In less than 20 years, the number of people aged 65 and over will be more than 71 million people, half as many as a decade ago. This age group will make up almost 20% of the US population according to projections from the US Census Bureau. It is expected that by the middle of the century the number of Americans over 80 will increase to nearly 32 million people, and 1 million people will celebrate their 100th anniversary.
Although adult Americans make up only 14% of the population of this country, this age group uses 33% of all medical services and takes up almost 50% of the doctor's time.
Because of the more complex treatment of the elderly population, including multiple chronic conditions and medications, health workers trained in the field of geriatric care best serve this population. However, primary care physicians, general practitioners and family doctors are increasingly turning to diagnosis and prescribing treatment, sometimes with fatal results.
Five Tips for Doctors and Patients for Optimal Medical Partners
- Patients: Create a list of 3 questions to discuss with your doctor. List them in priority order so that your main problems are covered for a limited time with your doctor.
- Doctors: Be clear about your patients. First, Listen to what they say. Take notes to help you and your patients focus. Discuss testing, care and treatment options. the causes and risks / side effects of each. Make sure your patients understand the recommended care plan. Be sure that your patients have heard you, especially if they are older. Ask them to rephrase what they heard.
- Patients: Bring a list of your medications, supplements and other treatments for prescribing by a doctor. Email us at The Caregivers Voice and we will send you an easy-to-use Rx matrix.
- Doctors: Be patient with older patients, Visualize a conversation with your own cherished senior family member. Be sure to continue for a long time with your senior patient, periodically.
- Patients: Take notes and, if necessary, bring relatives, friends or patients to the doctor’s office. A lawyer should be there to give you the strength to ask questions that you would like to ask the doctor and take notes on what the doctors say.
Together, patients and doctors can take steps to communicate more openly, clearly and meaningfully, to provide better medical care. By following these five tips, you will reduce misdiagnosis, increase patient and patient satisfaction, ensure greater adherence to treatment recommendations, and reduce the risk of death.
