By now we have all heard that health care is changing. We have seen medicine go through not only a technological metamorphosis, but also a complete transformation in the way care is delivered to those in need. It seems like the one thing that we can count on in health care is change. So what will health care look like in the not so distant future for the seniors of Hampton Roads? To get the answers we interviewed William N. Hovland, M.D. of Long Term Care of Tidewater. As one of the area’s leading geriatricians, he is at the forefront of both local and national changes in health care for senior citizens. Here are some of the highlights.
SeniorHealth: Dr. Hovland, we see so many new assisted living facilities being built in our area. Who is living in these facilities and how are these folks being cared for?
William N. Hovland, M.D.: A wide range of senior citizens live in these facilities, from those who simply desire more freedom and flexibility, to those with minor disabilities who need a little help. Many of the residents go to the same physician they have gone to for years. Others receive care from physicians and nurse practitioners who make scheduled on-site visits right at the assisted living facility.
SH: Over the past number of years we have seen many of the services that used to require hospitalization become outpatient procedures. What changes can seniors expect to see in the next five to ten years?
WH: Expect more services to move to the outpatient setting, and — believe it or not — we are seeing a trend toward providing more medical care in the home. In the near future I expect to see Medicare recognizing the need for medical care to be coordinated from the home (community case management). This will become an important part of caring for the older population.
SH: While we recognize that the government has restricted some forms of stem cell research in order to maintain a high respect for life, can we expect to see anything coming from this research to extend life and heal sickness?
WH:While the research has been limited, it has by no means been forbidden. Stem cell research continues today according to acceptable rules and regulations. I think that we will see fruit from this research in the next five to ten years that will help to further extend life expectancy in this and other countries.
SH: What about bioterrorism? Are there any particularly threatening aspects for our senior citizens?
WH: Our senior population has overcome many difficulties and tragedies over the past 100 years. In the event of bioterrorism, the only difficulty seniors may face above the norm, is that it may be more difficult for the frail elderly to recover from sickness, whether or not it is a result of a terrorist attack.
William N. Hovland, M. D. will be this year’s keynote speaker at the Successful Aging Conference. The conference will be held March 12th on the Southside and March 14th on the Peninsula. Call 889-5976 to make your reservations. |
