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Senior End Of Life Care Article

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What Is Needed For Senior Health Care

from: Kyle Besser

Senior health care is an all encompassing term since the elderly are afflicted with so many illnesses that will determine the type of health care they require. The first thing family members need is information on what to do and where to get help and support. Some of the health issues and senior concerns that are important when talking about senior health care include:

Access To Medical Care

Access to medical care is very important to seniors, so special attention is needed in selecting the best senior health care. One consideration is to ensure that seniors are as close as possible to medical help if the need arises.

Access To Medication

Seniors care means ensuring that the elderly have access to drugs and medication they need easily and at the most affordable cost. Seniors and their caregivers should be made aware of the availability of cheaper generic drugs where possible.

Access To Appropriate Residential Facilities

Senior living facilities and nursing homes are an important part of senior health care needs. Some questions to ask when determining senior care in terms of residence are:

*Can the senior live at home alone?
*Can the senior live at home with assistance?
*Can the senior be moved into an assisted residence facility?
*Will the senior need to be placed in a health care facility?

Once these questions are answered, deciding on the best residential facility for seniors becomes easier. Based on the health care needs of the senior, some facilities can be automatically eliminated because a senior needing assistance has to be placed in a facility that offers this or make use of in-home care. In-home nursing as part of senior health care is not just medical in nature. Many in-home nursing care programs provide companionship to the elderly and will provide assistance with transportation, leisure activities, running errands and doing light housework. Many elderly persons are shut-ins and are unable to leave home regularly.

Over all, senior health care is much more than just medical care. Seniors care includes the emotional and spiritual well being of the elderly. This means keeping the elderly occupied with creative activities such as crafts, movies and trips where possible.

The persons taking care of seniors should be suited to the task. The job of caregiver to the elderly can be extremely demanding and stressful. Senior care calls for patience and a genuine love for the elderly among us.

Finally, senior end of life care is an important aspect of senior health care even though it is an unpleasant thought. Making sure that our aged loved ones are well taken care of in their final days is important not only for the seniors but their caregivers as well.

Senior-Citizen-Health-Care Online News

Cancer Patients Discuss End-of-Life Care with Physician but Often Late

A Dana-Farber Cancer Institute study suggests that many terminally ill cancer patients do talk with a doctor about their preferences for end-of-life care, but those conversations often occur late in the course of their illness. Furthermore, the conversations tended to be with a hospital-based physician and not their oncologist who has been caring for them.

Right time for 'end-of-life' talk

The vast majority of patients with incurable lung or colorectal cancer talk with a physician about their options for care at the end of life, but often not until late in the course of their illness, according to a new study by Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute investigators published in the Feb. 7 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Should You Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?

As life expectancy increases, so do the costs associated with aging, especially when seniors need help with daily tasks like dressing or eating. A 2011 MetLife survey shows that the national average cost for a home health aide was $21,840 annually, while a private room in a nursing home cost $87,235 per year in 2011.

SENIOR SIGNALS: Elder care not always covered by insurance

Dear Attorney Tully: Ten years ago, my grandmother became ill and needed nursing home care. I wish I heard of you then. She lost everything she owned to the nursing home in 18 months. Now my father is ill and I don’t want my mom to lose everything. He is in a nursing home now and Medicare will end in three weeks.