Going for a walk, traveling, preparing a meal, spending time with grandchildren or friends: what matters as we grow older varies from person to person. Care begins with understanding what you would like to preserve, recover or keep doing.
Health in everyday life
Memory, balance, falls, sleep, mood and nutrition are part of the assessment, alongside the management of chronic conditions. Family relationships, personal history and aspirations also belong in that conversation.
A concern deserves attention before it is put down to “just getting older.” That assumption needs to change. Everyone, regardless of age, has a right to attentive, respectful care that reflects their preferences. The conversation and physical examination guide what needs investigating.
Reviewing medicines is part of care
Living with several health conditions can mean collecting prescriptions from different doctors, sometimes with conflicting advice. That makes it important to review each medicine: why it was prescribed, whether it still makes sense and whether it could be causing problems.
Dizziness, drowsiness and memory difficulties, for example, can be related to medicines. When reducing or stopping a treatment is an option, I agree on a plan and monitor the effects. The number of tablets alone does not decide that choice.
The older person and those involved in their care
A family member or caregiver can help, while respecting the wishes and privacy of the person receiving care. Even with memory or communication difficulties, the person’s preferences need to be heard and considered in decisions.
I also pay attention to the difficulties faced by caregivers. Recognizing the strain, thinking about how to share responsibilities and seeking support are part of ongoing care.
I see patients in Jardim Botânico and make home visits. When another professional is needed, such as a geriatrician, neurologist or physiotherapist, I arrange the referral and remain involved in shared care.