Homepage
-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information From the Director: Elder Independence and the Spirit of 76
(86, 96, and 106)
Panel of Experts Discuss Elder Autonomy
The Personal Care Assistance Program helps
Elder Abuse and free confidential help to stop it
Panel of Experts Discuss Elder Autonomy
by Jeanne B. Siegel, Planner
Convened June 3 by the Elder Task Force of the REACH Community Health Foundation, a panel of experts explored the concept of respecting and protecting the right of older persons to maintain their independence and autonomy, even as they grow more frail and require assistance. Mary Jo Carpenter, chair of the Task Force introduced Catherine R. May, former Executive Director of Elder Services, who moderated the program. As a leading proponent of the importance of elder autonomy, Ms. May led Elder Services in crafting the agency philosophy on elder autonomy which states,
"Elder services recognizes and respects older persons’ rights to autonomy
and strives to adhere to the principle of self-determination in all agency activity.
The organization is committed to encourage each elder to control his/her own life, and will give the information needed for each one to make informed decisions. All consumers have the right to determine, within societal and resource constraints, their desire for services and the scope of services utilized.
Elder Services supports every older person’s right to make his/her own choices, even when those choices may not be what are generally accepted as the right choices."
Patricia Campbell, President of Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Northern
Berkshire, stated that the VNA’s goal is to enable the client to recuperate to their
highest level of independence. They provide a wide variety of in-home services which
assist elders in maintaining their autonomy.
Susan Geary, Elder Services’ Protective Services Supervisor, noted, "As staff members, we are the watchdogs of the agency - safeguarding elder autonomy. We respect an elder’s right to make an informed decision, but sometimes it is difficult when a person is at risk and does not want to accept services. While respecting autonomy, we try to put in some safeguards that will help cushion the particular situation."
Gary Lecuyer, an Elder Services case manager, presented a case study of an elder without family in the area, being discharged from a hospital, who did not want to go into a nursing home, but required substantial assistance in daily activities. This example invoked a discussion on how collaboration of various community agencies can offer choices for the elder. In many cases there are adequate services which can be brought into the home. However, there are times when a short term stay at a nursing home is the best way for the elder to recuperate, gain strength, and relearn skills so they can return home safely.
"It’s important for elders to understand that going to a nursing home is not necessarily a permanent situation," stressed Jody Green, social worker at Williamstown Commons.
Patricia Campbell noted that the largest number of referrals to the Visiting Nurse Association are from nursing homes for residents who are now ready to return to their own homes.
Even with the population that cannot go home, there is a commitment in the nursing homes to self-determination and choice. "I am a living example of independence," remarked Georgette Mancuso of North Adams. "Thanks to the excellent round-the-clock medical care which I received in the nursing home for seven weeks, followed by three weeks of in-home medical care from VNA and Hospice of Northern Berkshire, along with Meals on Wheels, and with grocery shopping and transportation to the doctor from the Council on Aging, I am back to all my activities, and I am here today at the Task Force. I also volunteer weekly at the Senior Center serving meals in gratitude for all the wonderful services I received when I needed them." Mrs. Mancuso made informed decisions about her care, and is proof that the power of collaboration among agencies can enable Berkshire elders to achieve the highest possible quality of life.