Jane's Page

Jane Schwickerath is a MSW specializing in geriatric issues.

 

Welcome to Jane’s Page.

For the next year I’ll be writing about what I hope will be interesting topics to you. As a geriatric social worker I’ll target areas of the aging process that you might find challenging and potentially creating a barrier for living your life fully. My intention is to keep abreast with current research and report back to you. While I’d love to offer you a place to share your own collection of personal experiences and knowledge on different topics, the 60-Plus senior socials may be the best place to trade personal stories and we all encourage you to do just that.

I know that it’s been awhile since I’ve updated “Jane’s Page” and with apologies I’ll share the second installment.  It’s all about empowering you to be safe and secure. 

In September 2008 I attended the American Society on Aging West Coast Conference in San Francisco and one seminar in particular related to our 60+ senior population.  The topic was transitional care from hospital back home and what we learned was that 1) every patient has the right to refuse discharge until they can safely be returned home and that 2) most of us haven’t prepared for a medical crisis.  

Today in the real world hospital discharges happen too soon and with little warning for patients to make arrangements or they’re in no condition to do so. Two-thirds of all hospital discharges are people over 65. Little coordination exists between facilities (hospital to skilled nursing facility or hospital to home). Inadequate information regarding discharge care is provided. Sheets of information are handed to the patient, often still too sick to coordinate available resources. Often transportation home isn’t considered until release time. Prescriptions need to be filled. Families and loved ones are given inadequate training when they often sep in as caregivers on tasks such as preparing tube-feeding equipment, diet guidelines for diabetic control, wound cleaning, etc.   

LGBT seniors were mentioned as one of the high risk, vulnerable populations due to the higher level of isolation. But there’s HOPE in preparing ourselves before needs arise. Together the seminar participants created the following list to guide seniors in preventative measures before a crisis occurs.

A few important suggestions:

·        Think. Plan ahead. Talk with friends. BUDDY UP!

·        Complete your Advanced Health Care Directive and a springboard Financial Power of Attorney

·        Keep your medical records current and available, including medications.

·        Make arrangements for who will take care of the following needs:o       Collecting your mail.

    o       Paying your bills.

    o       Feeding your pets.

    o       Transporting you from the hospital to home.

    o       Picking up new medications and medical supplies.

    o       Who will be your gatekeeper and medical advocate? 

Click here to link to the full list and please take good care of yourselves.  If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at janes@diversitycenter.org.

Be well, Jane R. Schwickerath, MSW

    For a greater level of detail in a printable Word document, see this.

    Jane’s Page. Email me

 


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