CBC Story: "Nursing Homes"

What is interesting about this story is that reporters are covering issues that are far more complex than that which can be covered in a webpage. This article, based on my research, provides much good information but until you talk to someone who has been through this, you might not understand all that is required of caregivers and family members, like myself, who become alternate decision makers. Comments on the web sites can be trite or inaccurate, journalists may be uniformed - but that is another story.

There are some misconceptions out there in the public. For one, we don't call them nursing homes any more. There are very few 'nurses' actually in them! They are called Long-Term Care homes and are regulated in Ontario by the government.

Most of the care is provided by Personal Support Workers (PSW) who have taken the course in a college. Of course, this certificate is not mandatory, and not all institutions have this requirement. They are staffed with physiotherapists, and dieticians. But the PSWs are in an unregulated profession. Some LTC homes do not require certificates. Many PSWs are phenomenal people, but all should be trained. I never met a PSW who was incompetent, but as a family member who visited regularly, they came to know and respect me. I, in turn, demontrated respect for them. It is a difficult job with remuneration befitting those with only some college courses, and one which ought to have much more training and support to ensure higher standards across the province.

There is a lack of PSW staff in most areas, as with all people involved in health care in Ontario. The best staff can move to profit or non-profit LTC and they draw nurses and physicians. Geriatricians are the lowest paid doctors, yet they deliver services to the most complex cases: our frail seniors.

The big issue regarding violence in LTC, arises from lack of staff. There are frustrations in caring for too many seniors with too few staff members. In addition, those seniors who used to be cared for in mental health institutions, are now on the street, or in hospital waiting to be discharged to a LTC home. Those with dementia are angry and violent and require secure facilities. Those with mental health issues, e.g., schizophrenia, or biploar disorder, or depression, do not fit in with frail seniors who posess all their faculties.

Visiting Dad's Lawyer

7/17/06
Dad’s lawyer has to evaluate Dad to see whether he is competent or not. He will do an assessment of Dad’s capacity. Power of Attorney is important in situations like this.

I am going to take control of Dad’s financial matters, since Dad cannot even write a check. We have power of attorney for this. Dad was violently opposed to this in June. He thought he could still keep track of things. We have to check out and renew insurance: life, car, home. As boarders living in Dad’s house Brian and I have tenant insurance.

It is important to seek the help of professionals, especially in the light of privacy laws, and legal issues that may arise. It took me more than a year to settle the estate as executor.

the twilight years

I read a article a long time ago. The author speaks of low-income students who
-don't have positive experiences
-do not appreciate their own value
-do not believe they fit into the system
-don't know where they are supposed to be in life
-their lives do not have value
-they do not have goals.

This photo shows our friend who continues to work the garden of one retirement home. It keeps her healthy and happy.

It strikes me that this is the condition of many of our seniors. As they age, they have not adapted to aging bodies. Sometimes they are unable to adapt or cannot understand why their bodies have let them down. This find their physical limitations provide a barrier to a life well-lived. Quality of life changes with the aging process. It is difficult for those with the early stages of dementia, for example, to comprehend their situations.

Many seniors deny their ill-health and make their situations worse for both themselves and their loved ones. Unfortunately, high blood pressure is symptomless and women, especially, need to be monitored for this disease as it cannot always be predicted and is underdiagnosed. The Heart & Stroke Foundation has a great website that allows one to identify your risk and find ways to prevent or control high blood pressure.

We know that all of us benefit by health living choices. The vagaries of old age can be ameliorated by changing aspects of our lifestyle. But these changes are difficult when set in our ways.

• Eating well
• Getting active (30 - 60 min./day)
• Watching your weight
• Living Smoke Free
• Reducing stress
• Reducing fats and sugars

For those afflicted with psychosocial issues, they may be unable to make and changes and family and friends must assist them. Of course, prevention is the best answer.