America is a “melting pot” of nations, cultures, manners and ages, of course. Now it is clear that America is varied in ages. The obsolescence of Americans over age 60 is gaining momentum dramatically. Many citizens in this age stay helpless and no more productive. Those who continue being strong and fit in the United States is a great survey of a better way of life and signals good perspectives for the nation. However, too many Americans do not consider the concept “old age” to be a truthful reality of old people trying to live with their limitations and diseases along. People are to make out the further points on researching and understanding the whole picture of ageing in the United States not to make a little of this age group.
There are too many stereotypes as of actions of old people. Some people consider them to be inaccurate or burdens on their relatives’ shoulders. Still there are many factors which influence on the aged people in terms of living alone. Constantly there are cases of total depression when realizing that one is needless and speechless to do something. It concerns not only the altruistic side of the question, but first it is about an adaptation of old people in the life when retiring. In terms of the aged the main aim is to supply appropriate medic care.
The issue of governmental support for the elderly is of great significance in the United States. To reduce a risk of unintended injuries and dramatic results of old people of America is a certain point of the federal policy agenda.
Medicare reimburses limited home health services for older adults with acute medical problems after a hospital stay. Skilled nursing services and physical and occupational therapy are reimbursed as long as the acute medical condition persists. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can become involved in home assessment and home safety, under a physician’s order and for a limited time. (Lau, p. 831.)
Nevertheless, Medicare forgets in this case about the long-term health support with different services useful to meet the requirements of aged people in destination. It means that a recent help of medicos is not enough to provide a full process of hospitalization and restoration to health and strength. This among main problems is of special importance. People do not feel themselves in safety until concrete steps in supporting Medicare will be legislated.
The nation of the US faces a choice whether to elongate the age of it providing medical service of a high quality for all strata of the population or to leave derelict on a sample basis. These two objectives worry people with the indifference of state policy and execution of definite measures to keep the population saved. It is relevant to the US also regarding to the different systems of administration in every state.
That is why there are various organizations and programs which help old people to success in problems with health. These institutions are supported by both Government and private structures.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), considered the most comprehensive public program, coordinates health care, nutritional, social, and transportation services to older adults. Offered in local communities of 18 states, PACE leaves large areas without services. PACE is found to lower the unnecessary use of health services and increase the quality of life and functional status of enrollees, but these favorable outcomes are achieved at considerable cost. (Lau, p. 832).
Preferable cost is the cornerstone in the policy of federal administration and becomes of extraordinary significance within the population, because this problem is coherent to homeless as well. One also distinguishes between other programs with private incomes as “Meals on Wheels” and “Comfort Keepers”, but “these programs do not require means testing for eligibility, many charitable, nonprofit programs offer their services only to elders with the greatest economic or social need.” (Lau, p. 832).
Thus, the problem of the aged is to be solved by the governmental means of support providing the number of this level people in the United States with suitable help and services. This should be discussed considering all pros and cons.
Works cited
- Frank, R., & Newhouse, J. (2008, Jan/Feb). Should drug prices be negotiated under Part D of Medicare? And if so, how? Health Affairs, 27(1), 33-43.
- Grabowski, D., O?Malley, J., & Barhydt, N. (2007). The Costs and Potential Savings Associated with Nursing Home Hospitalizations. Health Affairs. 26(6),1753-61.
- Health and Age.com (2008). Health Care Policy: Does Ageism Affect Health Care Rationing?
- Kim, H., & Lyons, A. (2008). No Pain, no strain: Impact of health on the financial security of older Americans. The Journal of Consumer Affairs, 42(1), 9-36.
- Lau, D., Glasser Scandrett, K., Jarzebowski, M., Holman, K., et al. (2007). Health-related safety: A framework to address barriers to aging in place. The Gerontologist. 47(6), 830-837.