June 202305
Walkers: Choosing the Correct Walker
Posted By : Melissa Ford

Assistive devices, such as walkers, are being used more often as the population ages. Walkers provide more stability than canes, which are discussed in another edition of Elder Care. In general, walkers are given to patients…

June 202304
Lower Extremity Edema in Older Adults
Posted By : Melissa Ford

Lower Extremity edema is a common and hard-to-diagnose condition that often has a big effect. Lower extremity edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lower legs, which may or may not include the feet…

June 202304
Akathisia in Older Adults
Posted By : Melissa Ford

Akathisia is an extra-pyramidal movement disorder characterized by a need to be in constant motion.  Patients exhibit movements including rocking while sitting or standing, lifting the feet as if marching while standing, or crossing and…

May 202319
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Posted By : Melissa Ford

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower extremity is a common manifestation of atherosclerosis. It is present in up to 20% of older men and women and is estimated to affect more than 200 million…

May 202318
Suicide Prevention for Older Adults
Posted By : Melissa Ford

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and continues to be a growing public health concern as rates in all age groups continue to rise. Each year almost 45,000 Americans…

May 202317
Conducting Family Meetings
Posted By : Melissa Ford

Family meetings play an important role in the care of seriously ill hospitalized patients and patients with advanced disease. The meetings help identify patient-centered goals and guide decision making. They also improve patient's and family's…