Читать книгу Making The Right Move - Gillian Eades Telford - Страница 11

Most of the definitions in Making the Right Move are from literature published by British Columbia’s Ministry of Health and Ministry Responsible for Seniors. However, the general concepts of elder health care may be applied wherever you live in North America or around the world.

Throughout the book, I have used personal stories to illustrate how the complicated health care system works. All the stories are true, although the names have been changed for reasons of privacy.

The elders of today are mothers and fathers of the leading-edge baby boomers who are now in their 50s. At each stage of their lives, boomers have changed systems and institutions such as schools and universities. So too will they change the health system and the use of nursing homes. Already health care cuts have resulted in longer line-ups for surgery and limits in home care. This makes it all the more important for you to consider your options so that you can make the right move on terms that suit you.

A Nursing Home Success: Mr. Mckenzie’s Story

Mr. McKenzie lived alone since his wife died. His children lived across the country, and while they phoned occasionally, he had lost interest in their lives and was depressed about his own life. Although Mr. McKenzie had been an active volunteer for the Lions Club, over the years, he had lost interest in anything to do with his community. At 87 years old, he just did not feel well enough, and it was too much effort to go out. He just sat in a chair all day watching tv.

His diabetes was out of control because he wasn’t eating properly, and he had a huge ulcer on his right ankle that refused to heal. Diabetes and lack of circulation were not his only problems. He had congestive heart failure that made him short of breath even when he was moving slowly between his living room and kitchen. Arthritis made his joints hurt all the time, especially his hips and knees.

When Mr. Mckenzie’s daughter came out for a visit one summer, she was shocked to see his horrid condition. She took him to his doctor, who suggested that he should consider moving into a nursing home because he needed care. Although he was not happy at the prospect, his daughter convinced him that it was the best solution.

Having made the decision, Mr. Mckenzie and his daughter talked with a couple of different nursing home operators, before choosing Golden Years Nursing Home as his new home. Although Golden Years was across town from his grandchildren, whom he liked to visit, it was close to downtown, where the action was. The home also had a private room available, which was an essential requirement for Mr. Mckenzie, who could not contemplate having a roommate after living alone all these years.

Now, after only three short months of living at Golden Years, Mr. Mckenzie is a different person. His medical conditions have all improved dramatically. He eats well and now only needs a small pill for his diabetes. His congestive heart failure is under control through medication, and the ulcer on his leg has cleared up with the use of a new medicated dressing. Even his arthritis is not such a problem because he is doing weights three times a week in the gym under the direction of the physiotherapist.

He is also much happier than when he lived on his own. He is well-groomed, with his beard neatly trimmed. His clothes are pressed and clean, and his shoes are shiny. He is an early riser, so he has breakfast from the hot steam table set near the kitchen for all early risers like him. They have a breakfast group of about eight people. The other clients cherish Mr. Mckenzie because he is one of the few men in the home. The women and the staff really like him. He even has a new girlfriend, Pam, who comes to see him daily. He is busy. He loves woodworking in the shop and making toys for his great grandchildren. Pub nights are his favorite night of the week when Pam joins him. Because of her, he even goes to church again, and they meet yet another time in the week on this outing.

The computer club is a boon to his existence. He is now in touch with his kids and plays bridge on the Internet because he is above the level of the players in this home. He gets on a chat-line early in the morning with his daughter who is in a different time zone. Mr. Mckenzie has a new outlook on life. It is fun again. He looks forward to new developments each day. Learning the computer was a long process for him. The activity director at Golden Years spent many hours patiently teaching him, and fortunately, all that time has paid off: he now teaches other elders and leads the computer group that meets three times a week.

In fact, Mr McKenzie is feeling and doing so well that he is thinking of moving into the independent-living apartment complex next door. He could still see all his new friends, participate in the activities as he chooses, and have all his meals provided. In addition, he is thinking he could marry Pam so they can do these activities together.

Mr. McKenzie’s success story shows how admission to a nursing home can be a positive experience. The nursing homes of today are not all filled with sick, crazy people who don’t know where they are, nor do the facilities have an aura of gloom, darkness, and hopelessness. They can be very attractive, positive places to live, and many people thrive and improve wonderfully after admission because they receive the care they need and are no longer lonely, isolated, or bored.