wellnesscenterusa.comPosted on 1/14/2008 by Karilee Bingham, R.N., B.S.
No one likes to think about being injured or ill, but planning ahead can make sure that you receive the best care.
Here's an example: You fall and break your hip. The ambulance arrives. Which hospital do you want to go to?
Most would answer the hospital that their primary care provider is affiliated with, or the regional trauma center. These might not be the best hospitals for your care. Sure, an orthopedic trauma surgeon will fix your hip, but what about the other things that can happen during a hospitalization? A 70 year old with a fracture is much different than a 20 year old with one. Recent studies have shown that older adults are at higher risk of complications the longer they stay in the hospital. The best place to be is a facility with a Geriatric Fracture Center (GFC). These are popping up around the country, and they provide superior care to older adults with fractures because the care is co-managed by a geriatrician as well as an orthopedic surgeon. Older adults who are cared for by a GFC have lower incidences of complications including infections, and they have shorter hospital stays. An ounce of prevention: Calcium and Vitamin D, possibly along with a prescription bisphosphonate (Boniva, Fosamax) is your health care provider recommends.
Another thing older adults need to think about is which hospital you would want to go to if you become ill. There is a special kind of hospital unit that caters to the care of older adults living in the community called Acute Care for Elders (ACE), or Goal Related Acute Care for Elders (GRACE). The nurses and physicians caring for you on this unit are specially trained in the care of older adults, and this type of care has been shown to reduce the rate of delirium, depression, and functional decline that many older adults experience during an acute care hospitalization. An ounce of prevention: Regular exercise, healthy diet, no smoking, minimal drinking, seeing your health care provider regularly, and a complete multi-vitamin taken daily.
Don't wait until you're sick or injured to let your feelings be known. Do you ever want CPR, or to be on a ventilator? What about a feeding tube? How do you feel about organ donation? Who do you want making these decisions for you? The horrible battle over the care of Terri Schiavo could've been prevented with a single document. A health care proxy gives you the opportunity to state your wishes, and designate people to make decisions for you in the event that you are unable to make them for yourself. Keep in mind that this doesn't go into effect unless you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Now I know it can be uncomfortable talking with your family about these things, but it is so important to do so. After many years in the health care field I've found that children and spouses of patients are much more at peace about making decisions for their loved ones when they know they are following their wishes. Having this discussion with your family while you are healthy is one of the best gifts you can give.