What Long Term Care Means to Me

     Usually when I hear the term long term care the first thing that comes to mind is the thought of old wrinkly souls and the odd smell of unchanged catheters. Not the best image or scent to associate long term care with but that’s all the experience I have encountered with this subject in my life. Although these are my first thoughts when I think of long term care, I am very aware of the importance of these organizations and their contribution to society. Long term care is becoming a very important aspect of health care and is growing rapidly everyday.
     One of the main reasons I have chosen long term care is because, like I previously mentioned, this particular branch of healthcare is rapidly expanding and I am aware that it is a smart choice because it is one that could insure employment security in my future. With the economy in such state everyone is in fear and at risk of loosing their jobs, so when choosing a career path I wanted something that would always be in need and in high demand. While deciding I also kept in mind job availability, reasoning that if I were to lose my job I could probably find something else in the same industry just maybe in a different field.
     Also, I understand the importance of giving proper care to long term patients. I feel that it is up to upcoming administrators like myself to give the best care possible to the elderly and disabled. As time goes by we are all getting older not younger, I think its important to be mindful that a lot of our parents, grandparents and even ourselves are heading in that direction. We might end up needing long term care ourselves one day and to me, that is even more of a reason to establish the best care possible. It is also very important to mention that sometimes people are often placed in long term care facilities because even though their families want to take care of them, somehow they’re unable to do so for many different reasons.
     Growing up I never had experience with a family member being in a long term care facility; my family believed and still believes in the old fashioned way of caring for the elderly. My only living grandparent is my 76 year old grandfather and he still walks, drives and has complete ability to care for himself. My mother, as well as my aunts and uncles, each are compromised and take the responsibility to make sure he takes his medication and thoroughly follows his doctor‘s indications to remain in good health. I believe the cultural difference between American and Latin American culture regarding family has had a great impact and influence in my opinion about long term care. Coming from parents who are from Dominican origin, my 53 year old mother always reminds me that she does not wish to be placed in a long term care facility and the same goes for my 67 year old father.
     For me long term care means giving the best care possible to those who cannot care for themselves. Knowing that this industry is developing rapidly everyday gives me more of a reason to dedicate my life to the caring of individuals in need. I feel that many changes can be implemented to positively enhance the care we give to patients with special need. I hope to be able to contribute to these changes one day.