The plan as presented may only be giving people the illusion of choice. Strong consideration should be given to making arms of county government or tribal councils the entry points for Resource Centers referred to in the redesign plan. Such units can draft and maintain impartial standards for eligibility and performance. Physicians must be active partners with social service care managers in the direction and management of patient care services. This approach to problem solving seems to be an attempt by special interests who may be more concerned with advancing agendas or turf building than they are with the welfare of older persons.
Physicians are intimately familiar with the biologic aspects of an older persons care needs.
They are irreplaceable providers of proper patient management. The plan needs to recognize that illnesses and diseases are the prime reasons patients require long term care services. A patient's medical problems can multiply and complicate social service needs. Social service providers working without the consultation and guidance of physicians cannot make fully informed decisions on the long term care needs of elderly patients.