Responsibility to our Elders

I started writing this blog from the Hall of Justice in San Francisco, where I have been called in for jury duty (although interrupted halfway through because I was empaneled). While frustration reigns because I (like you) have a lot of work to do and this feels like a waste of time, I am also reminded of my civic duty.

Civic duty take the shape of many forms, from serving our nation in the armed forces, to voting, to protesting unjust actions of individuals of government (I could go on and on). But what does this have to do with us a ESPO members?

PLENTY!!!

From ensuring our elderly home or institution bound population has the opportunity to vote to ensuring that our society provides the proper care and safety net, it is our job to act. As citizens involved with care of the elderly, to advocate for their rights and safety. This is why I implore you, regardless of your political leanings' to become involved in the policy process and make your voice heard for all those who can't.

A good first start, beyond educating yourself about the issues, would be to sign up for the closing session of the annual conference, where a show of numbers to the congressional staff on capitol hill may help them to sway momentum in favor of action over continued inaction on any number of issues, including neglect, social security and medicare reform, nursing home reform, home and community based services incentives, etc...

Other ideas:

work with your local institutionalized care setting to ensure that residents are able to vote;

write your congressperson or state legislative leaders regarding a particular issue up for consideration (often you will see policy alerts from the GSA when major issues are before congress);

or even consider becoming involved in a local or statewide advocacy group for the elderly, as they often lobby for passage of acts related to geriatric interests. For instance, the California Coalition for Compassionate Care successfully lobbied this year to make Physician Orders For Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms a legally acceptable document in my state, which will hopefully lead to more successful handoffs and advance care planning, and lead to fewer unnecessary procedures and hospitalizations.

Whatever it is, I encourage you to become involved, because our system is not working in too many places, from the social to the medical aspects of elder care, and we need your voice to make the difference!

Finally, remember to vote! Most states now even allow early or absentee voting prior to election day, that way if you get stuck in a storm, or your car breaks down, you don't need to worry about it because you will have already voted. Once again, your individual vote does make a difference.