Hi, I’m Laura Kirk. I’m a filmmaker and assistant professor at the University of Kansas. My film The Tree introduced me to an organization I now sit on the board for KABC - Kansas Advocates for Better Care. The Tree is the story of 88-year-old Dorothy Thorpe. The film takes Dorothy on a road trip to visit her closest childhood friend. Dorothy lives independently away from her busy family. I play her neighbor Marge who keeps an eye on her for her daughter. I am somewhat overprotective and worried about Dorothy and extremely fond of her. My husband John is a little more relaxed. He hands her paper road maps when we learn she won’t use GPS.
Some of the themes explored are informed consent. Dorothy’s doctor gives her a new medication without telling her what it is, what it does or how it might interact with medications she is already taking or explain side effects. Unfortunately, Kansas is ranked among the worst from 51st to 38th since 2001 – (we are improving) for overuse of dangerous antipsychotic medications which can double the risk of death in a short time. KABC recommends family and friends be involved in healthcare appointments and visits.
My siblings and I have found this to be very important for our parents. In the film, the doctor also pushes for assisted living. Most communities have home-based services that can help the elderly live at home with medication reminders, food preparation, transportation, dressing, and KABC has a new resource and tips and helpful information for anyone thinking about long-term support or care while staying in their home.
They also have information for anyone considering assisted living and nursing facility care. The Tree deals with issues of safety/protection vs. Independence/autonomy. Everyone has the right to make choices for their lives. Families and friends should consider what will protect our elderly loved ones from harm while allowing maximum independence and autonomy. Finally, it’s really important to make decisions ahead about the care you want to receive. In the movie, Dorothy doesn’t talk with her daughter about what she wants regarding long-term care or quality of life because she doesn’t want to bother her or worry her busy daughter.
I know in my instance we had to make some quick decisions in a crisis rather than have some options already figured out. You are reading wonderful books on this topic and I would encourage you to check out my film The Tree written and directed by Stephen and Mary Pruitt. You can find the film on Amazon. Be sure and contact Kansas Advocates for Better Care if you or a loved one are facing choices in aging. Remember, it’s ok to let nature run its course and provide direction for what you do or don’t want. Have those conversations now.
For the HPPR Radio Readers Book Club, I’m Laura Kirk.