We have become an instant-gratification society. Give us what we want when we want it and, if there is a crisis, come up with instant solutions. Too often, however, those actions prove incomplete or ineffective in the long run.

The balance between short-term fixes and long-range planning can be difficult to achieve but responsible leadership of any group, community or nation must continue to look at both sides of the equation before making decisions that result in the greatest benefit.

Still, that is not human nature, or at least the prevailing scenario. If there is a crime problem, the response is more police presence, harsher penalties for lawbreakers and increased security measures on the part of the general public. Those measures may make a difference in the short run but real progress will come only when high-quality education, greater job opportunities and non-discriminatory practices lead to a more livable community.

When people, especially children, are hungry, it is the quick response of a caring community that must address the immediate need. Yet, it is only when the focus is on holistic solutions for families in crisis that the need to provide food for the hungry can be minimized.

And when 11 residents of a nursing home in Broward County died in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma as inadequate emergency power was unable to operate air conditioners, Gov. Rick Scott responded quickly. He issued an order directing all nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in the state to obtain backup generators capable of powering air conditioning for 96 hours following a power outage. The order gave the facilities 60 days to comply.

At first blush, this seemed like a reasonable request. No one wants frail, elderly people to be subjected to uncomfortable conditions, let alone endure life-threatening experiences. But the hastily issued order is more complicated than it seemed. Finding equipment and qualified installers on such short notice would be a challenge in itself and the cost estimated at $230 million for some 650 facilities could result in higher rates for residents.

Questions concerning the deadline remain in the courts and it is likely the Legislature will enter the fray on this matter. Almost certainly, Florida taxpayers will have to shoulder at least a portion of the expense to meet the auxiliary power mandate.

But the real tragedy is that while generators in nursing homes has dominated the conversation around long-term care in Florida, there are far bigger issues to consider when it comes to how this state will deal with the burgeoning population of older adults as they age and need more care.

Earlier this year, AARP released its state scorecard on the efficiency of long-term services and supports for older residents and those with disabilities. Florida ranked 46th, a dismal figure, and a decline of three spots since the last report card came out in 2014.

Medicare, the federal program that provides health care for older adults, does not fund long-term services. That responsibility falls primarily to the states through the Medicaid program serving those whose private funds are insufficient to afford the care, and they are a lot of people.

The problem in Florida, and in many states, is that the bulk of the Medicaid money goes for nursing home care, which is far more expensive than providing services that could keep many older residents in their own homes. Only 23.5 percent of the state budget for long-term care pays for in-home services. The states at the top of the AARP report card spend some 70 percent on home and community services.

According to AARP, if Florida improved its services to the average level of the top five states — Washington, Minnesota, Vermont, Oregon and Alaska — it would direct nearly $2 billion in additional support for in-home services and nearly 360,000 more disabled and elderly people could receive help with daily activities.

Obviously, emergency power at nursing homes is important, but it is far from Florida’s biggest concern when it comes to caring for the frail elderly. It is not even the most pressing need in the disaster preparedness arena. How, when and where these residents will be evacuated when tropical weather threatens is a major problem.

So until the public and their elected leaders can step back from the immediate, headline-grabbing topics and look at the really important issues, Florida will fall short in services for the elderly. Attention must be focused on the long-term if this state is going to responsibly deal with the onslaught of older adults, especially those in the greatest need of assistance.  
             
Kathy Silverberg is former publisher of the Herald-Tribune’s southern editions. She can be reached at kathy.silverberg@comcast.net