Getting real about who we really are and the ratio that honesty has with our overall happiness is something I’ve been looking into over the past few months. An honest reality check affects the choices we make in life and our ability to change.

There is such a wide spectrum of willingness to change in individuals, ranging from complete obstinacy (or denial of present circumstances) to optimistic embrace. Where one stands on this flexibility spectrum depends not only upon knowing oneself. But also a willingness to do the work. I will not sugar coat this it is work.And the work never ends, like the dish’s in the kitchen sink, it’s a daily task. Philosophers have ruminated on “What is Real?” for centuries.

Thinkers throughout the history of our world have held forth on the relationship between knowing oneself and one’s ability to accomplish, thereby leading a meaningful life. With such abundant attention to this universal topic, you might think as individuals we’d find ourselves in a constant state of reality check. But more often than not, we are just stuck in the middle.

Lack of general knowledge

It is difficult to prevent others from saying things about you. People often talk. Taking preventative measure such as treating people decently, using manners, and keeping ones reputation in a good light are helpful in dispelling false accusations. In the end people gossip to feel better about self not taking into account the people they hurt.

Publisher: Senior Times Newspaper, Inc.

The Senior Times is a bi-weekly publication
printed and distributed through Shoreline Publications, Inc.

by Anne Armand

“This is how I look at life. I have to attend to myself first (second only to God) in order to be spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically available to others. If you have trouble with the semantics of putting yourself second, think of it as preparation to serve others,” says Mary Kay Evans LCSW and founder of Care Pathways Senior Care in Orange County.

Snapshot: Care Pathways was founded in 1999 to bring a higher standard of care and compassion to seniors and families going into long-term care. Ms Evans took her years of practice to the people. Mary Kay Evans is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with more than 30 years’ experience dedicated to the health and care of elder clients and their families. She serves on the board for Hospice Care of California, Orange County Council on Aging, Continuing education for Long Term care Social Workers and teaches “Compassion in Care” at UCI Medical Center.

“At the end of the day, I love what I do — I enjoy sharing not only inspiring and informative information, but also the good stuff.” Mary Kay Evans LCSW

“Those in the helping profession sometimes have a hard time remembering to take the time that is needed for themselves. Not only is there work to be done, also many are taking care of small children, an elderly parent, grandchild, home and so much worry in theses uncertain times trying to keep all the balls you juggle in the air.

“The odds are high that burnout will strike every healthcare professional at some point. Health workers — as well as teachers, ministers and others in the caring professions — are at increased risk for the stress syndrome because of the intensity of their work and the emotional bonds they form with the people they’re helping.”

Healthcare workers at risk for burnout can take action to avoid it. Here are some of their suggestions from Mary Kay on avoiding work-related burnout:

Bond with Colleagues: Reaching out to colleagues and discussing difficult situations can help to reduce stress, Traditionally, there has been a lack of positive feedback among health professionals, which fuels isolation and burnout. This has changed.

Talk It Out — and Let Others, Too: A friend, colleague, counselor or career coach can help a person beat burnout just by listening. “Working with someone can help you clarify your vision and what motivates you,” and help you come to terms with the clash between your expectations and the reality of your job. Employers also play a role in fostering a more supportive working environment. “Organizations should look at provider satisfaction with an attitude that if someone is complaining, it’s not that they’re a complainer, but that something needs to be fixed,”

Don’t Lose Sight of the Forest for the Trees: “The most important step people can take to prevent burnout is to constantly evaluate their life priorities and keep them in mind, Mary Kay asks her clients to think about the different areas of their lives — family, career, hobbies and religion — like pieces of a pie. She has them divide the pie in two: how their life is actually sliced and how they’d like it to be sliced. Burnout is preventable in the long term if you tailor your day-to-day activities to reflect how you’d like your pie sliced. Always keeping in mind to take of yourself so that you may continue to care for others.”
For more information you can visit http://www.carepathways.net

As a social worker in healthcare for 30 years I have seen so much abuse of our Medicare Program take place by skilled nursing facilities, i.e. rehab. And the ever 20 days that is paid at 100 percent by Medicare. While there are many patients that can and do benefit from PT, OT, and speech services, there are also many that cannot due to cognition, dementia’s or medical conditions that prevent the patient for fully participating in a rehab program.

I have seen 90 something year olds that are in stages of decline and dementia that are pushed beyond their limits in order to justify Medicare days. I have seen patients that are unable to retain information from day to day and put through the paces for their full 20 days of Medicare and have not improved. I see this not only as Medicare abuse but also patient abuse as a frail elderly person that cannot benefit from such therapy could be walked by a RNA or caregiver to help with function. I also see patients that could benefit from hospice care services or palltive care verses aggressive care but are not given this option.

There are also patients who could benefit from living in small Board and Care homes verses a Skilled nursing care facility much cheaper than a skilled nursing facility. However in CA medi-cal will only pay for skilled nursing for long-term care. If they are looking for cuts, I suggest they talk to me, as I and many other social workers could advice in areas that need cutting and the ones that do not.