Aging in America- Our Heritage of Wisdom
a series of thirty-six pencil drawings by artist jim branscum

NexCare Health Systems,   LLC

James R. Branscum, Principal

e-mail: jimb@nexcarehealthsys.com
Internet Web Site: http://www.nexcarehealthsys.com

Serving the Metropolitan Detroit Area

The links below will take you to your area of interest:

Facilities     Guiding Principles     The Long Term Care Field     A Difficult Step    Remembering Mother   

NexCare Facilities:

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Guiding Principles:

We Value the Individual:
Therefore,  in Structure and Practice,  We Will:

• Respect and recognize the uniqueness of each person

• Assist each individual in reaching his or her maximum potential

• Be open,   honest and trusting in our relationship

• Treat each other with dignity

• Provide clear and realistic expectations with constructive and honest feedback

• Enhance communications by listening,  relaying information and responding in a timely manner

• Promote wellness to all employees and community members

We Value Our Organization:
Therefore,  in Structure and Practice,  We Will:

• Be flexible,   responsive and harmonious

• Empower people,   release authority and promote participation

• Minimize bureaucracy

• Promote shared use of resources

• Encourage and support creativity and risk-taking in developing
  innovative solutions to new and traditional challenges

• Value passion and persistence

• Establish,   prioritize and achieve goals,  within our value system

• Respect patients and their families and equal partners in treatment

We Value the Community in Which We Serve:
Therefore,  We Will:

• Foster collaboration relationships with other organizations to identify and develop services which are responsive to the needs and expectations of the community

• Advocate for the under-served and disadvantaged

• Encourage participation by the community in defining our role

• Demonstrate a unified commitment to providing accessible,
  quality health care to persons of Metropolitan Detroit

• Actively participate in shaping economic and social growth and changes within the community

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The Long Term Care Field....

One of the greatest tragedies in out society is our failure to value and recognize the elderly and their contributions to this country.  As they age,  their contributions are often lost and some will experience an unfortunate series of situations.  Some will unfortunately develop multiple chronic and acute illness,  causing both physical and mental incapacity.  It is unfortunate that many will have exhausted their resources.   It is unfortunate that they often lose their "wonderful life" as they outlive spouse,  children and friends.  It is unfortunate that their treasures and prized possessions will not fit into the smaller area provided in a senior residence or nursing home.  It is unfortunate that many do not have an individual who could care for then in their old age.  However,  it is fortunate that many health care providers have chosen to work with the frail population.

We are the long term care field.  We grew out of a need.  We continue to grow because the need continues to grow.  We are also an industry that needs to balance the care and service to the frail elderly and the practical demands of paying for supplies, equipment,   utilities,  staff,  vendors,  etc.  We are a specialized segment of the health care field who shoulder an awesome responsibility and commitment to care for individuals who should be the most recognized people in our society.

The long term care field is heavily driven by mission.  The history of nursing care goes back hundreds of years to the Judaic-Christian belief that serving God required serving and caring for our brethren.  Long term care providers take this belief and put it into action.   The rewards for those working in long term care are many.  Although the financial rewards may not be great,  the opportunity to be touched by the rich history,  experience and wisdom of our residents are priceless.

Our resident population is varied and colorful and rich in heritage.  Many of their parents crossed the oceans from Europe with them as small children or they traveled alone as teenagers or adolescents to a new land of opportunity.  They left what was familiar and sought new beginnings.  Others have long established roots in this country but either have outlived their children or poor health precludes living in their children's home.

For example,  a lady born in Poland who was one of sixteen children came as a small child to this country with her parents and three siblings.  She's not sure of her age,  but she is at least 97years old-- her first picture is of her with three younger siblings taken in 1901.

Or, a 99 year old gentleman,  the eldest of ten children,  who was raised on a farm and believes hard work is related to longevity.  He remembers the hard work,  long days and many walks down dirt roads to sell vegetables at the farmer's market.  Everyone worked the farm and each child was necessary to the families success.

Or,  a 104 year old woman who dedicated her life to others as a social worker and became very involved in her city.  Her dedication and commitment has touched hundreds or even thousands of lives.  Her life was spent in service and now she has endeared herself to those who serve her.

Or,  the nurse/midwife whose skills and dedication help bring hundreds of babies into the world.   Too numerous to count,  she still ponders on the miracle of birth and the part she played.  She wonders what their lives are like and speaks of them as "her children."

Or,  the 102 year old German immigrant who came to the country to create a new future.  He's proud of the Iron Cross presented to him by the German Kaiser,  but more proud to be an American.  His words of wisdom are simple,  "You have to change with the times."  He has had many changes in his lifetime and says one grows with experience.  He suggests the biggest change in his lifetime came with the automobile which changed the course of modern history.

Or,  a 95 year old woman whose family fled Russian anti-semitism;  she became a fashion designer and fashion buyer in New York.  She is credited with designing the first woman's three piece tennis dress.

These are our residents-- our heritage.

A Difficult Step:

Selecting a nursing home is one of the most important and difficult decisions that you may be asked to make-- either for yourself or for a member of your family.  So it is important that you base your decision on the most complete and timely information available.

Ideally,  you would have ample time to plan ahead;  to examine facilities; to talk to residents of nursing homes and their families;  to find out about the costs of care and make financial plans to cover the cost of your nursing home residency.  Planning assures a good choice of facility and location when the decision is made.

Unfortunately,  such a decision often must be made during time of crisis--  frequently  when a person is ready to leave the hospital after a serious illness or operation.

When an individual can no longer live independently or requires short-term care after a hospital stay,  a decision must be made about providing the best alternative arrangement to meet the person's need for care.   Understandably,  this can be a bewildering task.

Finding the right facility is all important to your loved one's well-being.  The facility selected will be the home and community for the duration of any stay - often for the remainder of a person's life.

Consequently,  if you are helping a relative find a nursing home,  involve them as much as possible in the decision-making process.  If he or she is mentally alert,  it is essential that the person's wishes be considered and that the individual be involved in the process of selecting the home every step of the way.

Most people know very little about life in nursing homes and do not like to think about being in that situation;  however,   if you or a family member is likely to need nursing home care in the future,   discuss the subject well in advance of such a move and educate the family about the realities of nursing home care. 

By planning ahead,  you will have more control of your life or the life of a loved one.  Even if others must make decisions for you,  you will have participated in making your preferences and needs known ahead of time.

Remembering Mother:

I look in the face of my mother,  I can see the years of happiness,  pain and the lines of age.  I look into her eyes,  faded blue with cataract casts,  but I can see tenderness and love.  I look at her gnarled fingers,  but remember their strength and tender touch.  I look at her arms,  weakened by illness and age,  but I remember them holding me when bad dreams awakened me as a child.

I remember when I was five and she took me for my first day at school.  I remember when she dressed me up for my first communion.  I remember when she let my dad put me into the sidecar of his Harley for a little "spin around the block."  I remember when my father died while I was in high school,   we went to church and prayed and cried and my mother held me tight.  I remember when I went off to college,  she sent roses and my favorite doll ahead to greet me.  I remember when I became engaged,  she cried and said,   "Don't rush into this,  life is too short,  enjoy being young."   I remember when I married,  she hugged me and said,  "I love you,   and I wish Dad was here."  I remember when I had my first son,  She said,  "Enjoy him,  babies grow up so fast."

I remember that mother was always there for me,  my silent angel,  my strength,  and my confidence.  I never thought she would really grow old or die,  yet,  before my eyes,  I saw her fade.  Her laughter and pain are gone.

Her parents were immigrants.  She was born before New Mexico or Arizona were states.  She was a little girl when Geronimo was captured.  She had a seventh grade education.  She was courted in a horse and buggy and saw an astronaut land on the moon.  She raised children during the depression.  She sent her eldest son into war and saw her grandson sent to Vietnam.  She outlived two husbands,  three children,  one grandchild and two great-grandchildren.  She has given her children,  her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren a legacy of strength and faith.

Her legacy includes nurses,  engineers,  social workers,  law enforcement officers,  authors -- she was one of the frail elderly.

                                                                                                          Angela Willis
                                                                                     Daughter, Wife,  Mother & Administrator
                                                                                             OakPointe Villa Nursing Centre