STARTing and STOPPing Medications in the Elderly

Click this link for the chart of potentially inappropriate medications, their therapeutic alternatives, and medications to consider initiating in the elderly that incorporates the STOPP and START criteria. Use these lists to identify red flags that might require intervention, not as the final word on medication appropriateness; look at the total patient picture.
(PL Detail-Document, STARTing and STOPPing Medications in the Elderly, Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. September 2011.)

ARMOR: A Tool to Evaluate Polypharmacy in Elderly Persons

Some current strategies available to address this complex issue include “START” (Screening Tool to Alert doctors to the Right Treatment) and “STOPP” (Screening Tool of Older Person’s potentially inappropriate Prescriptions) criteria.  Read the entire article here.

How to avoid polypharmacy

Patients, physicians and pharmacists can work together to help prevent the
problems that might occur if an older adult is taking several medications. Read more here.

Multiple medications: Growing “polypharmacy” problem

(CBSNews) Problems with taking multiple drugs are not limited to drug abusers. In the last 10 years, the percentage of people over 60 who take five or more medications has jumped from 22 percent to 37 percent. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook looks into the risks. Click on this link to find out more and also view this important video news segment. 

A Bitter Pill

"Medical treatment of elderly people is not working. Worse, it is often harmful", says author Dr. John Sloan, a family physician who has worked primarily with the elderly for more than twenty years. In A Bitter Pill, he examines why medical treatment from modern medicine’s one-size-fits-all prevention strategy to hospital stays that don’t benefit anyone is failing them and identifies solutions to the problem. Find out more from Dr. John Sloan and this topic.
Check out this link for more.

A Bitter Pill: How the Medical System is Failing the Elderly is a much-needed wake-up call alerting us to how we’re treating older patients. I’ve also attached a link to his book to find out more on this topic. Plus, there’s also an audio clip posted that you can download with compelling commentary from Dr. John Sloan.
Click here

7 Top Reasons Why Boomers Need a Geriatric Care Manager!

by Diane Hischke, R.N., M.S.N., C.M.C.
     Founder, President and Professional Geriatric Care Manager

   The more we know and the more informed we are, the better choices and decisions we can make. The same principle applies to my work as a Professional Geriatric Care Manager or PGCM, as we call ourselves.  And, speaking of awareness, May was National Geriatric Care Manager Month!
   Professional Geriatric Care Managers plan and coordinate the care of the elderly and disabled to improve their quality of life and maintain their independence as long as possible.  That's what we do at Serving Seniors.
   We're trained and experienced in many fields, including nursing, social work, and psychology with specialized focus on all issues related to aging and care for the elderly.  We assist older adults so they can get the best care possible, and become an experienced guide and valuable resource for families or elderly loved ones, including those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's, or showing symptoms of dementia.
   Many people aren't aware that there's an organization called the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.  This is important to know because Geriatric Care Managers who are members are committed to adhering to the NAPGCM Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.  Unfortunately, not every Geriatric Care Manager belongs to this organization, which can lead to unprofessional results and negative consequences for the people who employ their services in good faith.
   I'm proud to say that Serving Seniors has a team of professionals all of whom are members of this association; and we're recognized as one of 33 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA, as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
   Here are some proven ways to determine if you need a Professional Geriatric Care Manager.  Take an honest assessment to see if you have the time, desire, and skills to manage the many challenges of geriatric care by yourself.  Talking to family members and consulting with a professional are great ways to start.  Are the problems that you or your loved ones are facing becoming more than you can comfortably manage?  Are the demands and responsibilities so great that you're not able to provide the right care and attention to your loved one's problems?  If so, it's time to get the right help for you and your loved one.  Here are the benefits of using a Professional Geriatric Care Manager.

• Evaluate needs and develop a personalized Plan of Care
• Help to establish and maintain an independent lifestyle
• Arrange and oversee Home Care Services
• Assist with the transition to assisted living and nursing home care
• Manage care and coordinate with health care providers
• Educate, advise and support the caregiver
• Serve as a local resource for long-distance caregivers

   Serving Seniors Professional Geriatric Care Managers are committed to ensuring your loved one receives the absolute best care, compassion, and quality of life they deserve.  We provide welcome peace of mind to seniors, their families, and other representatives such as attorneys and guardians.  Every decision matters in the care for your elderly loved ones, and poor decisions affect everyone.  We invite you to explore our services and take advantage of our free senior care resources by calling 877-SENIORS (877-375-7364), or on the web at:  www.servingseniors.net.  You'll be glad you did.

Article published in the August, 2012 edition of The American Senior Gazette.