Where is the “Care” in “Healthcare”
January 30, 2012 | Leave a Comment
The conversation was brief with many marked pauses on my part as I tried to stifle a scream.
“My father was seen a week ago at your office. He was put on Lasix for some crackling in his lungs but appears to be getting worse. He’ll be at your office this afternoon for a scheduled test. Is there someone available to listen to his chest?” I stressed his age and health history–something I would hope not to have to do, since I was speaking to his own primary care office. ” He will be 95 in a couple weeks. He has a history of pneumonia.”
Beep… beep… beep… the phone chirped like a heart monitor while I was put on hold.
“His primary care doctor is concerned; she doesn’t know what is going on.”
She’s concerned. I’m concerned. Which is why I’m calling–to find out what is going on.
“My father will be at your office today,” I repeat. “My parents are in their 90s. They have already arranged transportation for today for a prearranged office for another matter. Could someone see him?”
“No. We have nothing available. They should go to the emergency room.” Should they fly on a magic carpet?
“Could he be seen sometime tomorrow then?” They will have transportation available tomorrow.
“No.”
Really? Nothing can be arranged to postpone the scheduled routine visit–he will be at the office anyway– for a look-see by someone capable to assess a pressing health concern? I swallow hard to suppress the scream.
“No. They need to go to the emergency room.”
And so, I hung up to try to rearrange the day; to urge my mother to make the extra trip to the emergency room; to convince them that making these new arrangements will not “inconvenience” anyone; to impress upon both my mother and my father that he needs to be seen by a doctor, despite the indifference of their primary care office. And I scream so loud inside my head that my brain surges against my scull like a tsunami, breaking out as tears that surge uncontrollably down my cheeks.
Where is the care? How has this system gone so terribly wrong?
Assistsed Living for Elderly Inmates–Is this a Joke?
January 19, 2012 | Leave a Comment
The excesses of government are a hot topic in this year before an election. Social service agencies and private citizens have tightened their belts to muddle through this floundering economy; how is it possible, then, that the governor of Massachusetts has proposed overhauling the prison system to include assisted living facilities to provide comfort to our aging inmates? What can he possibly be thinking, when so many of our oldest-old are currently without comprehensive caring or safe and decent housing options?
The cost of assisted living facilities is Massachusetts is off the dial. I know this because I have recently visited a half dozen or more such facilities in search of a proper environment for my own nonagenarian parents. Their nose-to-the-grindstone generation is left wondering where to find suitable, affordable housing to comfortably live out the balance of their lives while Governor Patrick plans to pamper felons in their golden years. Shame on you, Governor. Consider, first, the law abiding elderly who led productive lives and who never spent beyond their means. Consider those who served their country, who selflessly raised a generation of boomers and who believed that if they worked hard and saved their pennies, all would be right in the world. Put some of that creative thinking to better use to provide our oldest-old with the dignity and respect they deserve, a safe and affordable environment for those who are unable to age in place. Please, think again, Mr. Governor.
Travel a Bridge Between in Norway
February 16, 2011 | Leave a Comment
Highway 64 in Norway: five miles; 8 bridges; years in the construction; one of the most amazing road trips in the world! Check it out in this (uncredited) PowerPoint presentation: Â
Seniors Coping With Loss
February 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Once again, the NY Times has generated a thoughtful article in their health section, The New Old Age. Seniors deal with loss on many levels, not the least of which is the passing of their friends and contemporaries–a type of survivor guilt, if you will. Paula Span explores the topic in her touching post “Words for Seniors Facing Loss.”
Memoir Contest
January 24, 2010 | Leave a Comment
In the quest to find a literary agent I have run across a creative opportunity offered by Chuck Sambuchino of the Guide to Literary Agents. January’s contest is for memoirs and narrative non-fiction, details available on his blog. Much appreciated, Chuck!
A Youthful Spirit
November 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Enjoy this spontaneous exhibition in the lobby of the Mayo Clinic by an older couple celebrating life to the fullest.
Mayo Clinic Atrium Piano Players
Navigating the Maze of Elder Affairs
September 29, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Many of my friends and I seem to be learning a lot about things we’d rather not know. Those of us involved with family and friends who are going through the aging process face issues regarding health, housing and financial matters on an entirely new level. Where can one turn for accurate and useful information?
The internet is a wonderful tool but Googling your way through serious issues is a challenge all its own. How do you know that the websites you’re reading are legitimate? Reading between the lines of many online venues I find that much of the information presented for geriatric support is actually more business advertising than advice. Paid advice seems relatively easy to locate – whether the provider is reliable, professional and honest is harder to determine.
From recent experience, I can suggest that an excellent place for anyone looking for elder care information is your local Council on Aging. The National Council on Aging is a good place to start. Look to your local agency for guidance on where to turn for legal, housing and health care information in your area.