I recently heard Dr Dr Alicia Arbaje from the John Hopkins School of Medicine discuss 10 new years resolutions for older adults. These resolutions are appropriate and timely regardless of the New Year and may include some things you can help an aging parent with. I think of them as “prevention resolutions” because most of them have to do with being proactive to prevent problems as we age. By helping your aging parents before a crisis like a fall, medication error or case of pneumonia you will save both you and your parents a lot of stress
1) Get vaccinated. Not just for the flu but pneumonia and possibly shingles and tetnus.
2) Get screened. Screening for osteoporosis and vitamin deficiency.
3) Clean house to prevent falls. Look for things like throw rugs and not having a grab bar in the bathroom.
4) Improve sleep patterns. Talk to your doctor about getting off of sleeping medications.
5) Do advance directives. Talk with your family about what is important to your quality of life and what your wishes are.
6) Volunteer. Good for preventing depression.
7) Update health records. Make a list of all your medications, and the names and contact information for your doctors.
8) Schedule a medication check-up. When you see your primary care go over all your medications including over the counter.
9) Decide if you need a geriatrician. A geriatrician has advanced training in treating older adults.
10) Get moving. Include a variety of exercises that help with strength, balance and flexibility.
It is easy to ignore these details but from the point of view of a patient advocate I can tell you that helping your aging parent before a crisis by doing these 10 things will save you from picking up the pieces once a crisis hits.
