Does Mother Know Best? 3 questions for our geriatric expert A recent study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that seniors who are accompanied to doctor’s appointments by family members have improved outcomes. With the “graying” of America, the burden of taking care of seniors is falling more and more to family members.  But does it have to be a burden? We’ve asked Dr. Victor Legner, geriatrician with UC San Diego Health System, three questions about helping senior patients get the most out of their doctor’s visits and when a family member should step in. Question: As a person who regularly cares for senior or “older” patients, do you recommend that they bring someone younger with them to appointments? Answer: The answer to whether or not to bring a companion really depends on the level of function of each patient.  For patients with disability or cognitive impairment, a companion may really improve the quality of the physician - patient interaction.  For example, some patients may no longer have the cognitive ability (due to dementia or other illnesses) to remember their recent complaints or medical concerns.  In this instance, a companion may be of great benefit.  However, in a highly functional older adult, who really does not require assistance, sometimes the oversight of a companion can be frustrating as they sense a lack of autonomy during the visit.   Q: What advice do you have for family members who may be worried about an older patient, in terms of offering to help without offending? A: This can be a very difficult situation, trying to help care for an older adult who is becoming more frail while still recognizing their need for independence. The transition from being a lifelong parent and/or caregiver to someone who requires care is very frustrating for many people as they adjust to a new role, and accepting help can very difficult.  In my opinion, the best way to present an offer for assistance is to do so in a very caring way, while presenting an area that they have stated they are having difficulty.  Also, acknowledge the difficult situation and the family member’s need for autonomy. “Mom, we love you and are really concerned that you may need more help; you have told us it is more difficult for you to go to the store to shop, let us do that for you.  You helped us for so many years, let us help you now” is an example of a good way to start.  Also, be prepared for rejection at the first offer, but patient persistence will usually achieve the desired results. Q: Does society expect too much or too little from our senior members (i.e., they assume that because they walk slowly, they’re not strong)? A: We sometimes expect too little from older adults.  Family members and caregivers routinely underestimate the abilities of an older adult while the older adult usually overestimates their ability.  The challenge is in finding the middle ground between the two.  What we need to remember is that each person has strengths and weaknesses, just because a person may be physically frailer does not necessarily mean they are frail in other areas, such as cognition.  Many of our older adults are still contributing greatly to society despite their need for assistance in certain areas of their life.
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Does Mother Know Best? 3 questions for our geriatric expert

A recent study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that seniors who are accompanied to doctor’s appointments by family members have improved outcomes. With the “graying” of America, the burden of taking care of seniors is falling more and more to family members.  But does it have to be a burden?

We’ve asked Dr. Victor Legner, geriatrician with UC San Diego Health System, three questions about helping senior patients get the most out of their doctor’s visits and when a family member should step in.

Question: As a person who regularly cares for senior or “older” patients, do you recommend that they bring someone younger with them to appointments?

Answer: The answer to whether or not to bring a companion really depends on the level of function of each patient.  For patients with disability or cognitive impairment, a companion may really improve the quality of the physician - patient interaction.  For example, some patients may no longer have the cognitive ability (due to dementia or other illnesses) to remember their recent complaints or medical concerns.  In this instance, a companion may be of great benefit.  However, in a highly functional older adult, who really does not require assistance, sometimes the oversight of a companion can be frustrating as they sense a lack of autonomy during the visit.  

Q: What advice do you have for family members who may be worried about an older patient, in terms of offering to help without offending?

A: This can be a very difficult situation, trying to help care for an older adult who is becoming more frail while still recognizing their need for independence. The transition from being a lifelong parent and/or caregiver to someone who requires care is very frustrating for many people as they adjust to a new role, and accepting help can very difficult.  In my opinion, the best way to present an offer for assistance is to do so in a very caring way, while presenting an area that they have stated they are having difficulty.  Also, acknowledge the difficult situation and the family member’s need for autonomy. “Mom, we love you and are really concerned that you may need more help; you have told us it is more difficult for you to go to the store to shop, let us do that for you.  You helped us for so many years, let us help you now” is an example of a good way to start.  Also, be prepared for rejection at the first offer, but patient persistence will usually achieve the desired results.

Q: Does society expect too much or too little from our senior members (i.e., they assume that because they walk slowly, they’re not strong)?

A: We sometimes expect too little from older adults.  Family members and caregivers routinely underestimate the abilities of an older adult while the older adult usually overestimates their ability.  The challenge is in finding the middle ground between the two.  What we need to remember is that each person has strengths and weaknesses, just because a person may be physically frailer does not necessarily mean they are frail in other areas, such as cognition.  Many of our older adults are still contributing greatly to society despite their need for assistance in certain areas of their life.

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    Some good advice...already) faced with
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