Please note: Two recent New York Times articles on this subject are noted at the end of this blog post: Prescription medications offer the elderly an improved quality of life. But, with medications, as with so many things in life, very often less … [Continue reading]
Reflections of the Gifts of Aging
I visit Hank weekly and wonder at his response to my greeting, “How are you?”. His predictable but genuine response is “marvelous”. Hank lives in a nursing home and has one relative who visits briefly a couple of times a month. Otherwise, Hank is … [Continue reading]
Choose an Independent Care Manager
As the public becomes more familiar with the value of care managers for older adults and individuals with serious chronic illnesses, more facilities and agencies are touting their care management services. As in all consumer choices, being informed, … [Continue reading]
Power of Attorney for Health Care: More than a Legal Document
Shirley executed a Power of Attorney (POA) for Health Care when she was 64 years old. At the time, she directed that that everything possible be done to keep her alive, regardless of her chances of recovery or costs. She kept her POA for Health Care … [Continue reading]
Encourage Elders to Exercise to Feel Alive!
Exercise to Feel Alive As parents age and decline in health, it is easy to assume that regular exercise is unrealistic and may be harmful. On the contrary, regular exercise tailored to the ability of the elder maintains and even restores health. … [Continue reading]
Sexuality and Older Adults
“They tell you they are going to lay out all the cards, but you find out that all the cards are not face up.” Vince is talking about his interaction with caregivers since his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He is referring to the lack of … [Continue reading]
Slowing Down Medicine: A “Slow Medicine” Approach
Addie, an 86-year-old woman, was hospitalized with an acute intestinal bleed. Addie had been bedridden for many years, by choice. She preferred to lie in bed and watch TV than do prescribed exercises. She politely refused all efforts to get her to be … [Continue reading]