The 6 Common Mistakes Doctors Make When Treating Older Patients -- and How to Prevent Them
by www.SixWise.com
There were over 36 million older people (65 or older, for
this definition) in the United States in 2004, a group that
makes up more than 12 percent of the population. By 2030,
people aged 65 and older will account for 20 percent.
Getting older doesn't mean your health will fail, so
don't let a doctor tell you that your symptoms are due
to "old age."
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With age comes greater wisdom, experience and, hopefully,
contentment with your life, but it may also increase your
likelihood of needing to visit a doctor. Unfortunately, at
a time when health care may be needed most -- in your later
years -- is when patients may be most at risk.
Whether this scenario applies to you, a family member or
another loved one, watch out for these common mistakes that
doctors may make with elderly patients; they are ALL preventable.
1. "It's Old Age" Syndrome
If the doctor (incorrectly) assumes that the patient's achy
joints, forgetfulness, headaches, vision problems, etc. are
just symptoms of old age, it may be time to find another doctor.
Contrary to popular opinion, getting
older does not mean that you automatically have pain, are
not as sharp mentally and are generally in poor health.
Demand that your doctor dig to find the underlying cause
of the problem, or choose another doctor who will. An elderly
patient deserves the same level of diagnostic techniques and
treatment options as a younger one.
2. Neglecting to Discuss Preventive Health Care
Doctors may, consciously or subconsciously, neglect to inform
elderly patients how to stay healthy and prevent disease,
thinking that they are "old already" so "it's
too late."
Says Dr. Robert Butler, aging expert and president and CEO
of the International Longevity Center, "Heart patients
of any age can benefit from a program of dietary modification,
lifestyle change and -- if necessary -- medication or surgery."
The same holds true for many other afflictions. If the doctor
does not bring up preventive health care, elderly patients
(and their younger counterparts) should ask their doctor specifically
about preventive steps that can be taken.
3. Telling Patients to "Take it Easy"
Often, keeping to an active lifestyle is the best thing to
keep an elderly patient healthy. However, doctors may mistakenly
recommend that the patient "take it easy."
"Even people in their 80s and 90s can develop big, powerful
muscles with a program of weight lifting," says Butler.
4. Not Asking Enough Questions
For an elderly patient, finding a patient and devoted doctor
is especially important. Just as some doctors may dismiss
symptoms to old age, older patients may too shrug off symptoms
as their expectations about their health decrease. They may
not want to "bother" a doctor with complaints they
think are minor, or they may not mention a symptom because
they think there's nothing that can be done, or they're afraid
of what they may find out.
In this case, a doctor's perseverance and attention to detail
can make all the difference between a correct diagnosis and
treatment, and sending the patient home prematurely.
When choosing a doctor to stick with, use your instinct:
Do you feel taken care of? If not, keep looking.
Does your doctor make you feel taken care of? If not,
find one who does.
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5. Making Medication Errors
Elderly patients are especially vulnerable to medication
errors. First off, they are more likely to be taking multiple
prescriptions -- five out of six older Americans take at least
one medication, and nearly half take three or more, according
to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
-- which raises the risk of adverse
drug reactions (ADRs).
Nursing home residents alone suffer 350,000 ADRs a year,
according to the Institute of Medicine. And, in 2000, elderly
patients were prescribed inappropriate medications at almost
8 percent of doctor visits, a study in the Journal of the
American Medical Association found.
Also, drugs affect the elderly differently, so the doctor
must be sure to give the correct dosage. For instance, Valium
will remain in an older person's body twice as long as in
a young person.
Finally, some doctors are quick to prescribe antidepressants
or tranquilizers to older patients, says Butler, under the
mistaken assumption that counseling would not help.
It is therefore essential that the doctor check specifically
for any possible interactions between a patient's prescriptions,
and ensure that it is prescribed in the correct dosage. As
a further safety check, ask your pharmacist about any
possible drug interactions when picking up your prescriptions.
You may also want to ask your doctor about drug alternatives,
such as psychotherapy for depression.
6. Speaking Too Quickly and Using Jargon
It is difficult for an elderly patient to follow a doctor's
advice if he or she does not understand it. Nonetheless, some
doctors may speak quickly, check off a list of instructions
and use words like MRI or CAT scan, which older patients may
not be familiar with.
A doctor should take extra time to ensure that an elderly
patient understands what is being said, by speaking clearly
and slowly, explaining any terms that may be confusing, and
asking the patient if they understand.
As a patient, bringing along a family member can help in
remembering what is said, along with a pen and paper to take
notes. Elderly patients should also voice any concerns they
have and ask the doctor to repeat or rephrase anything that
they do not understand.
Recommended Reading
The
Five Most Dangerous Medicine Mistakes that Way Too Many People
Make
The
Serious Health Risks of Loneliness & The Healing Power
of Friendship
Sources
Department
of Health and Human Services: Administration on Aging
National
Institute on Aging
Bottom
Line Secrets
National
Center for Health Statistics