A recent article on the website www.everydayhealth.com caught our eye – and should be required reading for anyone concerned about appropriate levels of health care for the seniors they love. Written by national health expert Dr. Sanjay Gupta, this article asks a very important question: “Are Seniors Getting Enough Medical Care or Too Much?” Click here to read the entire article.
The premise behind the question, says Dr. Gupta, is straightforward: “Some older patients receive aggressive treatments that may cause more harm than good,” he writes. “Others may be undertreated because treatment risks are perceived to outweigh potential benefits.” The key, medical experts agree, is balance.
According to Veterans Administration physician Dr. Eve Kerr, many seniors actually receive more medical treatment than they should, partly because well-meaning doctors don’t always take the time required to personalize their healthcare. Some drugs can also pose a problem for seniors, because the effects of many prescription drugs can change as patients age. Dr. Kerr suggests older patients regularly review with their doctors whether to continue taking medications at the same doses – and (we would add) take a loved one or trusted friend with you if necessary, to make certain the patient’s needs are clearly communicated and the doctor’s instructions clearly understood.
“Patients get used to a certain set of goals and medications,” she says. “Sometimes it’s okay to change [medications] as our body changes when we age.” The article quotes Dr. Kerr’s assessment that medications for conditions like osteoporosis, depression, and diabetes should be re-evaluated periodically.
No matter whether the aging patient is a loved one, or you, there are several safeguards you should know about to make certain you’re getting the right level of care – not being over-prescribed, and not being neglected. That’s why we encourage you to read Dr. Gupta’s article. It could be a lifesaver for you or someone you love.
Of course, there’s more to retirement than making sure you’re making the right health care choices. Are you prepared to make the appropriate housing choices? Are your legal affairs in order? Do you have a financial plan that will allow you to protect your assets in retirement? Are your loved ones part of your retirement decisions? We cover all these aspects of retirement, and much more, at our free LifePlanning Seminars. Why not plan to join us soon? Click on the Upcoming Events tab on this website and you’ll see all the upcoming dates, times and locations. We’ll look forward to having you there!
If you would like to make an appointment for a personal appointment, please contact our office. It will be a pleasure to serve you!
(Originally reported at www.everydayhealth.com)
