From Nancy Healey:
I have written many times about volunteering as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman for the past sixteen years. In 1978 Congress amended the Older Americans Act to establish long term care Ombudsman (a Swedish word that means “advocate”) to serve the frail vulnerable residents in long-term care facilities. I have learned how critical having an advocate is through my volunteering because sadly so many people in facilities have no visitors and no advocates, but this really hit home for me recently.
I had a wonderful 18-day trip to Japan in October. When I returned. I was diagnosed with pneumonia and Cdif and spent 9 days in our community hospital. My daughter lives about an hour from me and my son lives across the country. They both came the day I was admitted and one or both of them were there every day. My care was very good but knowing my family was there particularly when I was first admitted was so important. It is hard to overestimate the positive effect on my recovery. One of my doctors reminded me how fortunate I was to have family support because there are so many people who do not.
I was pretty sick when I was first admitted and really could not do anything for myself. Being helpless is not normal for me and having to ask for someone’s assistance for every tiny thing is very difficult. It is hard to even imagine being that dependent and realizing that you were going to have to wait a long time before anyone will come to help you. Sadly, this is not an uncommon situation in some care facilities today.
An article from NPR in April 2024 addresses the new staffing rules from Medicare and Medicaid Services and the many issues involved in implementing them. If you are a senior or have a senior in your life, reading this would be an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the many challenges in our long-term care facilities.
I personally know many seniors who have no family support. Forbes reports that over 14 million older adults live alone in the US. Years ago most people lived in close proximity to other family members who would be there when help was needed. Now that is not the norm, leaving many seniors alone and vulnerable.
Everyone does not have to belong to an organization like the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, but every one of us can look out for our neighbors and friends and step up when they need help or just a little support. A short visit or card can mean so much to a person in the hospital or care facility. Having visitors also lets the staff know that someone is watching out for you.
Thank you again to my family for their support and the time they spent with me at the hospital. I will always be grateful. There are a lot of people in our community who unselfishly spend their time in many ways helping those who at some point in their lives need help. I see them every day and am very grateful that they are living in my community.