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May 17 , 2008 - Clarion Herald
Seniors have multiple fitness, health options
By Christine Bordelon
The single biggest challenge seniors face today is coordinated health care, says Dr. Elmore Rigamer, medical director of Catholic Charities.
Rigamer said it’s extremely important to appoint one medical professional to be responsible for coordinating all health care in the life of an elderly individual.
By having one person in charge of health care, communication between doctors would increase and the likelihood of adverse interactions between drugs or over-medicating would be reduced. Coordinated care is one of the services offered at the Shirley Landry Benson PACE Center at St. Cecilia in Bywater, which opened in September.
The PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care of the Elderly) Center, operated by Catholic Charities New Orleans, is geared to individuals who live independently but seek coordination of health care through case management and medical supervision, social interaction, an exercise regimen, nutritional counseling and meals during weekdays.
Rigamer said since most people dread going into a nursing home, PACE is a viable alternative. “If someone wants to live at home, PACE might be perfect,” Rigamer said. “There’s a better quality of care knowing one person coordinates their care. For many, it’s less expensive knowing Medicare or Medicaid pays for it.”
The PACE center accepts individuals 55 and older who are nursing-home eligible and have either Medicaid or Medicare or choose to pay privately. Fifty-two individuals are currently taking advantage of the services at the PACE Center, but there is space for a maximum of 90.
Catholic Charities hopes to open a second PACE center on the West Bank in late 2009. Whether a person takes part in a PACE program or not, Rigamer suggests the best medicine for healthy aging is staying physically and mentally fit. Television is not helpful.
“Mental and physical activity are important to optimize good quality aging,” he said.
He recommended:
-- Lightweight exercises to strengthen the bones such as lifting two-pound weights over your head or putting two-pound sandbags on your feet and raising your legs a little bit. To avoid the feelings of isolation and fear of being obsolete, Rigamer suggests that seniors maintain any interests they have in life as long as they can. Hobbies are important to be engaged in the world, he said.
Other recommendations:
-- Join a health club. Check health plans since many offer membership or discounts to health clubs.
-- Check with the Orleans and Jefferson Parish Council on Aging programs. Orleans Parish has 10 senior centers currently in operation (call 821-4121) and Jefferson Parish currently has 11 centers (call 888-5880).
--The New Orleans People Program: available on the West Bank at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (394-5433), in Metairie and in Mid City (483-8613) or visit www.peopleprogram.org.
--Check the four adult day health care centers in the Archdiocese of New Orleans: Alpha House, 20127 Hwy. 36, Covington (985-892-7074); New Directions Adult Day Health Care Center, 1523 N. Dorgenois St. (943-9418); Greenwalt Adult Day Health Care for Alzheimer clients, 1926 18th St., Kenner (461-5889); and Norco Adult Day Care, 425 Spruce St. on the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish campus (985-764-9084).
Volunteer activities in which seniors can get involved:
--Catholic Charities’ Foster Grandparents program that assists students in the classroom (310-6882); and the Volunteer Services office (visit www.ccano.org or call 310-6960) that offers opportunities for volunteering by calling 310-6960.
Rigamer strongly encourages seniors to avoid waiting to discuss with their children the sensitive subject of the type and length of care wanted if an emergency arises.
“Your biggest concern at this point is quality of health care and affordability,” Rigamer said. “And it’s best done talking with your family ahead of time. Plan, plan, plan. Address these issues now while you are still able to make the decisions for yourself.”
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