Gerontology is defined in the dictionary as ‘the scientific study of ageing and its effects’. It’s not a word commonly used or seen but it will soon become part of our everyday language as we see more effects of having an elder population living longer than ever before.
To Comox resident Wendy Johnstone, gerontology has been her life’s work for 15 years and now she has launched her own business addressing some of the challenges and issues caused by the natural process of ageing—issues that face many seniors and their families today.
Solutions for Seniors Eldercare Planning was launched in May this year, offering a service for families with elderly relatives who wish to remain independent in their homes for as long as possible or require help in making the transition to a more supportive environment, such as assisted living. Word of her services spread quickly and Johnstone has already received a steady flow of inquiries and clients.
The needs of clients are varied. Johnstone currently has a client who is in hospital, in between placements. The nearest relative lives out of town so Johnstone is filling the void by visiting her client twice a week and ensuring that she has everything she needs—from chiropody treatment and ensuring proper nutrition to assisting with the move to residential care.
Eldercare planning is a pressing issue for many people and it is also a very sensitive area, not only assessing the needs of all those involved but discussing budgets for the financial implications. For Johnstone the whole situation demands a very personalized approach. “Despite the fact that there is a lot of literature out there, many people don’t know where to start or what their ageing relative actually needs,” she says.
It is Johnstone’s job to sort out the tangle, to figure out what is really important to that senior and what is missing for them. During the process she is passionate about not losing sight of the individual, which she feels is the key to having a successful relationship. But equally important to her is that all family members be a part of the solution and contribute in some way.
Johnstone has a strong belief in helping families understand the whole process so that the final choices will be the best choices. Rather than just present a neatly drawn up solution, she will draw up a list of options and probable outcomes depending on the choices made.
Providing the proper service-care plan and solutions can be a very slow process and advance planning is always helpful. She is a firm advocate in adults talking to their elders, initiating conversation about the future and needs and care choices that are available. Even for the closest family unit, this can be a very hard conversation to start and Johnstone is surprised to find she is being asked to coach families through their concerns, such as elders falling, frailty, signs of dementia and so on.
This coaching can be as little or as much as the individuals require—from a short meeting to putting together an action plan that is later reviewed and refined before moving to the next step.
Obviously there are government departments available to respond and help with eldercare issues, such as Seniors Home and Community Care (SHCC). However despite the service they give, with the ever-increasing aging population, they are often overworked and stretched to the limit. Johnstone’s ethos allows for a more holistic approach to not only physical but also mental needs.
Johnstone, young and vital, is obviously extremely passionate about her work and thoroughly enjoys her daily interaction with the older generation.
“I really enjoy spending time with seniors,” she says. “They have so much history and knowledge. Younger people are always looking forward to the future while seniors take the time to look back and see what they are leaving behind. They have a refreshing candor. I really admire that—I see them for who they are and I share in that. To me it is such a gift that I get to do that on a daily basis.”