Geriantology

Understanding and Treating Pain in the Elderly

Understanding and Treating Pain in the Elderly ā€“ MM1606

Painful conditions are among the most common reasons for older peopleĀ to present for medical attention. Pain is not a normal part of ageing; its highĀ prevalence in older people is secondary to the burden of pathology. A personā€™sĀ response to analgesics is variable, with many being poor or non-responders.

Ineffective or poorly tolerated analgesics should be withdrawn before anotherĀ medication is trialled. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended whenĀ usual approaches have failed as no single therapy has been shown to alleviateĀ persistent pain in most patients.

Modern Medicine ā€“ JuneĀ 2016

June 30, 2016 by Geriantology Gerontology Pain

Diabetes Management in Aged Care Facilities | Meeting the Challenges

Diabetes Management in Aged Care Facilities | Meeting the Challenges ā€“ MM1606

Diabetes is a common disease that GPs will encounter inĀ patients in institutional care, particularly residential agedĀ care facilities (RACFs). Elderly patients with diabetesĀ benefit from a team approach to management.
The approach to diabetes management should beĀ tailored to each individual patient. Institutions are notĀ all the same: in-house staffing, supports and servicesĀ vary and need to be well understood to manage chronicĀ diseases effectively. In elderly people with a short lifeĀ expectancy, excessively tight diabetes control is notĀ recommended. De-prescribing can be difficult but shouldĀ be considered for every older person with diabetes inĀ institutional care.

Modern Medicine ā€“ JuneĀ 2016

June 30, 2016 by Diabetes Geriantology Gerontology
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