Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor

While attending a community event, I was sharing some of my work experiences at a local long term care facility. No information shared was of a personal nature, but I had made an observation on how nearly all individuals ask that their food be cooked ‘almost to mush’.

A comment made by an individual, who stated “You will have to drag me kicking and screaming before I go into one of those places,” made me smile because I knew of a few people who wish they could still kick and scream!

Elderly care is the fulfillment of the special needs and requirements that are unique to senior citizens. This broad term encompasses such services as assisted living, adult day care, long term care, nursing homes, hospice care, and home care. Elderly care emphasizes the social and personal requirements of senior citizens who need some assistance with daily activities and health care, but who desire to age with dignity.

As I left the nursing home a sad-looking woman suddenly burst into tears. The nurse rushed over, took her hands gently, and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s so hard,” the woman answered. “It’s just so hard.” What did she mean? I did not understand her comment then, but after 12 years of caregiving experience, I understand it now. Coming to the end of your life is hard.

The definition of “frail elderly” has become clearer in recent years. The clinical features of the frail elderly include loss of strength, weight loss, limited physical activity, lack of endurance, and fatigue.

Frailty is a vitally important issue in the treatment of the elderly. It is something that most people who live to an advanced age will probably face. Frailty can strongly affect how an elderly person will respond to medical treatment, as well as how long and how well they will live. Surprisingly, though common, it remains poorly understood.

Part of the problem is that it defies exact definition. Frailty is not really a disease but rather a combination of the natural aging process and a variety of medical problems. It is a little like the classic definition of pornography — experts may disagree on exactly what it is, but most people know frailty when they see it.

Frailty may not be a disease, but there is no question that certain diseases and medical problems play a large role in it.

Life is indeed hard for the frail elderly. Your attention and love will make it easier.

An Advocate for the FRAIL ELDERS living at home and in a Home.

Teresa ‘Kahnakeh:we’ Doxtdator

Turtle Clan