Treatment For Older Adults Must Consider the Whole Person

Photo credit Cristian Newman Dear Carol: My mom has been undergoing cancer treatment for months and her latest tests show stability which satisfies the oncologist. Unfortunately, this doctor only sees Mom’s cancer and has zero insight into her as a whole person. Mom had early-stage dementia before treatment, but her thought process is now so much worse that we'd like to take her off her cancer medication for a while to see if her mind clears at least somewhat. The family feels that even if this was a temporary option, she may improve enough to help us make decisions for her future. We’re also looking into hospice care but she’s too confused to understand her options. Your column has been helpful to me over the years, so I’m looking to you for help. – LW Read the full article on Inforum to learn more about making the difficult decisions that are sometimes necessary with older adult's health care: Support a caregiver or jump-start discussion in support groups with real stories - for bulk orders of Minding Our Elders e-mail Carol                  Related StoriesMoving Mom with Cognitive Decline May Take Creative ThinkingNovember Is For Celebrating: It's National Hospice and Palliative Care Month!Things to Think About Before Placing a Loved One in a Nursing Home 
Source: Minding Our Elders - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs