(Snippets from the frontline)
Look at the medication
As our mother entered her late 80’s, living at home alone became more challenging. Within a four month span, she was admitted to the emergency room three times when she passed out, without a diagnosis made.
Being familiar with senior problems through housecalls, we assumed oversight of her medications: Pill containers were bought; morning and evening doses were divided appropriately; compliance was scrutinized; and blood pressure with pulse were logged in a diary. Adjustments were made in communication with her doctor.
Voila! No more passing out, and still in her home at the age of 95.
There are many variables in life as we age, but an easy one to focus on sits in the medicine chest. Should problems arise, look there first.
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
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