Alone and Invisible No More

In the next two decades, millions of Americans will reach the age and physical status where they will need significant support to stay in their own homes or a cost-effective residential alternative that can meet their myriad complex physical and emotional needs. The current state of elder care in America is appalling, expensive, and unsustainable. It underserves the majority of elderly Americans and bankrupts all but the richest few. At a time when we should be celebrating the achievements and wisdom of the oldest citizens, we instead find ways to isolate them in dehumanizing, over-medicated nursing home facilities. There must be a better way!

In Alone and Invisible No More, geriatrist Dr. Allan "Chip" Teel, MD, describes a philosophy and course of action that has turned aging in place into a viable alternative for dozens of elderly residents in Damariscotta, Maine. Teel lays out a course of action to expand his approach to the millions of Americans approaching retirement age and how these techniques can be used to avert the financial and personal disaster approaching nationwide. He discusses the resources: both technological and professional needed to guide this transition and the community support that will be critical to its success. Taking this "Maine Approach" to the rest of the country could create a climate where Americans welcome rather than fear the approach of their golden years.

The Maine Approach initiates an exciting transformation that provides a limitless talent pool to contribute to solving most of the problems our society faces and will make all of us richer from the special relationships it champions. Once you seriously consider such an approach, there is no going back. Anything less just won't do.

About the Author:

Allan "Chip" Teel, MD is a family physician in Damariscotta, Maine. During his 25 year medical career, he has worked with thousands of older patients in the hospital, at the nursing homes, in assisted living homes, and in their own homes. Each one has left a lasting impression. Dr. Teel's passion and commitment have driven him to speak out forcefully on the crisis facing our communities and out country. He puts human faces on our elders who are too often alone and invisible.