Identifying The RIGHT Problem

Elderpride: Chapter 2


Let’s face it; identifying a problem is something we Americans take pride in --especially if it is someone else’s problem. Well then, I need to ask – why are we so horribly deplorable at solving the problems we identify? I don’t think Americans are apathetic, even though we are often accused of it. I think when Americans are under the impression that there is no solution, Americans go on to something else where they think they do have influence or the ability to solve something.

I think there is another component of why problems don’t get solved and that is that we haven’t identified the right problem or there is finger pointing when there should be working together. Identifying the right problem takes a lot of research and study no matter what the issue is. What seems on the surface to be the problem is often a symptom of the problem and solving symptoms leaves us nowhere. Solving symptoms is a Band-Aid™ at best and may even leave the problem in worse condition than before.

Sometimes the problems are so complex that we, the people get discouraged with the amount of research and study long before we know the whole story. This is what has happened in the Long Term Care industry which includes nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and assisted living facilities. Whenever someone thinks they have a solution, invariably they leave out an important piece of the puzzle. In some ways it is worse than a Rubik’s Cube because, any piece of the nursing home puzzle that is left out of the proposed solution mounts a fight against the proposed solution, and so the changes to the system happen in a haphazard and less than fully supported manner.

As we work our way through this maze let’s all keep in mind that we need to identify the right problem(s). It will take more time. I want to take the time to thoroughly examine the things that are ailing this industry while at the same time arriving at solutions that can be brought to the attention of our legislators during the 2008 elections.

I will begin next week by laying the foundation and opening discussion of the payment system for Long Term Care. Please feel free to comment on this blog.