Caring for Aging Parents
1. Have up-front discussions about possible scenarios.
No one likes to talk
about death and illness. However, knowing the resources that are available
and the inevitable decisions that need to be made are crucial in successfully
navigating unexpected events in aging. For example, many patients have
likely undergone aggressive treatments when it was not aligned with their
values simply because no durable power of attorney (DPOA) had been
assigned. But even those who do have DPOAs may not have a clear picture
of what they want done medically should illness prevent them from being
able to decide for themselves.
2. Ask questions and get answers.
Whenever you do not understand an answer,
ask someone from your parent’s health care team for clarification. Even in
uncertain conditions, youmust have a clear understanding of what is going
on. The Washington State Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
provides clear information on many common topics at
.
3. Be informed.
Ask your aging parents to share their medical information
with you. Don’t assume that their medications are being taken correctly or
even that they should be continued without a detailed medication review.
Learn when, why, and how medications should be given.
4. Bring all medications and supplements to each health care visit.
Despite our
best electronic medical records, there will always be a need to verify all
medications that a patient is taking. If possible, create a list of medications
that your parents are taking, including medication name, strength, how
often they should take it, and when they should take it. Keep this list
updated as often as possible. Don’t forget to include over-the-counter
products, herbal products, vitamins, and other supplements.
5. Find a local qualified geriatrician and Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP).
We recommend the Find a Physician directory at
, the Physician
Referral option from
and
..
Additional Reading
Age Power
by Ken Dychtwald
Complete Guide to Caring for
Aging Loved Ones,
edited by Henry
Holstege and Robert Riekse
uniquely act in the elderly. To find a CGP,
search the Commission of the Certification
in Geriatric Pharmacy website at
a-CGP.
Many of us struggle with elder care issues
— you are not alone. You will sometimes
encounter challenges with time, finances,
and conflict with aging parents regarding
your role. Be sensitive to your parents’
fears, needs, and desires. In many cases,
your parents might realize that they have a
need, but they might also be grappling with
the potential loss of independence. During
those times, dwell on 1 Corinthians 13 and
Matthew 7:12. Love your aging parents and
honor them. Treat them the way you hope
your children will treat you.
Phillip Thornton
is Vice Chair for
Experiential Programs and is an Associate
Professor of Pharmacy Practice in Cedarville’s
School of Pharmacy. He received his B.S. in
pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati
and his Ph.D. in pharmacology at Wake
Forest University. He has extensive clinical
experience in geriatrics and has published
manuscripts and textbooks on geriatrics
and experiential education. He has been at
Cedarville since 2012. You may contact him
at
Marty Eng
is an Associate Professor of
Pharmacy Practice at Cedarville. He is a
board-certified Geriatrics Pharmacist and
Psychiatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist
and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. He
received his Pharm.D. from the University of
Maryland, Baltimore School of Pharmacy and
has served at Cedarville since 2012. You may
contact him at
