We aim to cover some of the issues with senior care in Florida. With around 20% of the state's population over 65, senior care is incredibly important and should be a priority in the state, my very own home.
This high rate of seniors places the state in a position where it could substantially benefit from offers from the federal government, yet those in power in the state have refused this aid for decades. From Bush to Scott to DeSantis, they all have refused support for the state's seniors for a myriad of reasons, some of which are discussed in our article on Medicaid expansion.
There are numerous Medicare Advantage plans in Florida to help cover costs for Durable Medical Equipment (DME), long-term nursing care, pharmacy expenses, and other aging-related costs.
COVID-19 exposed many areas of concern in the state. We had some of the highest deaths categorized as unnecessary due to opposition to masks and science. It baffles me why anyone would want to potentially expose their loved ones and other seniors, often immunocompromised, in nursing homes. If you choose not to simply wear a mask in a medical setting, then you might want to reflect on why. I was stopped and sarcastically asked if new laws were in place because I was wearing a mask. I had to politely inform this 'concerned citizen' that I have brain cancer. She then said she'd pray for me. I'm not sure how these people function; perhaps they don't. Cult mentalities do require deprogramming and are often difficult to escape. Interestingly, during the 'Spanish' Flu, which killed about 20% of humans, there were anti-maskers then, too. Ironically, the Spanish Flu likely originated in a base in Kansas and is called that because the Spanish were one of the few countries to openly speak about it and report its severity.
Improvements in managing chronic diseases will become even more necessary as the population and average lifespan increase (assuming they do). Otherwise, the system will be burdened by even greater costs—all the more reason to allow Medicare to negotiate pharmaceutical prices and to import from countries that meet or exceed our standards for medical supplies, drugs, and equipment.
Mental health services also need more support and more practitioners, as many seniors suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. Many in older generations have been reluctant to openly discuss these issues in the past due to fears, both rational and irrational. Historically, many women were simply considered 'hysterical' and confined to mental wards. One need look no further than what Joe Kennedy did to his daughter Rose.
We need more practitioners trained in geriatrics to meet the growing demand, especially as the baby boomers age. This demand will continue to rise. We must train more and encourage more people to enter these fields, which could be accomplished by the state offering more financial support for those pursuing these careers.
As you can see, there are many topics that require serious discussions—beyond politics—if we are to properly care for our aging population.