Medical Care for Seniors

When an elderly loved one winds up in the hospital, things happen so quickly that it can leave family members overwhelmed by their new roles as advocates and caregivers. Take these 7 steps to quickly get organized and better manage their care.

As people age, they are more likely to get cancer, even if no one in the family has had it. Learn about cancer, symptoms to look for, how cancer is diagnosed and what treatments are used for elderly cancer patients.

When not used as directed, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can have devastating consequences. Ask your loved one’s doctor the right questions and use these medication management tips to reduce the risk of medication-related problems.

Occasional constipation is one of many common bowel problems in the elderly. Learn about symptoms to look for, possible causes and treatment options that can help minimize discomfort.

Even if you live hundreds of miles away, you can still help your elderly parents with their medical care. Healthcare experts recommend that you start by learning as much as you can about your parent's illness, current treatments, and its likely course.

The average senior takes four or more prescription drugs each day. Use these tips for responsible medication management to prevent adverse health outcomes from taking too many medications.

Prostate problems are very common for seniors. The older males get, the more likely they are to be affected by this issue.

Sometimes the need for aids is immediately apparent, for example, in the case of a broken hip. Other times the need appears gradually. Be alert to the potential need for an assistive device, as seniors commonly try to downplay changes in their abilities.

Rapidly progressive dementias develop quickly over days, weeks, or months, causing a sharp decline in memory, thinking, and behavior.

Virtual doctor’s appointments help caregivers and seniors minimize physical contact while receiving medical care. Learn how to help an older adult transition to telehealth platforms to improve access to care from the safety and comfort of their own home.

For seniors who are uninsured or who have a high deductible health care plan, lab work and imaging services can be extremely costly. Fortunately, there are cheaper options available that rely on self-pay rates instead of health insurance.

New technological developments in the healthcare industry hold great promise for seniors with chronic medical conditions. Telemedicine enables them to live in the community longer and avoid hospitalization, all at a relatively low cost.

Integrative and functional medicine focuses on the connection between lifestyle and health in order to prevent and treat the root causes of illness. Furthermore, this method focuses on the health of the entire body rather than individual organ systems.

So many people automatically think, "the more health care (pills, treatments, operations), the better." This is not always the case. We risk our own welfare and bankrupt our nation's treasury with that approach. I am convinced that less is more.

There are joys and perils that come with managing one’s own healthcare. I work with my doctors to manage my Parkinson's disease as much as I can, but sometimes they get it wrong... and I take charge.

How you can detect medical identity theft and the steps to take if you are a victim of medical identity theft.

Charlie doesn't want to go to the doctor anymore and he refuses to do his rehab. When is it time to stop medical intervention and just try to make our loved ones are as happy and comfortable as possible?

"My mom never tells me what her doctor says!" is a common caregiver lament. Discover 10 tips for organizing an older adult's medical care so that you will stay informed of your family member's condition.

My caregiving skills were challenged this past week when I had to help my father prepare for a colonoscopy and my mother ended up in the hospital.

The amount and type of Alzheimer's care training that health care professionals receive varies, depending on where their job description and where they work.