b'ELITEHEALTH GUIDE|QUALITY OF LIFE VS. MEDICINEOn the other hand, we must not forget that quality of life is not technically a medical issue.We treat the disease, and fight for our patients lives, but often forget or choose not to focus on the life we leave them with. And yet, we are happy to boast research that proves happy patients heal better, have better survival rates, and overall, live better lives after illness. Making our patients happyor at least allow-ing them the option of being happyis not our mission, though.THE ELDERLY AND QUALITY OF LIFE: AT WHAT COSTWe also have to take into account the simple fact that the elderly are not always the most trustworthy of patients, in terms of quality of life practices.Lets say we know a patient is at higher risk for certain complications that do not warrant a hospital stay, but are unsure they will follow a prescribed regime. In that case, do we leave them to their own devices?Do we restrict their movement if we believeand their family. diminished capacities, and the significant they may injure themselves? Advice on legal matters. Most patientschanges they are faced with in terms of Is moving a patient from their home andcome in with no knowledge about thetheir autonomy and quality of life.into a nursing facility the best choice, evenlegal steps they can take to ensure their when this will most often mean a reducedwishes are carried out. Educating themIN CONCLUSIONquality of life? about living wills, advanced directives,Medicine is supposed to look at a patient as a and their resuscitation status can ensurewhole, rather than as a set of symptoms and WHAT WE CAN ACTUALLY DO their will is carried out, even when theydiseases. As our way of life advances and we And while most of the questions raised so farare no longer able to voice their wishes. live longer, we need to shift our focus from have no clear-cut answers, there are certainPromote regular checkups. As thekeeping death at bay to ensuring that the time simple steps we can take to try and provideelderly are often faced with complexwe spend on earth means something, to our-our patients with more than just medical care. medical issues, keeping track of all ofselves, if not to others.Advice on home safety. If our elderlythem at the same time can pose a chal- As our patient base gets older, we must focus patients live in a home setting, we can dolenge for any physician. Organizingon enabling their last decades (as opposed to IMAGE SOURCE: HTTPS://UNSPLASH.COM/PHOTOS/ZDVROZV4LR8our best to advise them on measures theyweekly, monthly, or yearly checkups foryears) to be spent in meaning, rather than in can take, and that they or their familiesa patient can demand a bit of time, butmourning of a life they no longer have access to.nmay not be aware of. We can offer advicecan do wonders in terms of prevention. on the best shoes to prevent falls, the bestConnecting them with a clinic or homeSarah Kaminski earned her bachelors degree ways to install bars in the bathrooms andcare service can help them manage theirin Health Sciences. Due to her parents declin-kitchens, panic systems, and other techcondition even when they are less mobileing health, she decided to become their full-advancements we can now reach for as aand aware. time caregiver. Now, she takes care of her loved means of improving quality of life. Mental health warnings. As a society,ones and writes about the things she learned Advice on personal safety precautions.we tend to brush away the importance ofalong the way.Falls are among the most dangerous andmental health in general, and depressionSarah is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a most prevalent causes of injury at home,in the elderly is not a subject we explorecuriosity enthusiast. She is passionate about an and in the case of an elderly patient, theywidely. Ensuring that our patients talkeco-friendly lifestyle and adores her cats. She is can be deadly. Offer advice on how toto a mental health professional can helpan avid reader who loves to travel when time prevent falls at home to both your patientthem combat the challenges of facingallows.10 ELITEHEALTH GUIDE|2019| www.elitecme.com'