Senior Primary Care

Your doctor may prescribe multiple medicines to manage your care. Accurate medicine management makes a positive impact on good health and well-being for older adults.

Our senior primary care experts know how to monitor your medicines to: 

• Ensure medicines do not interact with one another. 
• Help you avoid any side effects. 
• Make sure you are taking the right dose at the right time. 
• Provide information to answer any questions you or your caregiver may have. 

Our doctors and pharmacists also look for the best medicine options for you. Our goal is to improve your total quality of life. 

You can check your medicine instructions and get reminders at your patient portal. Go to the visits tab and check the doctor’s notes. 

Follow these five tips for medicine management: 

• Make a list of all your medicines. Include prescription and over-the counter medicines you take. Note the dosage, timing and other details, such as “take with food.” 
• Keep extra copies. Make copies of your medication list. Keep one in your wallet. Place another copy in an easily accessible spot at home, such as on the refrigerator. 
• Know when to call your doctor. If you or a caregiver are confused about how to take any medicines, or if you have questions, call your doctor’s office. 
• Organize your medicines. Use a pill box to help you correctly take your medicines and supplements. Boxes offer options such as AM, PM and specific times of day. 
• Discard old medicines. Throw away old medicines that are expired or that you no longer take. 

At BIDMC, we follow a quality improvement initiative to reduce the use of benzodiazepines. These medicines (Ativan and Valium) have a sedative effect that can cause harmful side effects in older adults. When using benzodiazepines, you increase your risk of falls and cognitive changes.  

Our geriatric medicine doctors work with you to stop or reduce the amount you take of these medicines. This helps maintain your well-being and clarity of thought as you age. 

Forgetfulness is common as we age, but some memory problems may be related to a brain health condition. In many cases, these conditions are treatable. If you notice changes in your ability to learn new things or remember information, talk with your doctor. An early diagnosis gives you more treatment options and helps you prepare for the future. 

At BIDMC, we provide comprehensive assessment, treatment and support for you and your family. You, a family member or a caregiver can make a referral for a neurologic evaluation. 

Try these tips to maintain your memory and mental skills: 

• Limit alcohol use 
• Make ‘to do’ lists 
• Plan tasks 
• Stay active and exercise
• Stay involved in your activities and take up new hobbies 
• Use memory aids such as calendars and notes 

Falls are a common and serious concern among older adults. Our geriatricians can assess your risk of falling. Reasons for risk and concern can include:  

• Balance conditions 
• Dizziness and fainting
• Muscle weakness 
• Strokes 
• Walking problems 

We also perform home safety evaluations and connect you with helpful exercise programs. If you think you or a loved one has a balance disorder, make an appointment with our senior health team. 

Your blood pressure can change as you get older. It can be too high or too low. When you change your activity, diet or medicines, your blood pressure might also change. It’s important to maintain a healthy blood pressure. High blood pressure or low blood pressure can lead to falls and other health conditions. 

At BIDMC, we carefully diagnose the cause of your changing blood pressure. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will check your blood pressure several times on different days. Together, we create a treatment plan to manage your symptoms. You can also use a blood pressure measurement device to check and monitor your blood pressure at home. 

Type 2 diabetes is growing and common among seniors. It can be difficult for an older adult to manage diabetes among other health concerns. Our geriatricians treat diabetes in a comprehensive way: we think about the whole person and their experiences. We will find a treatment strategy that works for you.

Follow these steps to stay healthy with diabetes:

• Care for your gums and teeth 
• Check your cholesterol regularly 
• Check your feet for sores 
• Eat a healthy diet 
• Get an annual eye exam 
• Get yearly checks for kidney conditions 
• Get your flu shot 
• Monitor your blood pressure 
• Stay active and exercise

As we age, we lose bone mass. This puts you at risk for broken bones (fractures). Our geriatricians can assess your risk of fractures. Reasons for risk and concern can include: 

• Prior history of fracture and falls
• Family history of fracture
• Type 2 diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Certain medications
• Low body weight

Our geriatricians might recommend calcium through diet or supplements, vitamin D or prescription osteoporosis medicines. You may also be referred to a specialist for bone density imaging scans. 

As we age, medical procedures become more complicated because of the complex health conditions and medicines involved. When you need surgery, we offer comprehensive consults before your procedure. These tests assess your overall health. They help you have a successful surgery. They also help prevent complications after surgery and promote a quick recovery.