Does the health care system work for seniors?

by Tina Y. Gerber -McCurley

I experienced a great amount of difficulty after my total knee replacement. My surgeon kept saying this was normal. I woke on a Sunday morning, (actually I was up all-night crying and in pain.) My knee had swollen dramatically and was four times the size it had been. Other areas of my body had swollen and so I was unable to move my fingers, hands and elbows. My hubby was able to dress my lower body because I could not, and he called 911.

At 65 years young I had never ever called 911 for help, however, I had called many times for my husband, family members, and patients when I was working in home support. They say, if it is life-threatening don't hesitate to call. If you experience an emergency, timing is critical in any medical situation. Staff are also reminded to call an ambulance for other medical emergencies, such as: chest pain or chest tightness, sudden numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, difficulty breathing, serious accidents or trauma, extreme pain, large burns, severe bleeding and or unconsciousness.

Ontario’s emergency health services system is made up of: medical services; ambulance communications services; and base hospital programs which support paramedics and the ambulance service. All these emergency health services work together, to provide timely pre-hospital care to all Ontarians.

When the ambulance drivers arrived, I was crying, hysterically, and explained about my total knee replacement, showed them my knee(s), hands, fingers and elbows, which I could not move. My hubby had taken pictures of this swelling. Just for the record, after a knee replacement you are not allowed to drive for six weeks, and  my hubby does not drive, so we were very stuck.

I could not understand why this attendant was giving me a hard time, and why he hesitated, wondering why I needed or wanted to go to the hospital. I told him he was being rough, he said, "You called me remember!" What has happened to empathy, compassion, understanding? I then responded with, "Well, I guess I will stay home," as I was in shock! It wasn't until he took my temperature, I was finally whisked off to Uxbridge Cottage Hospital. I felt very vulnerable being totally dependant on others to care for me.

So, what happens when seniors don't have an advocate?

The blessing I received, was having two great doctors who treated me, at Uxbridge Cottage Hospital, with compassion, understanding, tolerance and patience: Dr. Hung and Dr Jennifer Wilson. They thought I might have sepsis and a viral infection. You can die from sepsis within 12 hours, if not treated immediately. The doctors gave me a follow up appointment with Markham Stouffville Hospital. Even though I was treated with medication, I am still having difficulties, but the improvement after taking medications was 100 percent better by Sunday evening, than another 100 percent better Monday morning.

I got a call, at 2:55 a.m., Monday morning, to come back to the hospital for follow up because my white blood count was very high. Where would I be if the ambulance attendant did not drive me to the Hospital? Thank goodness my daughter was able to drive me. As I write this, the swelling has returned to my hands/fingers, consequently, I am once again awake every night with pain for hours.

More and more seniors are now living alone. Many seniors, 65 and over, need help with everyday tasks as they cannot carry out these activities on their own: activities such as bathing, dressing, medications, and making meals.

What are some simple steps which can help seniors navigate the health care system?

It's important all seniors keep up with preventative care, such as health screenings and regular checkups.

Bring a friend or family member to appointments, as an advocate.

Sometimes, an aging loved one may be uncomfortable asking for help but it is important to talk with your parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Have an updated list of medications, health-related questions or concerns available, including changes in your medical history or new symptoms you may be experiencing.

All this is great, however for those who get it, in addition, remember God's help is our unfailing support. He is always ready to fortify us, physically or emotionally, when we feel weak or afraid.