Talking With Your Older Patient: A Clinician's Handbook by National Institute of Aging - HTML preview

In Summary

✔ Check with the patient on how he or she would like any family members or companions to participate in the medical encounter.

✔ Address the patient—try to avoid talking only to the family member or companion.

✔ Make it clear that the patient should make his or her own decisions unless legal authority to do so has been granted to someone else.

✔ Be alert to family caregivers’ own health needs, including signs of stress.