Swelling in the lower legs – known as “lower extremity edema” in medical terms – is a problem that often affects older adults. The good news is that most of the time, it’s annoying, ...
Have you been concerned about falls for yourself, or for an aging parent? If so, do you know if any of your medications might be increasing your risk for falls? In its Stay Independent brochure, ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/preventing-falls-10-types-of-medications-to-review/
First, understand why older people fall There are many reasons that aging adults fall. Most older people will be falling due to their own unique combination of reasons. So how, exactly, should YO...
It’s one of those cliches that is true: exercise really is very good for your health. In fact, one expert in applied longevity wrote that: “Exercise is by far the most potent longevity ‘dru...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-exercise-in-aging-for-balance-strength-independence/
Delirium is a state of worse-than-usual mental confusion, which affects up to 30% of older adults during hospitalization and has been linked with acceleration of cognitive decline. It's even more...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/hospital-delirium-what-to-do/
Here's how to know if you should be worried about hypertension treatment. Learn to make sure BP is measured accurately, what BP to aim for, & what to ask the doctor.
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-treat-high-blood-pressure-in-seniors/
How low should you go when treating high blood pressure in older adults? Learn about SPRINT-Senior, which will influence future blood pressure guidelines. This post explains how to know if the SP...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/blood-pressure-study-sprint-senior/
Q: An older friend, who is in her 90s, has been having bacteria in her urine, but no symptoms. Despite treatment with antibiotics, she was still having bacteria in the urine, so the doctor recomm...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/urine-bacteria-without-uti-in-elderly/
(This article is a special guest post by geriatrician Dr. Nicole Didyk, founder of the blog and YouTube channel The Wrinkle. Like me, Dr. Didyk has a particular interest in informing and empoweri...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-sex-changes-in-aging-and-what-to-do/
Dr. K answers a reader's question about mild cognitive impairment and memory problems. Learn how this common condition is diagnosed and treated, how exercise and nutrition can help, and why Alzhe...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-how-to-treat-mild-cognitive-impairment/
In this article, I’ll address a real mainstay of modern medicine: laboratory tests that require drawing blood. This is sometimes referred to as “checking labs,” “doing bloodwork,” or ev...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/understanding-10-common-blood-tests-in-aging/
Here’s a situation that comes up for many people: you move in later life. Or maybe it’s your older mother — or father, or other older relative — who’s moving to a new town, perhaps to b...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/10-types-medical-information-for-new-doctor-or-phr/
What should you do if an older person complains of not sleeping well at night? Experts do believe that “normal aging” brings on some changes to sleep. (See this post for more on how sleep c...
Have you been worried about an older person’s memory or thinking abilities? Maybe your parent has seemed more confused recently. Or you may have noticed that your aging spouse is repeating hers...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/cognitive-impairment-causes-and-how-to-evaluate/
Do you find yourself taking stock and setting goals around the time of New Year’s? It is indeed an excellent time to reflect on the past year. And although one can set goals at any time of ye...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/top-10-checklist-for-better-health-aging-next-year/
Updated Dec 2023 with the latest on COVID cases going up again and what to know for the holidays. This page is where I'll be posting COVID updates specifically for older adults and their families...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/covid-and-vaccine-updates-for-aging/
A home blood pressure (BP) monitor is a very useful tool to have, since it helps manage many chronic conditions AND can help you assess falls or sudden illness. Learn what types of features to co...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-use-home-blood-pressure-monitor/
One of the most common questions I get asked is “How can I get care for my aging parent and how much will it cost?” The answer generally depends on these factors: What kind of elder care does...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/elder-care-options-cost-of-assisted-living-and-home-care/
Want to keep your brain — or the brain of someone you love — as healthy as possible? Then it’s essential to know which commonly used medications affect brain function. In this article, I’...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/7-brain-toxic-drugs-seniors-should-avoid/
Here's a list of key issues to address, from the Helping Older Parents Course. Use this to stay organized & keep track of essential aspects of your older parent's health and wellbeing! Dr. K and ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/what-to-address-when-helping-older-parents/
Worried about falls in an older person? You’re right to be concerned, especially if the older person has already experienced a fall. Research suggests that falling once doubles your chance of ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-prevent-injury-from-falling-in-aging/
Happy holidays! Dr. K shares four gifts for aging adults plus four recommendations for someone who has Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. Plus links to her favorite gift lists on DailyCarin...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/top-gift-ideas-aging-adults-or-alzheimers-dementia/
Wondering how to know if an aging parent needs help? Or trying to find out what to do when they need help? Dr. K explains exactly what warning signs to check for and what to say (and not say!) wh...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/signs-aging-parent-needs-help-and-how-to-talk-to-them/
If I had to recommend one key piece of healthcare equipment that older adults & caregivers should have at home, it would be this: a good home blood pressure (BP) monitor. Why? Because BP measurem...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-home-blood-pressure-monitors-help-seniors/
Are you on medication to lower blood pressure? Or are you caring for an older person with hypertension, also known as high blood pressure? If so, you are probably wondering just what is the rig...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/new-blood-pressure-guidelines-mean-older-adults/
One of the most common concerns I hear from people is “My older parent’s behavior is concerning me and I’m worried about her mental abilities.” As I explained in a related article: it�...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/avoid-senior-incapacity-problems-durable-power-of-attorney/
Today we’re covering a touchstone resource for geriatricians: the “Beers List” of medications that older adults should avoid or use with caution. (Technically, it’s called “The AGS Beer...
“Doctor, do you diagnose dementia? Because I need someone who can diagnose dementia.” A man asked me this question recently. He explained that his 86 year-old father, who lived in the Bay Are...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-diagnose-dementia-the-basics/
It used to be that influenza was the main respiratory virus that got a lot of attention during the wintertime. But now there’s another one that’s become known for its potential to cause serio...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/rsv-in-aging-and-rsv-vaccine/
It’s that time of the year: fall, which I think of as flu vaccination time. I always think getting a flu vaccine is a good idea for most older adults. In these COVID pandemic times, I think it�...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/flu-shots-in-aging-what-to-know/
Dr. K responds to reader who is concerned about paranoia and other changes in an aging mother. Learn the six key causes of paranoid behaviors, how to check on safety, and how to pursue further ev...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/6-causes-paranoia-in-aging/
Worried about falls in an older parent or relative? If so, do you know if their doctor has considered the most useful fall prevention approaches? Fall risk can be reduced, but it generally takes ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/prevent-falls-proven-approaches-ask-doctors/
If you’re helping an older person with health and healthcare, chances are that person is taking at least a few prescription medications, if not several. Do you ever wonder if he or she is on th...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/6-medication-problems-aging/
30-70% of older adults get delirium during hospitalization. Learn what it is, how it's different from dementia, plus 10 essential things to know & do.
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/what-is-delirium-10-things-to-know/
Planning ahead to enable others to assist is key to better health while aging. This post covers five common age-related problems to plan for, five key steps to address advance planning for health...
Getting preventive health services is key to better health while aging. This post covers 27 preventive health tests recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and Medicare for some or...
Optimal management of chronic conditions is key to healthier aging, & preventing declines in health & independence. But many seniors don't get recommended care for their chronic conditions unless...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/optimizing-chronic-conditions-healthy-aging-checklist-part-4/
These 7 commonly neglected problems often keep seniors from being socially and physically active, & can sabotage healthy aging. Learn to spot them & get help that works. Includes a handy PDF chea...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/7-commonly-neglected-problems-to-address-healthy-aging/
This post covers item 2 in the Healthy Aging Checklist. Here are the 6 most useful and well-proven ways to promote physical health, which is key for healthy aging. Includes links to relevant reso...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-promote-physical-health-for-healthy-aging/
Here are the eight most important things to do, to promote brain health. Maintaining brain health is one of the six things to do for healthy aging. This article includes links to relevant researc...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/brain-health-checklist-for-healthy-aging/
Learn a 5 step process that family caregivers can use, to review a senior's medications for safety & appropriateness. This can help you identify medications that can be discontinued or reduced, a...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-review-medications-for-safety-appropriateness/
Dear Dr. K, Any ideas on how I can relieve my mother’s anxiety about her thinking an animal got in the house? I can’t find anything and have moved the couches but she is convinced and scared....
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-4-things-when-aging-parent-irrational/
Q: How can we get my older mother to drink more water? She is susceptible to urinary tract infections and seems to be often dehydrated no matter what we do. We were also wondering if coffee and ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-how-to-prevent-diagnose-treat-dehydration-aging-adults/
One of the greatest challenges, when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, is coping with sundowning and with difficult behaviors. These are symptoms beyond the chronic memory/...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/medications-to-treat-difficult-alzheimers-behaviors/
Many commonly-used medications affect memory brain function in the short-term and in the long-term. These can make Alzheimer's symptoms worse, and have been linked to developing dementia. Here ar...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/medications-to-avoid-if-worried-about-memory/
Learn to prevent falls in older adults by making sure you get the right evaluation after a fall happens. Here are eight things that should be checked at the doctor's office.
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/8-things-to-check-after-fall-in-aging/
Once upon a time, the ER missed a pelvic fracture in one of my older patients. Actually, this kind of thing has happened more than once, and perhaps it’s happened to your family too. As much as...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/help-doctors-notice-whats-wrong-story-missed-pelvic-fracture/
Have you noticed that an older relative seems to be having trouble hearing you at times? Or perhaps you’ve realized that sometimes YOU are the one saying “What?” These situations are extrem...
A caregiving daughter brought up a common question during a Helping Older Parents Q&A call: “How can I find a geriatrician near me to review medications, and help care for my mother with demen...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-find-geriatrics-medication-review/
Everyone knows that vitamins and nutrition are important for health, and many older adults take a multivitamin. But did you know that even among older persons who do this, many still end up devel...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-avoid-harm-vitamin-b12-deficiency/
Since 2008, April 16th has been designated as “National Healthcare Decisions Day” (NHDD). It’s an initiative meant to “inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the impo...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/5-questions-on-national-healthcare-decisions-day/
Have you heard of Ativan (generic name lorazepam), and of the risks of benzodiazepines drugs in older adults? Is an older person you care for taking prescription medication for sleep, anxiety, or...
This article is by Michelle Allen, LCSW. Michelle is an experienced social worker and geriatric care manager based in Atlanta and is a featured expert providing guidance in our Helping Older Pa...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/hiring-home-care-for-aging-in-place/
Q: My 88-year old mother often complains of various aches and pains. What is the safest over-the-counter painkiller for her to take? Aren’t some of them bad for your liver and kidneys? A: Freq...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/safest-otc-painkiller-aging-risks-of-nsaids/
(This article is part 2 of a special guest series by geriatrician Dr. Nicole Didyk, founder of the blog and YouTube channel The Wrinkle. Like me, Dr. Didyk has a particular interest in informing ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/navigating-sex-when-caregiving-or-dementia/
Q: My mother is 76 and has Alzheimer’s disease. She had a couple of unavoidable stays last year in the hospital (due to falls). This accelerated her decline due to delirium, which was treated...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/alzheimers-advance-planning-for-decline-and-end-of-life/
Have you ever been told that an older relative has anemia? Or perhaps you noticed the red blood cell count flagged as “low” in the bloodwork report? Or noticed “low hemoglobin” in a docto...
Have you ever wondered whether you — or your older relative — might be taking too many medications? You’re certainly right to ask yourself this. I consider this for all my own patients, and...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/deprescribing-how-to-be-on-less-medication-in-aging/
It’s annoying but unfortunately true: most parts of the body work less well as one gets older and older. This is even true of the brain, which is part of why it becomes more common to experienc...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-brain-function-changes-with-normal-cognitive-aging/
Constipation is not a glamorous topic, but it’s certainly important, especially in older adults. As anyone who has experienced occasional — or even chronic — constipation can tell you, it c...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-prevent-and-treat-constipation-aging/
Most of us can relate to feeling sad or blue, sometimes for days at a time. It may be in response to a major life event like losing a job, a break-up, or as part of grief. These sad feelings can ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/depression-in-aging-diagnosis-and-treatment/
Unintentional weight loss is a major red flag, when it comes to the health of older adults. Learn when to be concerned, what the common causes are, and how to manage it. This article also address...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-unintentional-weight-loss-in-aging/
October 15 - Dec 7 is Medicare Open Enrollment! Make sure you (or your aging parents) understand which type of Medicare you have and whether it's a good fit for your needs. Our wonderful geriatri...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/medicare-open-enrollment-and-basics/
Here’s an upsetting situation that comes up a lot, and may have come up for you: is someone financially taking advantage of Mom or Dad? It’s a pretty legitimate concern to have. To begin with...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/financial-abuse-what-to-know/
People of all older ages often tell me they hope to age in place. Meaning, they want to be able to remain in their home and community, even as time brings changes to life, health, and abilities. ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/5-ways-help-someone-age-in-place/
A while back, I wrote an article on cerebral small vessel disease, a very common condition in which the small blood vessels of the brain develop signs of damage. If you’re an older adult and yo...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/12-cardiovascular-risk-factors-5-things-to-do/
This article is about the most common aging brain problem that you may have never heard of. While leading a fall prevention workshop a few years ago, I mentioned that an older person’s walking ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/cerebral-small-vessel-disease/
Why are sleep problems so common in Alzheimer's, and what can you do? Learn what information to bring to doctors, the clinically proven ways to address this frustrating problem, and what the sa...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-manage-sleep-problems-in-dementia/
The one vitamin I believe every older adult should take is vitamin D. In this post I explain the "healthy aging dose" that I recommend, as well as the science and guidelines behind this recommend...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/vitamin-d-healthy-aging-dose-faqs/
“I know where every bathroom is at the mall, and my wife rolls her eyes every time I have to visit one when we just arrived – even after I went before leaving the house! What can I expect?�...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/urinary-incontinence-in-aging/
Dr. K provides advice to a person who thinks her mom has dementia, and whose question starts with “My loving, Jewish mother is 92 and has turned into a rude, abusive foul-mouthed woman who I no...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-rude-resistant-aging-parent/
Worried about an elderly person's decisions? Learn how doctors & lawyers assess decision capacity, & when it may be legally or ethically ok to intervene.
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/incompetence-losing-decision-capacity-faqs/
Learn about the 4 oral medications FDA-approved to treat Alzheimer's & other dementias, including how they work in the brain, how much they help, side-effects, & what to ask doctors. I also expla...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/faqs-medications-for-alzheimers-dementia/
You probably already know that many older adults develop problems managing finances as they age. Now how would you answer the questions below: Many people, even the ones who are caring and well-i...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/5-things-to-know-aging-financial-decline/
Have you ever had questions about what might be going on with an older loved one’s health? But then you find that your older relative is unable — or unwilling — to let you in on the health ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/hipaa-basics-and-faqs-for-family-caregivers/
In this QA, I provide advice on how to get help for a senior parent, if you're worried about possible "incompetence." We cover how to get help, and how mental capacity and legal competence are as...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-possible-elderly-incompetence-what-you-can-do/
Here are the steps to take if you've noticed worrisome problems and think your aging parent might need help. Learn how to respectfully engage them and move towards needed changes, even if they're...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/6-steps-how-to-help-aging-parents-get-care/
Updated Dec 2021 with info about Omicron! Learn why I recommend COVID vaccination and what we know so far about the effectiveness and safety of COVID vaccination in people over age 75 (and for pe...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/coronavirus-vaccine-in-aging-what-to-know/
Like many of you, I continue to follow the coronavirus situation closely, for personal and professional reasons. Given the dismaying surge in COVID cases over the past several weeks, this week I ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/coronavirus-and-older-adults-7-16-20/
Like many of you, I’ve been following the recent coronavirus developments closely. In March, I devoted my twice-monthly Helping Older Parents members calls to this topic. Here is a video commen...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/coronavirus-and-older-adults-3-27-2020/
When is the last time you had a really meaningful conversation with someone from a different generation? And who was it with? Was it with a grandchild? A niece? Your own parent? A neighbor? Or ma...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/5-easy-ways-to-connect-generations/
As you may know, hospitalization is actually somewhat risky for older adults. This is sometimes surprising to older adults and families. After all, hospitals are supposed to be places where peopl...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/making-hospitals-safer-ucsf-age-friendly-health-systems/
This month — November — is National Family Caregivers Month. If you’ve been in any way assisting another adult with managing health concerns or life tasks, you qualify as one of the estimat...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/recommended-resources-family-caregivers-month/
Living wills. Advance directives. Powers of attorney for healthcare. Making your wishes known. Many older adults have never gotten around to addressing these issues, and of those who have, many a...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/end-of-life-planning-easy-advance-directives-through-prepare/
(This article is by my colleague Paula Spencer Scott, author of the book Surviving Alzheimer’s: Practical Tips and Soul-Saving Wisdom for Caregivers. I invited her to share an article on this ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-manage-difficult-alzheimers-behaviors-without-drugs/
Every May, the Administration on Aging leads the national observance of “Older Americans Month.” The theme this year is “Engage at Any Age.” But I found myself thinking that this would be...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/what-is-successful-aging/
You’ve likely already heard the news: the flu is pretty bad this year, with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirming a higher than usual level of illnesses, hospitalizations, and even d...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/avoiding-missed-flu-symptoms-diagnosis-in-aging/
And once again, high blood pressure is making headlines in the news: the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) have just released new guidelines about hypert...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/new-2017-blood-pressure-guidelines-mean-older-adults/
Have you ever wondered whether it’s worth your while to encourage an older person to start exercising? In 2014, the top-notch journal JAMA published the results of a fantastic research project:...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-exercise-helps-aging-adults-life-study/
Q: Dear Dr. K, With all the news about opioids and benzodiazepines, and their risk of death, I would love to hear your take on the use of these drugs in hospice. We’ve had two family experience...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-hospice-care-dementia/
Introducing the Better Health While Aging Podcast, plus step-by-step instructions on how to listen to a podcast.
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/introducing-podcast-how-to-listen/
Dear Readers, Welcome to our new and improved website! I’m very pleased to announce that the Geriatrics For Caregivers website has been renamed Better Health While Aging. But don’t worry, all...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/introducing-better-health-while-aging/
It’s that time of the year again: first Thanksgiving, and then winter holidays. Which means this is the time of the year when families are most likely to get together with older parents. Ideall...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/3-guides-plus-resources-to-help-with-aging-parents/
Sleep. Everybody needs it. Many of us don’t get enough of it. These are common truths that almost everyone knows. But recently, I had the opportunity to learn quite a bit more about sleep, and ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-sleep-affects-health-and-changes-with-aging/
For healthy aging, following the Mediterranean diet is a good choice. Here's exactly what to eat and not eat, to follow the clinically-studied diet that has made headlines. This article also revi...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-follow-mediterranean-diet-for-senior-health/
Pop quiz: Can you define geriatrics? And did you know that it’s not just for the “old-old”? If you hesitated with these two questions, don’t feel bad. Most people know that geriatrics ha...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/what-is-geriatrics-how-it-helps-all-seniors/
Did you know that doctors often don't provide optimal medical advice? Learn the three key features of good medical advice, plus the four steps you can take to consistently get better health advic...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/4-steps-to-get-better-medical-advice/
Have you found yourself eyeing an older person’s medication list, wondering if you should worry? It’s smart to be concerned, especially if your older relative takes five or more medications...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/5-geriatrics-medication-safety-tips/
If you’ve been wondering just how to maintain a healthy brain for yourself, or for an older relative, then I have some very good news. In April, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published a com...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-maintain-brain-health-iom-report-cognitive-aging/
“Doctor, my mom needs help but she won’t accept it and she won’t listen.” Sound familiar? As several of you commented last fall, older relatives often seem reluctant to accept the help w...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/4-things-older-person-resists-help/
Worried about an older relative, but not quite sure what to do? Common concerns I hear include: To help people turn their worries into a practical action plan, I’ve created a special new resour...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/check-older-adult-for-health-safety-problems/
Have you been worried about an older person’s memory or thinking skills? If so, you’ve probably found yourself wondering if this could be Alzheimer’s, or another dementia. What to do next...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/8-alzheimers-behaviors-to-look-for-if-worried/
Happy New Year! In this post, I want to share four notable 2014 developments related to better health for older adults. They all struck me as practical information that should be useful to those...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/health-aging-highlights-2014/
This month, I spotted a few useful online articles and resources that should come in handy for many of you. And if you’re joining your family for the holidays, these might spark some helpful co...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/aging-health-caregiving-links-nov-2014/
Have you ever wondered what it means to be an “engaged patient,” or an engaged caregiver? This is a hot topic right now within healthcare. The basic idea is simple: people get more from their...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-be-engaged-patient-caregiver-impact80/
Dear Dr. K, I live with my wife, who has Alzheimer’s. I don’t argue or try to correct my wife when she misremembers or confabulates but this makes for two different worlds – hers and mine �...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-how-to-feel-closer-spouse-alzheimers/
“What’s your biggest frustration with helping aging parents, or aging loved ones?” This was the question that I emailed last month to the readers subscribed to Geriatrics for Caregivers. I ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/challenges-helping-aging-parents/
Dear readers, Since I started the Geriatrics for Caregivers Blog a little over a year ago, I’ve done my best to post regularly to this blog. I hope the information has been helpful. Most of all...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/september-2014-blog-update/
All family caregivers want their older loved ones to get the right medical care. But doctors are often lacking key medical information at the time they see your aging relative. The solution: sett...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-use-personal-health-record-in-aging/
In this post — the last in a 4-part series on better planning for health crises and end-of-life care — I want to tell you about a document that I wish more families knew about: POLST. POL...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/polst-resources-tips-avoid-pitfalls/
Living wills. Advance directives. Powers of attorney for healthcare. Making your wishes known. Many older adults have never gotten around to addressing these issues. Others are overdue for a revi...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/5-ways-to-improve-advance-care-planning/
This month I am featuring a series of posts about aging, health crises, and (possible) end-of-life situations. Earlier this week, I shared the story of Mrs. F, a very ill older woman with cancer ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/trial-icu-care-when-dnr-end-of-life-story/
How might we help a sick older person have a better end-of-life experience? Planning for future health crises and end-of-life situations — a process known as advance care planning — is certa...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/alternatives-to-hospital-end-of-life/
Last week, I wrote about the first Choosing Wisely list of 5 treatments that older adults and their doctors should question. In this post, I’ll cover the 2014 Choosing Wisely list for healthcar...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/choosing-wisely-healthcare-aging-part-2/
Here are 5 common healthcare treatments that the American Geriatrics Society says older adults & caregivers should question, and probably avoid. Choosing Wisely is a health education campaign mea...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/choosing-wisely-healthcare-aging-adults-part-1/
Have you had any concerns about an older person falling, or being at risk for a broken hip? A new clinical research study relevant to millions of older adults was just featured in the news. T...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/falls-blood-pressure-medications-elderly/
This week’s Q & A call was about how to better manage health and healthcare issues, when you’re taking care of someone with a dementia such as Alzheimer’s. Most of the caregivers’ questio...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/delirium-how-caregivers-can-protect-alzheimers/
In my last post, I listed three things that I often wish more caregivers knew, about getting better medical care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In this post, I’ll list ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/2-more-ways-better-alzheimers-healthcare-for-caregivers/
Having dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, brings on special challenges when it comes to health and medical care. Last fall, my friend and colleague Paula Spencer Scott interviewed me on what family...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/3-ways-better-alzheimers-healthcare-for-caregivers/
Next Tuesday, on December 17th, I’ll be trying something new: a free Q & A conference call, for caregivers of older adults. Why? Because after spending the past several years writing articles ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/questions-and-answers-for-caregivers/
Earlier this week, while I was listening to a social work colleague (Mary Hulme of Moonstone Geriatrics) give a talk on dementia at the public library, the following question came up: “How can ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/avoid-delirium-reduce-alzheimers-decline/
Yesterday I did a webinar with Family Caregiver Alliance, on end-of-life issues for dementia caregivers. (4/10/14: I have just uploaded this powerpoint to Slideshare, so you can see my slides her...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/tools-for-end-of-life-planning/
Are you caring for an older person with Alzheimer’s or another dementia? Would you like to learn more about planning and managing end-of-life issues? If so, you might be interested in an online...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/alzheimers-and-dementia-end-of-life-webinar/
What is good care at the end-of-life, and how can we do better as a society? This is the question that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) is now studying, and they have created a “Committee on App...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/better-end-life-care-for-older-adults/
A home blood pressure (BP) monitor is a very useful tool to have, since it helps manage many chronic conditions AND can help you assess falls or sudden illness. Learn what types of features to co...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-use-home-blood-pressure-monitor-elderly/
This post is the fourth and final post in a series describing the four key types of tools that I recommended to caregivers at a retreat earlier this summer. Just to recap, the key tools I recomme...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/tools-for-caregivers-how-to-manage-tasks-to-dos/
Learn what type of medical information is most useful to keep copies of. This post lists the pros and cons of going low-tech versus high-tech with personal health records. I also cover three key ...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/tools-for-caregivers-keeping-organizing-medical-information/
At a recent retreat for family caregivers, I proposed four key tools that I recommend to caregivers who want to improve the healthcare of an older person: In this post, I’ll explain why I alway...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/tools-for-caregivers-the-portable-up-to-date-medication-list/
Last month, as I was preparing to present a talk at a Family Caregiver Alliance retreat, I spent some time looking into tech tools to recommend to caregivers. As you might imagine, there are many...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/tools-for-caregivers-how-journals-can-help/
Many family caregivers know that medications can cause side-effects in older people, and may worry that perhaps their loved ones are being affected by medications. It’s a very reasonable concer...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-identify-risky-medications-for-older-adults/
Hello and welcome to this blog about geriatrics for caregivers. I’m Leslie Kernisan, and I’m a geriatrician with a particular interest in enabling family caregivers to better manage the healt...
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/intro-to-geriatrics-for-caregivers-blog/