Please suggest some important questions i can ask my doctor about caring for an elderly person.

Balance: Balance and strength training may help prevent a fall. (and a fracture!).

When: When is it unsafe to live alone? How do I know if the medications are being taken correctly?

Ask: Ask for care resources available. Taking care of yourself is as important while taking care of them.

Can: Can the person live safely independently? What level of support and care are needed?

Medications: Ask if they can have some activity like walking assuming they are able. If they drive should they be allowed to continue?

Know: Know the list of drugs they are on, importance of each.What preventive care they need.

How: How should I adjust their diet? How much walking should they do? Do they need different shoes?

Do: Do not be afraid to ask about resources are available to help you care for your loved one.

Does: Does this elderly patient need to keep strict blood sugar control?

How: How can i help this person do better? What things do I need to watch to intervene early?

1.: Ask about mild cognitive impairment, stage of dementia, medical health, caregiver stress.

Ask: Ask about what medications they are on and what is the dosage and frequency. Than u can help set up!

Can: Can i minimize the amount of medications they are on? What are some fall risks at home?

What: What are the recommendations for flu shots, shingles vaccine and other immunizations?

Ignore: Understand medication regiment, diet/activity issues and care planning (what they do/ do not want).

Ignore: Make sure you know from the dr exactly how this person should take all their medications.

Ignore: Ask your doctor to review your elders medications to clarify they are all necessary and appropriate.

Ignore: What is the rate of progress of the illness, and what are the important issues that may arise.

Ignore: "the hardest thing is to know what you want, ask for it, ; then stop talking." amy poehler.

Ignore: If delusional avoid trying to argue or agree with their delusional comments.

Ignore: 1) medication review 2) blood tests to test for reversible dementia 3) screen for depression.