My Mother, Your Mother: embracing “Slow Medicine”
My Mother, Your Mother: embracing “Slow Medicine,” the Compassionate Approach to Caring for Your Aging Loved Ones by Dennis McCullough, Md Review by Sophia M. Heftler, RN, CALA Dr. McCullough’s book My Mother, Your Mother is a unique combination of …
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Understanding Aging Within the Family System
According to statistics, more than 50 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aging family member or friend during any given year. (1) With the front edge of 75 million Baby Boomers now hitting sixty years of …
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Pharmacology Issues among Geriatric Clients
The elderly make up 12.7% of the U.S. population, but consume 34% of all prescription medications. As patients age, they undergo biological changes that affect the way medications are absorbed, distributed throughout the body, and eventually eliminated. There are also …
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My Mother’s Keeper: The “Personal Trainer”
After my mom’s stroke in 2005, her life shifted dramatically. Driving was no longer an option. On top of that, it became necessary for her to move from her husband’s condo (second marriage) to a more supportive community with socialization …
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Are Too Many Medications Making Your Patient Sicker?
Polypharmacy and Adverse Drug Events in Older Adults The last sixty years have witnessed an extraordinary growth in the number of medications for chronic health conditions at the same time that the average life expectancy has increased by over 10 …
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Key Players in Elder Care Scenes
“You stole my food! I’m hungry!” “No. I didn’t, grandma!” Yes, you stole my food!” “No, grandma, I would never steal your food!” “Yes, you did!” This conversation escalated to screams and tears. The elder and the young 10-year-old boy …
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What Happens if My Parents Say No?
If you have a conversation on a sensitive subject, be ready for a “no.” It happens a lot. You may be trying to have a conversation about staying in the family home or just asking parents to think about what …
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Visiting Aging Parents
If you are like most of us, It’s been way too long since you have seen your parents. I trust you did your best with phone calls, emails, and zoom, but it’s just not the same as being there. There …
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