Healthy Aging: Taking Charge - Denver€¦ · •What are the pros and cons of each choice? ......

H e a l t h y A g i n g : Ta k i n g C h a r g e

Barbara A Morris MD

Fall 2016

Healthy

Aging

Healthy Aging

Photo by David Jakle

Today we will discuss: • How to choose a doctor

• Finding Community Resources

• Medication management and pitfalls

• Preventive strategies

• Fall prevention

• Family and friends

• The role of Specialists and hospital care

It’s Important!

• Partnership between patient and doctor

• Health care team

• Goal based care: getting where you want

to be!

Choosing your Doctor

• What are you looking for?

• Does gender matter?

• Geriatrician or not?

• Insurance issues?

• Location and office hours?

• Board certification?

• 24/7 availability

• Phone and email policies

Community Resources

• Medicare.gov

• www.healthinaging.org/find-a-geriatrics-healthcare-professional/.

• www.eldercare.gov

• Spiritual organizations

• Senior and community centers

NIHSeniorHealth

Healthy Aging: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/category/healthyaging.html

This category offers tips on how to stay healthy, get good health care, and manage lifestyle changes as you age.

•Alzheimer's Caregiving

•Balance Problems

•Complementary Health Approaches

•Creating a Family Health History

•Eating Safely

•Eating Well As You Get Older

•Exercise: Benefits of Exercise

•Exercise: Exercises to Try

•Exercise: How to Get Started

•Exercise: How to Stay Active

•Falls and Older Adults

•Health Screenings and Immunizations

•Healthy Eyes

•Long-Term Care

•Medicare Basics

•Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

•Older Drivers

•Problems with Smell

•Problems with Taste

•Skin Care and Aging

•Sleep and Aging

•Taking Medicines

•Talking with Your Doctor

Centura Health at Porter

• Dr. Barbara Morris at Clermont Park & Holly Creek

• Dr. Janice Hartman at Clermont Park & Holly Creek

• Patricia Moxham-Fisher NP at Holly Creek

• Dr. Karyn Leible at Church Ranch

Keep on Top of Your problems

• You are in charge

• Keep a list of your major health issues

• Set goals and discuss these with your health care team

• Think about what is most important to you – Longevity?

– Quality of life?

– Relationships?

– Purpose?

Medications

• Medication reconciliation is a BIG safety issue

• Accurate medication lists are very important

• Bring your meds and/or a detailed list of what

you are taking

• Be prepared with your questions

More on medications

Things to know about each medication:

–Name(generic and trade name)

–Purpose

–Possible side effects

–When to take it

–What it looks like

Seeing, Hearing, and Comfort

• Wear your hearing aids, if you have them

• Wear your glasses

• If you can’t hear, tell the office staff

• Wear loose fitting clothing that is easy to get on and off

• Bring your walker or cane

Decision Making

• Health care decision making should be

collaborative

• The doctor and health care team need

your input and partnership

• Listen to the advice, then ask questions

• If you aren’t ready to make a decision, tell

the doctor

• If you need more information, ASK

Medical Testing

• Why is the test being done?

• What do I need to do to get ready?

• Are there any dangers to the test?

• When will I get the results and what will be

the next steps?

Making Decisions in Partnership

• What are the choices for different

treatments?

• What are the pros and cons of each

choice?

• Which choice fits with your health goals?

• What side effects or risks are there for the

proposed treatment?

• What are the cost implications?

Don’t Forget about Prevention! • If your doctor/health care team don’t ask,

you should!

• Bring prior documents about

immunizations and procedures

Immunizations

• Influenza

• Pneumovax & prevnar

• Tetanus(and pertussis)

• Shingles(zoster)

Preventive screenings

• Colon cancer

• Breast cancer

• Depression

• Lung cancer screening for smokers

• Memory health

• Bone health

EXERCISE • Increases energy

• Maintains physical strength

• Improves mood and relieves depression

• Helps manage chronic disease

• Improves balance

• Helps maintain memory and cognitive skills

What about Falls?

• Keep strong

• Vitamin D supplements

• Regular exercise

• Vision, hearing, footwear

What about driving?

• Be honest about your driving record

• Allow your family & friends to express their

concerns

• Consider taking a driving test if you or your

family are worried

To drive we need to be able to move, hear, see and think

And sex?

Advance Directives

• What are your wishes for your care in the event you become gravely ill?

• Who shall speak for you?

• What is important to you if you have a terminal illness?

Living Wills & Power of Attorney for Healthcare

• What is a living will?

• Should I have a living will?

• What is a durable power of attorney for healthcare?

• Who should I appoint?

What about the MOST form? • CPR(replaces the old do not resuscitate form)

• Medical interventions(full, selective, or comfort focused)

• Artificial nutrition

• Signed by patient or surrogate & provider

Family & Friends

• Who do you trust to help you with health care decisions?

• A second set of eyes and ears can be helpful

• Make sure your companion knows

what role you want them to play if they join

You during your visit

What about specialists?

• Who to see?

• Communication is key

• What if I don’t like the specialist I am

referred to?

Remember

• Your primary care provider is your personal

quarterback

• Keep your provider informed about how you are

doing and what you need to achieve your health

care goals. Make sure they know what is

important to you!

Centura Health Physician Group Clermont Park

303.649.3155