Herbal Health

If you want intellectual stimulation but shy away from the intense commitment of college courses, why not enroll in a short-term educational program such as Elderhostel? Elderhostel is a network of over five hundred colleges, universities, and educational institutions that offer special low-cost programs, usually a week long, to people over sixty. There are Elderhostel schools in all fifty states and in Canada, England, and the Scandinavian countries, offering a wide range of liberal arts and science courses. There are no grades, no homework, no exams, and the focus is on making friends and enjoying vacationing as well as learning. Although some people I interviewed had had a disappointing experience with the Elderhostel teachers (or other students), many became addicted to this learning vacation. They loved the mix Elderhostel offers – the chance to travel, meet people, and be intellectually stimulated at the same time.

Or explore the many educational opportunities outside the college campus. Churches, museums, libraries, and YMCAs offer courses and classes in almost every conceivable area. Senior citizens’ centers and clubs also offer regular lectures on interesting topics, though their mission is as much social as educational. Nonacademic institutions such as churches or Y’s are especially good sources if your educational aims are more creative than academic -if you want to pursue an interest in the arts.

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Research shows that nursing-home residents, who have frequent visitors, get better treatment. They get more attention from the staff even when visitors are not around. So visiting often will convey to the staff that you are concerned about the care your relative gets. Get to know the nurses and aides on the floor; meet with the doctor and social worker.

If you notice a problem, start out to correct it in a friendly way. Identify the responsible staff member and approach her gently. Give her time to make the change. But if she is unresponsive, do not let sleeping dogs lie. Call the home’s administrator, the person who has responsibility for its day-to-day running. If you still get nowhere, then go to the hierarchy’s highest level, the home’s owner or board of directors.

Or appeal to sources outside the hierarchy. Many homes have a relatives’ council or residents’ council that meets regularly with the administration to air its concerns. (The presence of either of these organizations is a positive sign the home is responsive to begin with.)

You also can turn to outside advocates. Many communities operate a nursing-home ombudsman program. They employ a person to listen to, investigate, and negotiate solutions to complaints about nursing homes. Your community may have a consumer “watchdog” organization of people interested in nursing-home reform. These groups not only mediate nursing-home complaints but also offer guidance in selecting a home.

If you stay involved, you are unlikely to need these services. Your relative will be getting good care. And staying close has deeper benefits. You need no longer feel guilty. The person you love has not been put away.

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