Simplify elder health care

Every elder home care situation is unique. One set of solutions can’t cover everyone. That makes it difficult for governments, and families, to provide for their elder in need. My friend is a 6-year ileostomy survivor, which in itself is a miracle. But this miracle only happens through the constant dedicated efforts of her daughters, friends, neighbors and health care providers. And when one of those support systems drops out, it puts the elder at risk of survival.

Some elders thrive better in their home, with home health care, some do better in a graduated assisted living situation, with constant care available, and others are more comfortable in a small group home situation. One size does not fit all. But how do you provide the health care needed in each of these situations? And with different insurance coverage? What if your doctor retires, or moves, or is no longer a covered provider? What do you do then?

Just as it is unconscionable to think that a person 65 or older can navigate through the mass of paperwork to decide on which health care plan is best for them, not to mention whether they can afford it on a reduced fixed income, how can they be expected to navigate the phone calls and online websites required to find a new provider?

Our system for providing elder health care needs to be simplified. Bottom line. We are capable of doing this. We just need to have the will, the intent, and begin. And it needs to be a bipartisan effort, with all sides participating. Not for profit, for the benefit of all of us. Because we are talking about human beings here - our families and our friends.

Patty Busch Stewart

Spokane