I am working on a certificate in online education and while developing a class on the Biology of Aging I read several articles on aging theories. This link to the American Federation for Aging Research will give you and overview of the theories related to the why and how of aging: http://websites.afar.org/site/PageServer?pagename=IA_b_the_home.
In my work life as assisted living director at a continuing care retirement community, I grapple with the realities of the aging process. Theories really become irrelevant in the day to day struggle of seniors to achieve quality of life in their later years. My job is to create and maintain quality of life for the seniors under my care, however, when the line between a comfortable life and a life of pain and suffering is crossed, I struggle with the usual protocol we are mandated to follow involving doctor visits, hospital stays, and temporary stays in skilled nursing.
Aging theories tell us that our body will age to the point that our systems can no longer support sustainable life and then we will die. The reality of our existence is that life is finite and cannot continue forever. Why then, as a society to we search for the fountain of youth? Wouldn't it be better to accept the realities of the aging process and plan for quality of life rather than unattainable nirvana.
The economic systems that our nation has set up, namely Social Security and Medicare, to provide retirement and health care benefits for all those 65+ are straining under the burden of an increasingly aging population. Bankruptcy looms on the horizon as more seniors are asking their doctors to prescribe more medication and order more tests to achieve perfect health.
The end of life is a normal part of the aging process and should be socially accepted as such. Your thoughts are welcome.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Is Aging in Place in Assisted Living Realistic?
I wrote my Masters of Science in Gerontology thesis on the topic of aging in place in assisted living. While it is a noble premise, aging in place is one of those concepts that is easier said than done.
Assisted living generally is offered as a social model of care, in that, medical services are available only in the docotor's office or hospital. As aging in place occurs and the need for more care arises, residents find themselves without the medical support they require. Families who expected their loved ones to be taken care of find themselves burdened with frequent trips to the doctor's office or hospital.
Solutions to the aging in place dilemna are not black and white. Given the realities of the aging process, that health conditions will change, ususally deteriorate over time, flexible solutions are required.
Responses to a questionnaire regarding helpful solutions to aging in place in assisted living list support from family members, flexible staffing levels, expertise of staff members and the physical environment of the facility as most helpful in coping with aging in place.
The reality of aging is that a time will come when a move to a more appropriate level of care will be recommended. Because transitions are one of the most traumatic parts of providing care, the moe lead time given before a transition is warranted the better.
Assisted living generally is offered as a social model of care, in that, medical services are available only in the docotor's office or hospital. As aging in place occurs and the need for more care arises, residents find themselves without the medical support they require. Families who expected their loved ones to be taken care of find themselves burdened with frequent trips to the doctor's office or hospital.
Solutions to the aging in place dilemna are not black and white. Given the realities of the aging process, that health conditions will change, ususally deteriorate over time, flexible solutions are required.
Responses to a questionnaire regarding helpful solutions to aging in place in assisted living list support from family members, flexible staffing levels, expertise of staff members and the physical environment of the facility as most helpful in coping with aging in place.
The reality of aging is that a time will come when a move to a more appropriate level of care will be recommended. Because transitions are one of the most traumatic parts of providing care, the moe lead time given before a transition is warranted the better.
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