#188689 - 07/07/10 02:27 PM
Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
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Winterwhite
Member
Registered: 06/01/09
Posts: 34
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I've previously visited this site and since I'm an older polio quad am very interested in the effects of aging on disabilities etc. Topics that are important to me are obtaining health aides, assisted living facilities specific to physical disabilities, housing options etc. I'm surprised that there isn't more discussions on some of these topics since many of us are going to get there.
One thing is for certain - you can't rely on the gov't or gov't agencies to help you out. The onus of survival is going to fall on ourselves.
Any thoughts?????? Winterwhite.
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#188722 - 07/07/10 08:11 PM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: Winterwhite]
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MerryA
Member
Registered: 01/10/04
Posts: 10887
Loc: Tennessee
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I am also post-polio.
Lately, aging has been a pain, literally. I hurt more, I sleep more, I eat less but don't lose weight. I am developing skin things that are quite disturbing! Not the tags, I can clip them but callous type things on my arms and legs. Plus what used to be up is now down and down is so low I can't see it anymore.
I am fortunate in that my husband and I own our home so mods only require some planning and a little saving. The grabber has been saving my back the last several weeks.
I also now sleep with five (yes 5!) pillows - two under my head, one under my arm, one between my knees, and one at my back - talk about regressing to the craddle. Of course then I have nights where I can't sleep and most of the pillows end up on the floor. 
It seems I am constantly re-arranging things to get them lower and within reach.
Now if I could just find something for my aching neck from spending so much time on the computer.
BTW - welcome to New Mobility. Check out PowerQuad.net if you get a chance - some of us post both places.
_________________________
"I was curious. Since I'm not a cat, that's not dangerous."
- Greg House
76.22.172.94
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#188750 - 07/08/10 02:07 PM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: MerryA]
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Paul I
Member
Registered: 02/24/00
Posts: 7913
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What I find distressing is what happens when one can't fully care for themselves and perhaps is alone. Can't get the long term care insurance. They only want people that will live long and pay their premiums and die quickly. If one has any savings it must be depleted before the government helps and then one is unable to buy anything for fun. A buddy lives in EL Paso and has a Mexican lady
that lives in house and is a caregiver. Works for him.
Frankly, unless one has family nearby it's not something to look forward to.
_________________________
"...only the shadow knows"
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#188756 - 07/08/10 05:28 PM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: MerryA]
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Winterwhite
Member
Registered: 06/01/09
Posts: 34
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MerryA,
Thank you for the comments. This August it will be 50 years since I contracted polio. I remember thinking when I was 35 - that if I could keep the musculature, energy and function I had, I'd be ok! How nieve . The last 6 or so years have seen a lot of regression and I'm finding I am needing more care and assistance. I pay for my home health aid out of pocket and that is for one hour in the morning. My youngest brother assists me in getting to bed at night. If anything happened to him, I'd be in a nursing home. Agencies don't have the resources, health care funds are being cut and they are putting more restrictions on getting services. Not particularly good I fear. But we keep plugging away. Thank you. Mary
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#188758 - 07/08/10 05:39 PM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: Paul I]
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Winterwhite
Member
Registered: 06/01/09
Posts: 34
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Hi Paul,
Believe it or not, I occasionally think about moving to Mexico so that I can afford care. I believe that I once read about an assistive living facility in Mexico that has worked with a number of challenged Americans. Maybe that concept will become a reality. Thanks for responding. Mary
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#188769 - 07/08/10 09:46 PM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: Winterwhite]
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Paul I
Member
Registered: 02/24/00
Posts: 7913
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My Lady wants to move to Panama for the same reasons. Pretty American friendly.
_________________________
"...only the shadow knows"
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#189033 - 07/13/10 09:41 AM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: Winterwhite]
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Millard
Junior Member
Registered: 01/20/05
Posts: 17
Loc: Plains, Georgia
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I am an ageing C5-C6 Quad (63 years old, 43 years post). The most noticeable change I have noticed is loss of muscle tissue in my forearms. I still have plenty of strength for transferring but the forearms are getting "skinny". I'll be talking to my doctor about this loss. I still work with weights so my routine has not changed. More later.
_________________________
Millard
--
"Life's tough. It's even tougher if you're stupid!"--John Wayne
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#189047 - 07/13/10 11:53 AM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: Winterwhite]
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paradocs
Member
Registered: 11/20/04
Posts: 2323
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Hi Paul,
Believe it or not, I occasionally think about moving to Mexico so that I can afford care... Mary
A number of years ago I new a SCI guy who tried Mexico for a couple of years. I don't remember where he went or whether he was in a care facility. Since he is no longer living I can't ask him for details. Anyway, after a year or so, he came back to the US because he felt the medical care available in Mexico was not as good as in this country. Whether that gap has been closed, I can't say.
I also can't comment on care in Panama like Paul mentioned.
I know there are various post-polio groups around the country. Maybe some of them can offer suggestions if you can find one online.
Here is a link that may help.
http://www.ppsr.com/infolocator.html
Edited by paradocs (07/13/10 11:55 AM)
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#189266 - 07/15/10 03:42 PM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: paradocs]
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Paul I
Member
Registered: 02/24/00
Posts: 7913
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Panama is the "medical center" for Central America. Best doctors, most US trained. Panama City is a real city like Denver, St. Louis, etc. except no snow. The main expressway, meaning it's paved and a good road,(Pan American Highway) goes west to Costa Rico and turns into a gravel road. This is interesting-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-American_Highway#Dari.C3.A9n_Gap-but go to the top.
Medical Insurance runs less than $100/month and a person can live on $1200/month including everything, even domestic help.
_________________________
"...only the shadow knows"
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#191853 - 08/27/10 12:29 PM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: Paul I]
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Stormi
Member
Registered: 08/17/00
Posts: 500
Loc: USA
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I don't have post polio but I feel I have post Cerebral palsy syndrome.. I've gotten worse since the age of 14 .. Chronic pain settled in mid 20's early 30's electric wheelchair 36 .. major fatigue... It's a pain to date .. I'm too tired *LOL* I used to have such fun ...
_________________________
"Only those who dream the absurd, can ever do the impossible" -Hellen Keller
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#191870 - 08/27/10 08:23 PM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: Stormi]
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Lola
Member
Registered: 03/17/05
Posts: 5944
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i'm younger than you a bit, tara, but i hear you girl! i can totally relate!
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#192076 - 09/01/10 01:00 PM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: Millard]
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Winterwhite
Member
Registered: 06/01/09
Posts: 34
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Hi Millard,
In response to your reply, I'm 67 and 50 years post. I happen to be a post-polio but have noticed more and more muscle loss with each year. I've reconciled myself to the fact it is inevitable.
I've often wondered why someone hasn't thought about a community for the physically challenged where the people themselves hire an aid or two to help them with their physical needs. I know of someone in Tucson who has been pursuing a government grant to start a housing project where everyone has their own unit but share services. It's much like buying into a condo/house unit and sharing some facilities and the personnel. You own your unit and pay for the help; It sounds viable but seems to have gone nowhere. Interesting thought.
Care to go to Mexico with me? lol Winterwhite
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#192077 - 09/01/10 01:30 PM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: Millard]
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Winterwhite
Member
Registered: 06/01/09
Posts: 34
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Hi Millard,
In response to your reply, I'm 67 and 50 years post. I happen to be a post-polio but have noticed more and more muscle loss with each year. I've reconciled myself to the fact it is inevitable.
I've often wondered why someone hasn't thought about a community for the physically challenged where the people themselves hire an aid or two to help them with their physical needs. I know of someone in Tucson who has been pursuing a government grant to start a housing project where everyone has their own unit but share services. It's much like buying into a condo/house unit and sharing some facilities and the personnel. You own your unit and pay for the help; It sounds viable but seems to have gone nowhere. Interesting thought.
Care to go to Mexico with me? lol Winterwhite
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#192089 - 09/01/10 07:26 PM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: Winterwhite]
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Paul I
Member
Registered: 02/24/00
Posts: 7913
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Guess what, Winterwhite- I'm 67 and 50 years post SCI. "42" must have been a good year!
_________________________
"...only the shadow knows"
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#192286 - 09/05/10 12:09 PM
Re: Amazed that there isn't more discussion on aging.
[Re: Paul I]
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Winterwhite
Member
Registered: 06/01/09
Posts: 34
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1942 was a good year especially the wine! lol I guess we are what you call the real survivors. We should start our own 50 plus-ers.
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