Leaving a Legacy of Hope Essay Example for Free

Leaving a Legacy of Hope EssaySo some(prenominal) heap when asked what it was that drew them to this field would tell me, I go home e very night feeling good about the work I do. though this is a genuine and relevant answer to the question, it is not mine. I have always said that it is the mass that involve this work so special. What makes the population of populate that we work with so incredible is that they ar not caught up with the everyday way of life that you and I atomic number 18. It is that immunity from conventions which sets them apart. They ar not as disquieted about the latest fads, trends or fashions. They are state shaped through the geezerhood of their lives, filled with experience and wonder that is hard to imagine, let alone understand. They are individuals not so much worried about What do you think about me? as much as, Do you love me?Their component part and convictions are steadfast, and though they may be hardened to change, their hearts remai n soft and tenable. The following judge has been written for these people, with swears that it would inspire even a one person to take an earnest look at operating theaters current service deterrent examples for Seniors and People with Disabilities, and to keep Oregon as a premier(a) model in which other states stick out continue to look to. What legacy will we leave? What hope will we inspire? My objective is to utilize this essay to answer these questions. In our states history, Oregon has been blessed with so many great advocates and has been a National leader with the Self-Directed Support model of services across the division of Seniors and People with Disabilities.So how will the new generation of college graduates continue this legacy? After an in depth inquiry into this strung-out and much self reflection, I submit the following. As we begin to take those preference words care Independence, integration, productivity, choice and dignity, and not just make sure our c ompanies or non-profits mission statements included a few of them, not just check off the box on the service plan that says these are being implemented or accomplished, but actually look at the root meaning of the words. Are we really where we want to be? Or can we do better? We have a choice, we can take a rational and intellectual inquiry into our current and proposed service models to see if the services we are providing and more importantly plan to provide fall in line with these words.Or, we can set our sights on mediocrity, from which no legacy will be made. The choice lies with us. Do we remain stagnant and content with the progress made? Do we measure Oregon against the backdrop of other states and take solace in the particular that we may still be slightly ahead of the pack? I think the answer among fellow Oregonians would be a echo No. The preservation of Oregons existing legacy as being a National leader in the legislative, economic and social advocacy for seniors and people with disabilities is important. It is something that I conclude can only be done by my previous statement of rational and intellectual inquiry into Oregons current and proposed service models. My personal response to this inquiry is based around the philosophy of person centered planning and person directed supports. With the heart and tenseness of this model remaining on individual choice.At the age of 25 years old, having spent 5 years in human services I have worked within all different areas of Oregon Seniors and People with Disabilities. Through this time, one theme that I have heard loud and clear from the people I have supported is the need for choice, more specifically is choice as it pertains to the location in which people live while receiving services. Which leads me to the following If Oregon is going to continue to be a leader and innovator in providing the Self-Directed Support model of services, the legacy of hope that we need to focus on leaving would stem fr om successful implementation of what is k nowadaysn as the Community Based Care models of services. The emphasis of this model being on serving seniors and people with disabilities in ways to help them live and age comfortably in the place of their choice.Rather than emphasizing their diagnoses, medical condition or inabilities, we focus on the things in life that give them happiness, peace and strength. All things that can be accomplished through something many of us now take for granted, and thats having the freedom and choice of where we live. As the medical field progresses people are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. The number of those over the age of 65 is ontogenesis dramatically. There are 10,000 new Medicare recipients added each day. In 2000 the number of seniors over the age of 85 was 4.2 million. By 2010 the number is estimated to be 6.1 million. Beginning in the years 2011 2012, the baby boomers will begin to turn 65 years old. More astonishing then that, by 2030, Americans 55 and older will account for 31% of the population and those 65 and older will account for 20%.From the fiscal standpoint, Community Based Care has been projected to cost as little as a few hundred dollars a month, comparatively to someone who has been displaced from their home and is living in a facility where the monthly cost to the tax payers now shoots as high as $5,000- $6,000 monthly. The SPD population overwhelmingly wants to age in place, to be able to remain living in their own homes. plainly they very concerned about their choice to do so. In the book, Water for Elephants Sara Gruen, writes from the perspective of a man named Jacob Janokowski a retired veterinarian who is 90 years old, (or 93 he cant remember which). Below is an excerpt from the book I believe helps illustrate the discussion.But Dad, they said, you broke your hip, as though maybe I hadnt noticed. I dug my heels in. I threatened to cut them off without a cent, until I remembered they already had controlled my money. They didnt remind me- they just let me data track on like an old fool until I remembered of my own accord, and that made me even angrier because if they had any respect for me at all they would have at least made sure I had the facts straight. I felt like a toddler whose tantrum was being allowed to run its course.As the enormity of my helplessness dawned on me, my position began to slip. Youre right, I conceded. I guess I could use some help. I suppose having someone come in during the day wouldnt be so bad, just to help out with the cooking and cleaning. No? Well how about a live in? I know Ive let things slip a little since your mother died But I thought you said Okay, then one of you can move in with me But I dont understand Well, Simon, your house is large. Surely I could? It was not to be.I remember leaving my house for the last time, bundled up like a cat on the way to the vet. As the car pulled away, my eyes were so clouded by tears I c ouldnt look back. Its not a nursing home, they said. Its assisted living- progressive, you see. Youll only have help with the things you need, and then when you get older They always trailed off there, as though that would balk me from following the thought to its logical conclusion.I truthfully believe it is a realistic belief that Oregon can pioneer the cause of helping seniors and people with disabilities live confidently with independence, and the freedom to age with a positive sense of self-worth in their own homes. This is my vision of Community Based Care, and this is the legacy that I hope to leave behind.