the types of housing structures present and whether there are any signs of decay or neglect within the community.
2. Health Resources:
A thorough understanding of the health resources available within the community is crucial for healthcare professionals. This includes identifying the types of services available, such as health departments, private medical practitioners, dentists, hospital clinics, and pharmacies. It is also important to assess the presence of health promotion initiatives and mental health services. Furthermore, school and occupational health services, as well as official and voluntary services, should be examined. Other important resources to consider are self-help and support groups, service organizations, and faith-based programs. Finally, an assessment of the availability of stores, such as grocery, retail, drug, and dry cleaning stores, is essential. Transportation services also play a significant role in ensuring access to healthcare facilities.
3. Citizen Safety and Protective Services:
The well-being and safety of community members are of utmost importance. Therefore, evaluating citizen safety and protective services is crucial. This involves identifying the presence of police and fire departments within the community. Additionally, the availability of shelters for victims of abuse and the presence of neighborhood watch programs or similar initiatives should be assessed.
4. Services provided by Senior Citizens:
Senior citizens often require specialized services and support. Hence, it is important to evaluate the services provided to this demographic within the community. This includes identifying senior centers, meals on wheels programs, transportation services catered to the elderly population, daycares, and long-term care facilities. Furthermore, assessing the presence of parks and recreational areas is essential for promoting the overall well-being of senior citizens.
5. Community Welfare Services:
Beyond the aid provided by the city or state, communities often have additional welfare services in place. These services cater to emergency needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. It is vital to assess the availability and accessibility of such services within the community. This includes identifying organizations or programs that provide emergency food provisions, shelters, and clothing to those in need.
Conclusion:
Conducting a Windshield Survey provides invaluable insights into the overall health and well-being of a community. By examining the geographical description, health resources, citizen safety, services provided to senior citizens, and community welfare services, healthcare professionals can better understand the community’s strengths and areas for improvement. This knowledge enables healthcare providers to tailor interventions and services based on the specific needs of the community, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for its residents.
