February 2008 - Posts

• "...how to calculate the dose of hope..."

  There was an interesting article in last Tuesday's New York Times reviewing a book called "Swimming in a Sea of Death".  The book was written by the son of author Susan Sontag about her long agonizing battle with cancer.  Ms. Sontag 'beat' two types of cancer before finally succumbing to a third after a long, painful battle.  Throughout her struggle, Ms. Sontag mainatined that she would beat this third cancer.  Her son's role was head cheerleader. "His job was to enthusiastically endorse her struggle, always to be optimistic and supportive and never, ever to talk about death." In spite of her being "...covered in sores, incontinent, and half delirious" his role was to tell her she looked better than the day before, that she was improving. The point that struck me most was this: the son "wound up entangled in the single biggest dilemma in medicine: how to calculate the dose of hope, that most powerful of all medications, to be dispensed in hopeless cases.  The professionals stumble here all the time.  No child could or should be asked to get it right for a parent" When my mother's father was in hospice with lymphoma about 10 years ago, I can recall visiting him and struggling with the same question. I stayed always optimistic, and some extent in denial, about the prospects of recovery.  And yet it felt disingenuous.  And that's a lousy way to feel in the final weeks or days of a relationship with a loved one. Posted Feb 02 2008, 04:53 PM by JohnT with 1 comment(s) Filed under: cancer hospice sontag

• Senior Housing on a Cruise Ship

  I've often heard the idea that rather than go into retirement or assisted living, seniors will just get on a cruise ship and stay on board.  Well I just got back from a 5 day cruise in Caribbean. (I know, lucky me ;) and I have to say I'm not sure I'd mind spending another month on board.  After all what's not to like?  Sunshine, a new port of call every couple of days.  Free food available anytime you want.  Housekeeping services every day...Ok, there's probably a few too many drunk people running around to put up with it for too long but it's an intersting idea. On the positive side, there's the cost.  Two people, 8 days, Western Caribbean, with an ocean view cabin on Carnival Cruise Lines = $439 each.  That's $1,756 per month including food and housekeeping.  Not bad! The downsides are primarily medical: There's really no 'assistance' available for any activities of daily living.  The high seas are no place to have an urgent medical need.  While food is included, it's a long walk to the dinning room.  And those tiny bathrooms are not exactly 'senior-friendly'. Also, it would be a bit tough to visit family members regularly.  But then again, Cozumel isn't such a bad place to fly into for a visit! So it's not the most realistic idea in the world but wouldn't it be nice if an assisted living company included a month-long cruise twice a year as part of your stay?  If they brought along an appropriate number of caregivers and medical staff (for whom it would be a nice perk) it seems like it could be done for around $3,300...roughly what one month costs in assisted living.  Travel to and from the port would be an incremental cost but perhaps that could be covered by the family? Why isn't this possible?  Certainly if you're running an assisted living community it's easier not to try to move half your residents onto a cruise ship twice a year.  And it's safer for your residents as well, and caregivers prioritize safety in a big way.  But not everyone wants easy and safe.  Some love travel and adventure. What do you think? Posted Feb 02 2008, 04:01 PM by JohnT with 5 comment(s) Filed under: Senior housing on a cruise ship