If you think we are protecting our seniors, answer these two simple questions.
- Who do you think should tell a senior they should not drive or be allowed to own a gun and enforce the issue?”
- Should it be the family, physicians, or state or federal government?
Be careful when you decide because we are talking about a senior’s basic rights. No one wants their rights to be taken away when their only crime is aging; and who said aging is a crime? It’s supposed to be the gift for living.
As you decide, “Where’s the problem or what do you mean by protecting seniors?” Allow me to paint a picture.
I’m speaking from real cases; a senior who had early stage dementia; limited family members; and has other chronic illnesses. Over time, the early stage has progressed and the senior lives independently and refuses to go to see the physicians — mainly because they are confused and refuse to believe there are any issues. Unfortunately, confusion is a natural part of the disease which leads to outbursts of anger. Most times, the senior forgets these outbursts or believes the outbursts were warranted due to their perception. This senior is a registered gun owner. The guns were removed from the home by family members, but the senior is furious and states they will purchase another gun for personal protection.
Who can protect this senior?
Family? The senior has pushed them away and rarely takes direction.
Physicians? “Can’t treat what they can’t see.” Senior cancels half of their appointments and when the senior appears for an appointment they can hold it together for an hour or so.
State Social Services? I will not share their findings, because this is not the forum. However, I will say they have no monies or authority to treat this situation. So they are similar to physicians, “Can’t treat unless it looks like a hospital admission.”
If you think this story is isolated, unfortunately, it is not. This story is only growing and becoming more complicated and expensive to treat. Our baby boomers are retiring in record number. We are all living longer with more. If we do not come up with affordable real solutions, this story will become your story.