 | Kevin Knaup received his Kansas Adult Care Home Administrator's license in 1983 and is the Administrator and part owner of Sunset Manor, Inc. in Frontenac, KS. He has been employed at Sunset Manor for 31 years. He is a member of Kansas Health Care Association and Kansas Adult Care Executives. He has served on various local and state committees for education and training in the Adult Care home field. |
Senior Living
2011-09-29 15:17:16
Are regular screenings still important?
Q: I have an incredibly independent and stubborn great-aunt who is, as far as I can tell quite healthy. I am the only relative that lives in the area and I am trying to look after her as best I can. However, we cannot seem to get her to go for regular medical care and she is convinced she only needs to go when she is sick, which is seldom.
A: Your great-aunt is in a very common group of people. Unfortunately, many older Americans do not seek out or receive the preventative care such as vaccinations and screenings recommended by physicians.
The reasons for this are many and complex. One reason is that older Americans feel as if they visit the doctor frequently enough, not realizing that physicians within certain specialties would not order many of the screenings. Another is having a sort of apathy, and not wanting to preserve their health. Of course, there are many more reasons so a number of things may be at the core of why your great-aunt resists getting preventative care.
However, there are some great reasons she may want to start thinking about getting regular screenings. These important services help detect many diseases, delay their onset, or identify them early in their most treatable stages to ensure healthier, longer, and more productive lives for older adults. Staying healthy longer may mean staying in their own homes, or retaining the ability to enjoy community events or hobbies. Staying healthy means keeping your independence longer, this is something that may appeal to your aunt.
The Centers for Disease Control recently issued a report on enhancing the use of clinical preventative medicine in older adults and identified key indicators for monitoring the use of clinical preventive services among adults 65 and older:
• Two vaccinations that protect
against influenza and
pneumococcal disease
• Five screenings for early detection
of breast cancer, colorectal
cancer, diabetes, lipid disorders,
and osteoporosis
• Counseling service for smoking
cessation
• Alcohol misuse screening and
counseling
• Aspirin use
• Blood pressure screening
• Cervical cancer screening
• Depression screening
• Obesity screening and counseling
• Zoster vaccination
The fall is a great time of year to broach the subject of health screenings as it is more frequently in the news. Chances are that when she realizes that she can play a role in staying independent longer, she will get the care she needs.
