CONTACT: Pamela D. Wilson 888-393-7754
Email: Inquiry_For_Pamela@pameladwilson.com
Golden, Colorado – October 14, 2019
The Caring Generation® Radio Has Healthcare Forgotten The Elderly
Golden CO- Caregiving expert, Pamela D. Wilson hosts The Caring Generation radio program for caregivers and aging adults this coming Wednesday, October 16, on the Bold Brave Media Global Network. The program airs live at 9 p.m. EST. The Caring Generation® originally aired from 2009 to 2011 on 630 KHOW-AM in Denver, Colorado.
The caregiving topic for this week's program is "Has Healthcare Forgotten the Elderly?" Special guest Dr. Mary Wyman, from the University of Wisconsin, answers the question, "Is the Healthcare System Biased Against Older Adults?"
How many elderly adults are fortunate to get 15 minutes at a doctor's appointment? Sometimes the appointment ends, and important concerns were not addressed. With advancing age and diagnosis of multiple chronic diseases, like high blood pressure, arthritis, breathing concerns, diabetes, and other health issues, it is difficult to get needed medical care.
For those who are Medicare-eligible, finding a doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Individuals with other health plans may also be struggling to find a medical practice that is accepting new patients. The healthcare system is stretched for providers and is limited by the number of available geriatricians who treat older adults.
Medical students have to obtain their bachelor's degree, which is four years of college. Then they obtain their medical degree through a residency program that is an additional 3-5 years of training. Medical school costs range between $200-300,000. Specialty programs like geriatrics can add another year to medical school. Some students can't afford the cost when one looks at the student loans that have to be repaid.
Family members are easily intimidated by the healthcare system and doctors because of a lack of knowledge and not understanding how to advocate. Caregivers and elderly adults must be aware of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that has a Provision 3025 called the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program.
There are penalties for hospitals that admit elderly patients who leave the hospital and return to the hospital within 30 days for certain conditions. These financial penalties make hospitals hesitant to admit elderly adults who they fear will return for conditions related to heart disease, pneumonia, hip or knee replacements, or bypass surgery.
Family bias also exists between the caregiver and the elderly adult. Some caregivers become burned out and ignore the concerns mentioned by elderly parents and spouses. A cry wolf attitude happens when the concern may be a true medical emergency. Family caregivers may also hesitate to spend time taking elderly parents to medical appointments that take them away from work for hours at a time.
Ensuring that elderly loved ones obtain care will continue to be a challenge for the elderly, for the healthcare system, and family caregivers. Healthcare constraints and workplace inattention to caregiving as a life role will continue to place pressure on families who are the main caregivers for elderly adults.
Each week, Caring Generation® radio features a special guest. On October 16, Dr. Mary Wyman from the University of Wisconsin joins the program to answer the question is the health care system biased against care for older adults. Dr. Wyman has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. She focuses on aging research that includes mental health in the elderly, depression, coping with chronic illness, health care decision making, and she works with the VA Medical Center in Wisconsin.
Joining The Caring Generation® radio program is a way everyone to become comfortable talking and laughing about aging, health, caregiving, and everything in between. There are many things to learn about life and being a caregiver. Pamela's approach to caregiving is authentic and light-hearted. She believes that serious subjects benefit from humor and laughter.
Make plans to join Pamela D. Wilson, caregiving expert and the host of The Caring Generation® radio at 6 p.m. Pacific, 7 p.m. Mountain, 8 p.m. Central, and 9 p.m. Eastern. Replays of the weekly programs are available in podcast format with transcripts on Pamela's website. More information about online support and online courses for caregivers is available on Pamela's website.
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Pamela D. Wilson, MS, BS/BA, NCG, CSA, holds the designations of a National Certified Guardian and a Certified Senior Advisor. She is a national caregiving expert, advocate and speaker with over 20 years of experience. She helps caregivers who are looking for support, solutions, and confidence in caring for aging loved ones and aging adults interested in successful aging. As a caregiving expert, Pamela works with companies passionate about helping caregiving consumers and supporting caregivers in the workplace. Her mission is to reach caregivers nationally through digital media that includes online caregiving support groups and courses. She is active on the social media channels of Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, Linked In and Instagram and has a channel called Caregiving TV on Roku. The Caring Generation® radio program airs live every Wednesday evening at 9 pm EST. Pamela may be reached through her website. www.PamelaDWilson.com or by calling 888-393-7754. Contact Pamela HERE