Older adults Flashcards
Describe some of the issues that are important for looking after older people in primary care
Communication issues Multiple co-morbidities Frailty Side effects of medication Polypharmacy Social barriers Cognitive impairment Reluctance towards medication
Describe approaches to prevent falls and fractures among older people
Risk assessment
Treat osteoporosis
Risk factors for osteoporotic fractures in older age
Age
Female sex (esp. early menopause)
GI disease (e.g. Coeliac, Crohn’s)
Immobilization
Chronic kidney disease
Calcium deficiency (diet)
Vitamin D insufficiency (diet / sunlight / genetic)
Drugs – esp. steroids, alcohol abuse, smoking
Low BMI (≤ 19kg/m2)
Endocrine diseases – Cushings, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism
Previous fragility fracture
Interventions for preventing falls in older people
Strength and balance training (physio)
Exercise in extended care settings (physio)
Home hazard and safety intervention (OT)
Vision assessment and referral (optician)
Medication review (GP)
Treat underlying medical causes (GP)
Consider referral to specialist falls clinic (GP)