Did the doctor tell you that a steep cognitive decline was a sign and result of a urinary tract infection? In the elderly, that's a UTI symptom. But that usually resets after treatment. Good luck!
There are care managers that can coordinate health care appointments, visits, doctors reports, and even submitting things to insurance companies, etc. The problem: They are very expensive and most of us can't afford it. If only that would available to everyone.
It's a mess. I'm sorry your mother-in-law is going through this disturbing and confusing experience. It infuriates me every time I ask the provider if x or y is covered by Medicare and they can't answer my question. Why not? I always think that there are so many people with cognitive issues or language issues who really can't manage that situation.
Aside from the system, the care of an elderly loved one is very hard. Sadly assisted living is probably not enough support. Taking meds consistently is an issue as are nighttimes. It’s a hard journey.
Don, you have it right, and I think the main problem is that healthcare should not be a privilege for those that can pay--it should be a right. Medicare for All would be the easiest fix. Of course, it would be expensive, but in the big picture, it would save money if people were not afraid to go for their checkups and have routine preventive care.
Of course, the extreme specialization is also a problem. There are head doctors, nose doctors, and doctors for the left hand and the right hand. And the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. I hope your mother-in-law survives the bureaucracy and gets better soon.
I'm so sorry everyone is going through this messy & frustrating process. I would add a third "C" to communication and coordination: Caring. Each person cares about their responsibility and is committed to carrying out their part correctly, and how that intersects with everyone else's. Following up, not making assumptions or hoping someone else connects the dots appropriately. Caring to see things through to optimum result.
I'm so sorry that your family is going through this. But--Bravo to you for reporting on this nightmare medical system. Since last November, I've been going through a similar situation with my 76-year-old aunt, who was hospitalized and sent to rehab for pneumonia. The compartmentalized communications from the rehab center medical staff and the billing department resulted in her Social Security income being illegally garnished. My aunt and I are weighing a lawsuit against the facility and a consult with the Maryland State's Attorney.
Hi Don, I'm so sorry you and your family are experiencing this all too common scenario for an aging loved one. I'm in the industry of what's called "long-term care," with years of experience both professionally and personally. I was my father's caregiver for 19 years after he had a stroke at the age of 62. The system does not adequately support the care of the elderly and disabled, but there are resources and information out there on how to navigate all this. A suggestion that may help you in the short term would be Geriatric Care Manager. These folks, typically nurses or social workers, do exactly what you described, they coordinate all the care providers as a single point of contact, with experience and knowledge. There is a fee, so the solution is not accessible to everyone. You can find out more about these individuals at alca.org.
Hi Don, this is such a well written piece. First of all, I am sorry that Lisa's mother and your family has had to suffer our uncoordinated system. Secondly, we do need major reform. The idea of a coordinator is an excellent one. My father was a doctor and he said that the most important health relationship that each of us has is our primary care doctor, or internist. I have found that to be true. And as we age, that relationship is tricky because as most of us age, we have had doctors who have retired recently. And that is especially true right after COVID. I would suggest that you consider writing about how each us can find a good primary care doctor after our doctor of 20-40 years retires. I have thoughts on that, should that be helpful. Thanks for your excellent writing.
Please, let's not hand this problem to the government. In the present climate, government health programs are being chainsawed into chaos. The idea of giving the NP in a doctors office the duty of coordinator is a good one. That person already knows the patient and can more easily coordinate their care instead of hiring another person, probably an outside resource, that will only add to the chain of chaotic communication and lag time. Excellent article, Don. Thank you. I spent a few days in a local hospital and the nursing staff was in disarray just in a 20-bed institution. A case like yours boggles the mind. I hope your MIL is doing better.
I'm living this with my mom. Her skilled nursing facility is all out of pocket. I'm the coordinator for everything. It's exhausting, time-consuming, and prohibitively expensive. My best wishes for everyone navigating out fractured system.
Did the doctor tell you that a steep cognitive decline was a sign and result of a urinary tract infection? In the elderly, that's a UTI symptom. But that usually resets after treatment. Good luck!
That's why we're holding our breath for a couple months to see how much she recovers her capacity.
That is absolutely true about UTIs.
There are care managers that can coordinate health care appointments, visits, doctors reports, and even submitting things to insurance companies, etc. The problem: They are very expensive and most of us can't afford it. If only that would available to everyone.
It's a mess. I'm sorry your mother-in-law is going through this disturbing and confusing experience. It infuriates me every time I ask the provider if x or y is covered by Medicare and they can't answer my question. Why not? I always think that there are so many people with cognitive issues or language issues who really can't manage that situation.
Aside from the system, the care of an elderly loved one is very hard. Sadly assisted living is probably not enough support. Taking meds consistently is an issue as are nighttimes. It’s a hard journey.
Indeed it is, Alice.
Don, you have it right, and I think the main problem is that healthcare should not be a privilege for those that can pay--it should be a right. Medicare for All would be the easiest fix. Of course, it would be expensive, but in the big picture, it would save money if people were not afraid to go for their checkups and have routine preventive care.
Of course, the extreme specialization is also a problem. There are head doctors, nose doctors, and doctors for the left hand and the right hand. And the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. I hope your mother-in-law survives the bureaucracy and gets better soon.
I'm so sorry everyone is going through this messy & frustrating process. I would add a third "C" to communication and coordination: Caring. Each person cares about their responsibility and is committed to carrying out their part correctly, and how that intersects with everyone else's. Following up, not making assumptions or hoping someone else connects the dots appropriately. Caring to see things through to optimum result.
I'm so sorry that your family is going through this. But--Bravo to you for reporting on this nightmare medical system. Since last November, I've been going through a similar situation with my 76-year-old aunt, who was hospitalized and sent to rehab for pneumonia. The compartmentalized communications from the rehab center medical staff and the billing department resulted in her Social Security income being illegally garnished. My aunt and I are weighing a lawsuit against the facility and a consult with the Maryland State's Attorney.
Isn't it maddening? and infuriating?
It certainly is! And frustrating.
Hi Don, I'm so sorry you and your family are experiencing this all too common scenario for an aging loved one. I'm in the industry of what's called "long-term care," with years of experience both professionally and personally. I was my father's caregiver for 19 years after he had a stroke at the age of 62. The system does not adequately support the care of the elderly and disabled, but there are resources and information out there on how to navigate all this. A suggestion that may help you in the short term would be Geriatric Care Manager. These folks, typically nurses or social workers, do exactly what you described, they coordinate all the care providers as a single point of contact, with experience and knowledge. There is a fee, so the solution is not accessible to everyone. You can find out more about these individuals at alca.org.
Janice, thank you for this resource. This is so needed by patients and families.
Rather aginglifecare.org, I gave you an incorrect url.
Hi Don, this is such a well written piece. First of all, I am sorry that Lisa's mother and your family has had to suffer our uncoordinated system. Secondly, we do need major reform. The idea of a coordinator is an excellent one. My father was a doctor and he said that the most important health relationship that each of us has is our primary care doctor, or internist. I have found that to be true. And as we age, that relationship is tricky because as most of us age, we have had doctors who have retired recently. And that is especially true right after COVID. I would suggest that you consider writing about how each us can find a good primary care doctor after our doctor of 20-40 years retires. I have thoughts on that, should that be helpful. Thanks for your excellent writing.
Kathy, thanks for your comments and your great suggestion.
😢 As I told you when we saw each other, my brother is in Memory Care.
It is so sad to lose the people you have known and loved while they are still alive in body.
Please, let's not hand this problem to the government. In the present climate, government health programs are being chainsawed into chaos. The idea of giving the NP in a doctors office the duty of coordinator is a good one. That person already knows the patient and can more easily coordinate their care instead of hiring another person, probably an outside resource, that will only add to the chain of chaotic communication and lag time. Excellent article, Don. Thank you. I spent a few days in a local hospital and the nursing staff was in disarray just in a 20-bed institution. A case like yours boggles the mind. I hope your MIL is doing better.
Thank you, Sue.
I'm living this with my mom. Her skilled nursing facility is all out of pocket. I'm the coordinator for everything. It's exhausting, time-consuming, and prohibitively expensive. My best wishes for everyone navigating out fractured system.