Medications and Treatment

Medication assistance for veterans — VA pharmacy benefits

This article provides information about VA pharmacy benefits for eligible veterans. Always verify eligibility with the VA directly. VA benefits and coverage vary based on discharge status and priority group. Your father is a veteran. He spent years in the military serving his country. Now he's aging, accumulating

When they refuse treatment — respecting autonomy while managing fear

This article addresses the emotional complexity when an elder refuses recommended medical treatment. Your elder has the right to refuse treatment. Your role is understanding their perspective and managing your own fear while supporting their autonomy. Your mother was just diagnosed with cancer. The oncologist recommends chemotherapy. Your mother says

Medications and Treatment

Medication therapy management — the pharmacist consultation most people don't know about

This article provides information about medication therapy management services. MTM consultations are often free or low-cost for eligible patients. Ask your elder's pharmacist or healthcare team whether they qualify. There's a free or low-cost service available to many older adults that few people know about. It&

Medications and Treatment

Hospital-to-home medication transitions — the dangerous handoff

This article provides information about medication transitions from hospital to home. Always verify medication lists, ask questions about changes, and consult your elder's primary doctor if anything seems unclear. Your father spent three days in the hospital for pneumonia. He's getting better and is ready to

Medications and Treatment

When to change doctors — recognizing a bad fit

This article provides guidance for recognizing when a doctor-patient relationship isn't working. Changing doctors is a reasonable option when communication breaks down or care concerns exist. Always work toward finding a doctor who is the right fit for your elder. There's a tension many adult children

Medications and Treatment

Telemedicine for medication management — virtual pharmacy consultations

This article provides information about telemedicine and virtual pharmacy consultations for medication management. Telemedicine works best as a supplement to in-person care. Always discuss with your elder's healthcare team about when telemedicine is appropriate. Telemedicine felt novel not long ago. Now it's becoming routine. Your elder

Medications and Treatment

Navigating specialist referrals — when the primary care doctor isn't enough

This article provides guidance about seeking specialist care for older adults. Work with your elder's primary care doctor to get appropriate specialist referrals and ensure good communication between all providers. Your mother's primary care doctor has done a good job managing her overall health, but her

Medications and Treatment

Alternative and complementary medicine — what the evidence says

This article provides information about alternative and complementary medicine approaches. Always discuss any alternative or complementary treatments with your elder's doctor to ensure they're safe and don't interact with other medications. Your mother has been taking turmeric for her arthritis. Your father is considering

Medications and Treatment

Rehabilitation services — physical, occupational, and speech therapy

This article provides information about rehabilitation services for older adults. Always follow your healthcare team's recommendations about rehabilitation and work with therapists to ensure your elder is getting appropriate care. Your father had a stroke. His doctors say he needs rehabilitation. What does that mean? What will he

Medications and Treatment

Palliative care as treatment — the comfort-focused approach explained

This article provides information about palliative care for older adults. Palliative care can be offered alongside active treatment. Discuss whether palliative care might benefit your elder with their healthcare team. Palliative care has a branding problem. Many people hear the word and think immediately of dying. They think it means

Medications and Treatment

Getting a second opinion on treatment — when and how

This article provides guidance on seeking second opinions for medical treatment. Always discuss wanting a second opinion with your elder's doctor first. Good doctors expect and support patients getting second opinions. There's hesitation that many adult children feel when thinking about asking for a second opinion

Medications and Treatment

Clinical trials for elderly patients — when experimental treatment is an option

This article provides information about clinical trials for older adults. Clinical trials should never be considered without full understanding of the risks and alternatives. Always discuss clinical trial participation thoroughly with your elder's healthcare team. Clinical trials have a reputation problem. When someone hears that a medication or