Frank Dialect,"The voice of experience:our geriatric population"

I am often amazed to see the way our geriatric population is spoken down to, belittled, mistreated, and dismissed by the younger generation. I have had years of experience with the geriatric population in a myriad of clinical and healthcare settings. I am only one small voice on an issue about which I am passionate, certainly not a Mother Theresa, but I have made several attempts to discuss Healthcare issues with my local Representatives, Senators and even our “esteemed” governor in Illinois. Apparently without an MD behind your name, Sister or Mother in front of your name, or money to bump elbows with the elite, those of us who still believe that truth is the best way, the good will triumph over evil, and politicians are real people too, are merely dismissed much like our elder counterparts. I long to continue my own education and complete a Doctorate in Nursing Practices: Geriatrics. However, until that time comes, I am merely Julie, RN. I believe that I have very valid concerns regarding healthcare policy when politicians dictate how Drs and nurses are able to provide vital care. I have an affinity for this population, perhaps it is truly a God given gift. I feel strongly that we focus on productivity standards set up by non-clinical people who have never had to tell a family that a loved one has begun the final journey in their life. Because of CMS reimbursement, I am allotted a certain amount of time in which I am to complete a physical examination, check the pills bottles for any medication discrepancies, assess their pain status, cognitive status, spiritual state, family coping mechanisms, patient coping mechanisms and chart all of my findings. Heaven forbid I redirect an Alzheimer’s’ patient to a task instead of just telling them to be quiet because they are confused or take the time to hear the WWII stories, the love stories, the goals they never achieved or their risky ventures that did succeed and I provide emotional support an d an avid listener in a very difficult time for my patients. I am then considered non-productive, based on the per diem paid by CMS, I have cost the company money. I will not get a raise. I will be paid less than a machinist on a line for Caterpillar, GM or a construction worker. To whom shall they speak if we are not allowed to listen? I happen to remain extremely faithful to my beliefs and my patients as well as their families. I form a bond that few people even in healthcare would undertake. I am not uncaring or selfish with my time or my emotions. I feel that word of mouth is every bit as essential as good marketing; however, due to constraints placed on CMS by congress and imposed upon nurses like myself, I must enter, assess, document and schedule the next visit and see an average of 4.5 patients a day. Surely the 0.5 isn’t going to be bragging about his care. Would you want that nurse or would you want the nurse who visits on her day off, sits with you and holds your hand when your family is too upset to listen to the erratic breathing and death rattle and stays with you after her own children have gone to bed and calms you until you have completed your journey and rest in the hands of angels. Recently a televangelist was talking about doing God’s work and said, “ Just remember when you walk into your office or onto your production line, YOU are working for Jesus.” I remind myself every day that I work for Jesus. Unfortunately the legislators do not have to follow the benefits set forth by their regulations or can afford additional private duty care in addition to their traditional Medicare benefits. I am not so naïve that I expect an answer from you, and frankly if you don’t respond personally I would rather not hear back. However, if by the Grace of God, this makes it through the bureaucratic layers of yes men or women, I would sincerely love to bend your ear, offer you a few tidbits for thought, or simply babble as I am sure you can see that I am prone to do. My fellow nurses think that this is a pipedream and no one cares that we are in the midst of a crisis. Please allow me to prove them wrong. You are someone that I greatly admire for saying things like you see them. I have watched your expressions when our nation has suffered and believe that you would understand my plight. I would be very honored if you could spend a moment of time pondering some of the ideas I have presented. I should add that since writing this letter initially and never receiving a response from any of my current legislators, I am now unemployed due to my inability to trade my passion quality nursing care for the elderly for productivity and budget constrictions. Thank you for your time PS. I know you have speech writers, letter writers and no doubt official e-mail responders….I trust you will respond! That’s what makes you approachable. Please don’t refer me to Leslie Norwalk. I have met her at several CMS conferences and quite frankly, have never gotten an accurate or particularly polite response to very specific Medicare Advantage questions. I am not sure she has a heart or understands geriatrics, she is just another politician.

Frank Dialect

Day 4...Question of the day. Should the federal government bail out the lenders and /or the borrowers? Frankly, I have eaten peanut butter and jelly or cereal for weeks at a time and skipped vacations so that I could pay bills. My house is not extravagant. I paid for my furniture(no Rent-a-Center) and yet I have known people with interest only loans, beautiful homes with very little furniture, or those who have borrowed every penny of equity to continue to maintain a facade that they have plenty of money to burn. Their cars are leased, their vacations are charged and they are up to their neck in debt. No one would ever know it to look at them, they are gifted actors if not as rich as King Midas. I do not find it acceptable that the government would come in and "rescue" those who have benefited from the sub-prime interest rates or found credit counselling companies to write off or decrease the true amount of credit card debts. That would be patting the irresponsible on the back and thumbing their nose at the rest of us. I am not referring to those people who are truly working to pay bills and find themselves getting behind and in need of some financial assistance. Sometimes the best planners can't foresee every pitfall, but overall make every effort to save money for retirement, college, pay mortgages, taxes, groceries, gas, car payments and insurance on everything. No one is perfect and everyone learns their own lessons but when the lesson is how to take advantage of a system that the rest of us try to live within, or the ultimate cost of their mistakes adds burden or increased responsibility to those of us who are making every effort to live within our means, I am afraid I must protest. Just to add fuel to the fire, those who have a knack for gaming the system , generally laugh at those of us who don't and call us naive. Frankly, my opinion is that I may be naive but my conscience is clear. In the end, I'll know I did the best I could for my family and if they are lucky I managed to keep up payments on my life insurance policy in the process!

Frank Dialect

Question forBlogging day 3....High School Musical thumbs up or down? Frankly, my family was so excited about HSM2 that we made a family night of it-pizza, treats etc.. I think my 17 yo was more excited than the 9 yo. Of course, the critics don't have much good to say....I rarely agree with them anyway. The best part of HSM, from reports I have seen on both liberal and conservative channels and magazines, is that the kids that are in these shows are truly nice, good kids. They are accentuating the differences between the Hollywood/New York set and this talented group of young men and women making movies, videos, dvds that are appropriate for all ages without having to hold the remote control to mute or change the channel quickly in case V,BN. Adult content, etc. HSM2 destined to be a downer as the second generation of . Much to my surprise, HSM2 was fantastic. New dance moves, new songs-can't wait to see the adaptation of HSM2 in the theatre. The next HSM(3) is sure to be a hit with youngsters and parents when it hits the big screen.

Frank Dialect

So...Day 2 of "blogging". The question for today is regarding respect. Does it show less respect to sleep with the TV on or to wake up your partner by flipping on lights and telling him/her to move the car? Frankly, My Opinion is that either would be considered"The pot calling the kettle black!" If someone wants respect and complains about lack of respect, perhaps he/she needs to do some self analysis and ask, "Do I earn the respect of others and show them respect in return or do I merely gripe because people dis me?" Is there some pettiness in an answer like that? Perhaps so, but then again...who initiated the whole respect issue? Perhaps others considered it respectful not to bring up such issues and cause animosity for the sake of being able to say, " You disrespected me first." Relationships are difficult to maintain. That is not new, whether the relationship is months or years old it is much like a garden. It requires cultivating, nutrients, weeding and the occasional pesticide. Some may even require the help of professional landscapers if the damage is severe or you don't know where to start. If you fail to provide any of the required elements your garden will not flourish. It will not become a sanctuary that provides solace, shade, food for thought but instead, it will become riddled with the destruction of weeds or other pests. Frankly, My Opinion... Support your garden for you may find you require a garden to support you. Provide the required elements for it may be far too important in the future that you have not allowed something ripe with potential to simply wither on the vine.

Frank Dialect

Okay, I think I arose to the challenge though, there are still things I can't figure out. I'm still working with one hemisphere so I'll give it some time. I added some favorite links but can't seem to find out where they went. I added a description of my site which I seem unable to locate. Believe me, It was quite witty, even for a half brainer! Well, Frankly, it is My Opinion!

Frank Dialect

Now you see what I mean, even the "blog" didn't give me enough room for my answers, well-here's the rest whether you want them or not..

What is my favorite book?
Clearly no one would really want a full list so here is a taste..Frankly, the Bible holds mystery, intrigue, murder, sex, horrors, hope, and the ultimate love story. Aside from that, I follow authors such as James Patterson, John Sandford, Anne Rice, Jonathon Kellerman, J D Robb, Janet Evanovich, Dan Brown, Ted Dekker, Robert Ludlum, C S Lewis, Shakespeare, Faye Kellerman, Homer, J Jenkins and T Lahaye, Michael Connelly, J K Rowling, Charlaine Harris, James Lee Burke, Patrcia Cornwell, Jeffery Deaver, Robin Cook, Michael Crichton, Gregory Maguire, Kurt Vonnegut, Laurel Hamilton, Charles Dickens, Tolstoy, Oscar Wilde, Jane Austin, Charlotte Bronte, Edgar Allen Poe...

Last but certainly not least, a question. Posed for who exactly? Do the great creators expect an answer from me or you? As with anything, I'l state my opinion first and give you all a chance to respond.

Question: Who should America listen to? POLITICIANS? LAWYERS? DOCTORS? ROSIE O?SUPERMODELS? MOVIE STARS? DR PHIL ?..Frankly, My Opinion..none of the above. Move over Oprah, Montel, Star...There is someone without money, without a self serving purpose and with all of the answers....GOD.

But like the rest, that is Frankly, My Opinion

Frank Dialect

Okay, so I know this was a way of my S.O. coming up with something for me to do so that he/she could pursue his/her interests today. It's raining, our children are gone, and I made the mistake of asking a "computer person" what the heck a blog was. Therefor my challenge became, creating a "blog" site that might amuse and distract me for a while. What I learned immediately was, I have an opinion on everything-clearly. I also learned that the little spot the "blog creators" give you to explain your favorites are not nearly enough room for even someone with half a brain, like me. Heaven forbid, anyone with use of both their left and right hemispheres should chose to create something, they wouldn't get half of their random thoughts on their profile. So as someone with full use of one hemisphere, I would like to expound upon the questions asked in my profile. After all, if this sight is not about my opinion, what good is it?

What are my interests?
Faith, Family, Meaningful Communication, Education, Healthcare, Finance, Politics, Music-My pics, Literature-My pics...after all, Frankly, it is MY Opinion.

What are my Opinions?
Frankly, I am sick and tired of the general media showing such liberal bias and ignorance(okay, Fox News does seem more reasonable and balanced to me) and I 'm not known for keeping my opinions to myself. I was recently told that I babble,and Frankly, I don't care. Andy Rooney, Shep Smith , Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity are my role models. Notice I didn't say idols- There is no place for idolatry on Earth. Not movie stars, literary figures , politicians or financeers. After all, I would like to think that God did give us enough intelligence to learn from past failures. I have many interests and opinions yet would not be considered by many, if any, including my self to be Master of anything. I think that puts me even with the majority of the population, something most strive to pretend to be for their own gain. Try my insurance and salary for the next year, I bet you become far more Joe Public than most of you ever wanted, but again, that is just My Opinion.

What is my favorite movie?
Frankly, I don't like remakes, If you can't come up with an original idea, keep it yourself. We can watch the old classics such as: Yours, Mine and Ours, Freaky Friday, Look Who's Coming to Dinner, War of the Worlds, Sabrina, Gone With the Wind, Miracle on 34th Street, Cat Ballou, Jane Eyre, or Paint Your Wagon. I didn't have to worry about language or nudity or content. I didn't need the opinion of 6 different parents to decide if a movie was "discreet" enough for those "under 17". There were "horror" movies such as Psycho, Wait Until Dark, and King Kong but the terror was more implied than graphic and our imaginations benefited as did the streets and towns we lived near.

What is my favorite music?
As in most areas, my tastes are extremely ecclectic but they are my pics and I choose them for various reasons: Soundtracks from Various Musicals- Rent, Wicked, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Into the Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, Little Shop of Horrors, Hair, Mama Mia, and many more;Contemporary Christian-Audio Audrenaline, Toby Mac, Disciple, SONICFLood, Third Day, & Jeremy Camp; Classic Rock-Eagles, Pink Floyd, Kiss and Current Artists such as-GooGoo Dolls, Green Day, Good Charlotte; Country-Classic and Current(Name one); The obvious classics- Bach, Beethoven, Vivaldi , Rachmaninov; and of course, THE BEATLES. Not that I couldn't come up with a thousand more, but I may babble...I have yet to actually bore someone to death!