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Geriatric Medicine/Questions Answered by Expert Margot RN BScN GNC

Subject	Date Asked
nutrition drinks for elderly	12/9/2011
Q: Ensure and Boost, for the elderly. Many times i hear that patients don't like the taste/consistency ... A: You're best bet is to phone a couple of pharmacies in your area and ask what calorie supplements and ...
Regaining & Retaining the Ability to Walk	11/17/2011
Q: My 98-years-young Aunt Mabel finally had to leave her home and go to live in a nursing home because ... A: It is always worrisome when we see someone we love lose their physical and/or mental status but Aunt ...
Dementia and Toileting	10/5/2011
Q: My mom has dementia and is having trouble with toileting. She wears Depends pads because she is ... A: This must be a very stressful situation for you and your Mother. I wish I had an easy answer at hand ...
Counsel on an Eldercare Situation	7/5/2011
Q: I don't know whether you are the appropriate person to direct this question to, but here goes: My ... A: First allow me to apologise for my tardy response - my telephone company has been driving me crazy ...
how to tell a heart attack is happening	6/17/2011
Q: does vomiting coupled with profuse sweating followed by fatigue indicate that a person has had a ... A: No one can diagnose a heart attack properly without blood-work, but I think what you describe sounds ...
Can a Care giver have a say....?	2/25/2011
Q: I am a care provider for a 93 year old man. He has been a friend to my husbands family for over 30 ... A: As I say, I'm not familiar with your government (but I love your Coast!), so I wouldn't want to ...
Can a Care giver have a say....?	2/21/2011
Q: I am a care provider for a 93 year old man. He has been a friend to my husbands family for over 30 ... A: Yes you certainly can help this dear man and good for you for caring enough to want to get involved. ...
Proper Dementia Diagnosis	2/21/2011
Q: My mom is 91 years young. She had a UTI episode a few years ago that went undiagnosed for sometime ... A: It certainly sounds fishy to me, especially with her intact recent memory. I would ask for a ...
91-year old Mother-in-Law	2/2/2011
Q: My Mother-in-Law is 91. She's had Rhuemetoid Arthritis for over 30 years. She has had extreme hip ... A: Wow, I can understand why you're feeling frazzles - you've had a real run around! If the ...
death and life	10/25/2010
Q: My father, age 86, has MS & diabetes & is paralyzed from the chest down. He is a veteran. He lives ... A: The best thing to do is to have a lawyer come see him and have your father put HIS expressed wishes ...
UTI and psychiatric decomp. in elderly	9/21/2010
Q: I'm a clinical social worker. Over the years I have encountered a number of older female clients who ... A: In Geriatirc medicine it’s well known that if an elderly patient is having sudden-onset Delusions or ...
Tired sleeping elderly mum	9/21/2010
Q: My mum is 83, has early cognitive dementia, that she is aware of and deals with by writing things ... A: Depression is all too common in our seniors and is sadly very under-recognised and under-diagnosed. ...
radiation therapy	5/20/2010
Q: should I take my 89 yr old father to radiation therapy for a lesion on his esophagus ? A: I’m not a big believer in many of western medicine’s current treatments for cancer, especially the ...
UTI	4/4/2010
Q: My mother is 97, in a nursing home and has a UTI. However, she refuses to take the medicine. We ... A: It is a challenge, your Mother is not the first senior to refuse medication. I would suggest: Ask ...
my grandpa	3/30/2010
Q: A nurse at the hospital told my mother my grandpa is going to die soon. He won't eat and only wants ... A: I would guess that the nurse sees signs that your Grandpa's body is getting weaker and starting to ...
alzheirmers - rehabilitation following pneumonia	1/29/2010
Q: My 90 year old father suffers from Alzheimer's and his condition has been rapidly declining over the ... A: I am sorry to read about your Dad’s struggle with dementia. The first thing you’ll want to do is ...
My Dad	1/24/2010
Q: My father has had dementia/Alzheimers for about 7 years. He is 93 and in a Care Facility. Recently ... A: Your Dad's medications are commonly used for residents with dementia and the doses are within normal ...
confusion with elderly mother	1/22/2010
Q: My 77yr.old mother was admitted to the hospital for radiation therapy for cancer. Before admitting ... A: I am sorry to read about your Mother’s cancer. It sounds like your Mother is having Delusions or ...
bowel movements	1/2/2010
Q: My 93 year old grandmother has a terrible habit of picking or digging in her backside. She is not ... A: The only advice I have I to try and make the area inaccessible as reasoning and teaching are to ...
Stroke	1/2/2010
Q: My 84 mother had a stroke 3 days ago. I spoke to her on the phone and she was slurring he speech ... A: Usually there is a section in your local White Pages phone book for government listings. Look for ...
Stroke	1/2/2010
Q: My 84 mother had a stroke 3 days ago. I spoke to her on the phone and she was slurring he speech ... A: You are experiencing the same stressful challenges many of us in the ‘sandwich generation’ are ...
Mom with dementia	1/1/2010
Q: My mom has dementia and lives with us. She is beginning to lose the ability to go to the rest room. ... A: It really depends on how comfortable you and your family would be changing her adult diapers and ...
89 year old mother not eating	11/10/2009
Q: Our 89 year old mother has senile dementia. She is now bedridden and has full time care. She hardly ... A: Unfortunately there is no simple formula to prognose “how long” although of course everyone’s loved ...
my mother is demented and paranoic	10/19/2009
Q: My mother is 79 y.o, she was born in russia, the last 6 yrs she lives in Boston, because we live ... A: It is a difficult situation but I would contact the health authority in her area, I would suggest ...
Mother's medication	9/16/2009
Q: My mother is 72 and in the last 2-3 months we have noticed that she seems to be confused. It is ... A: It’s a bit challenging to guess without knowing your Mother’s full medical history and her current ...
Mental status changes	9/5/2009
Q: my mother of 86 years old was admitted in the hospital yesterday due to unresponsiveness and ... A: Yes it is very difficult to guess without knowing your Mother’s complete medical history and her ...
Parent talks about dying a lot	8/23/2009
Q: My Dad is 87 in good health. Three years ago the cardiac surgeon said he needed an aortic valve ... A: I agree with you that your Dad is not showing obvious signs of depression. I think he is just ...
Change in Mental Status	8/6/2009
Q: My Grandmother, nearly 89 years old, was independent and doing well until January of this year. At ... A: Hyperammonemia and hyperammonemic encephalopathy are common side-effect risks associated with ...
geriatric medication	8/4/2009
Q: I feel my grandmother is in a medication induced stupor. She does have "mental" issues such as ... A: Reviewing your Grandmothers meds I found the following: Abilify (5mg/day) - as an adjunct to ...
Older Adult Exercise & Wellness	7/9/2009
Q: My business partner, Aaron, and I have developed a unique exercise program for older adults called ... A: Hey Meranda, Wow, good for you - it sounds like you guys have a wonderful program which is already ...
infection	7/2/2009
Q: we are taking care of our father. he has Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the colonization stage. what ... A: ere is all the info you'll need. Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are common inhabitants of soil and ...
Fosamax	6/28/2009
Q: My elderly mom says that when she takes her Alendronate Sodium (fosamax), she's been finding it ... A: I know that Fosamax must be taken at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication ...
Medicine	6/23/2009
Q: I have a question about who can adminster medicine to an elderly person. I know that the immediate ... A: My advice is to never give anything to anyone unless you know what it is and what the potential ...
Dementia - Feeding Tube or Not	6/9/2009
Q: My Dad (only 73) lived what appeared to be a fully independent life until November. Dad was ... A: I am so very sorry to read about your Dad’s sad condition, this must be tearing you and your family ...
Dementia	3/1/2009
Q: My mother was admitted to the nursing home Dec.23, 2008 with full blown dementia. She no longer knew ... A: I am sorry to read about your struggles – seniors can certainly make us feel guilty. It sounds like ...
low blood pressure	2/5/2009
Q: I read your answer to a daughter concerned about her mother's high blood pressure. I am wondering ... A: The readings do sounds unusually low so my first guess is the meter is not accurate. I suggest ...
depression or what	1/8/2009
Q: My 83 yr. old father has in the past 6 month lost interest in everything. He is diabetic,high blood ... A: Depression is all too common in our seniors and is sadly very under-recognised and under-diagnosed. ...
what to ask rehab	12/30/2008
Q: My 78 year old mother has been at a rehab center for a month now and they are not providing progress ... A: Yes it is very difficult to guess without knowing your Mother’s medical history and her current test ...
smelly urine	11/8/2008
Q: I am a 70 year old male in fair health, not highly mobile, and incontinent. For several years now, ... A: My first suggestion was going to be increasing your daily water intake, but you already know that so ...
moving from nursing home to assisted living	10/6/2008
Q: My 84 year old father had pneumonia (caused by aspiration) about a year ago and the hospital doctors ... A: I can’t believe how rude they’re being – they have no right to refuse to allow any resident to leave ...
Mother taking more and more risks	9/14/2008
Q: My mother lives alone she has a caregiver four hours a day since a hospitialization in January 08. ... A: Dealing with stubborn seniors IS a challenge and thee are no textbook answers – each situation needs ...
Alz & Bowel Movements	8/25/2008
Q: My dad is 86 years old with Alzheimer's - it seems he refuses to sit down on the toilet and take a ... A: Your father’s behaviour is not uncommon for patients with Dementia, I cannot explain it, I can just ...
Chronic non-productive cough in 88 y/o male	7/31/2008
Q: My father is 88 y/o wm 5'10" (used to be 6'1" in his youth.) weight 180 lbs. History of double ... A: it helps a lot. I am glad you have an appointment with an Allergist because that is my first ...
bedsores or pressure sores	6/6/2008
Q: I am in charge of 24 hr care home health care for my father and mother-in-law. My father in law is ... A: I am afraid the lumpy red area with the small dark dot may turn into a very serious sore if not ...
elderly appetite	6/4/2008
Q: My mother is 81 years old and now weighs 74 pounds. There are very few foods that she will ... A: Two suggestions: 1) buy some Ploycose - it is a colorless, odorless and tasteless powder which can ...
colesteral medication	4/25/2008
Q: My Mom is 70something and just found out after a heart attack that she has only 20% of her heart ... A: I am probably the wrong person to ask as I don’t believe in Statin drugs and advise my loved ones ...
Geriatric Bowel Movement	4/6/2008
Q: I am caring for my 83 year-old mother-in-law who suffers from Alzheimers. It seems as if she has a ... A: My first guess is that she is feeling some discomfort (like dry/hard stools caused by constipation ...
elderly woman angry and always tired	3/27/2008
Q: my mother is 88 and always complaining about being tired and sick and gets angry at the drop of a ... A: Of course old age alone can make us weary, but there can also be underlying treatable causes which ...
cumadon	3/25/2008
Q: I'm a 56 yr old female that is having tia's , I am extremely allergic to aspirin. I am on disability ... A: As with any prescription medication, you need to consult with a certified pharmacist before taking ...
cumadon and food	3/21/2008
Q: What foods do I need to stay away from while on cumadon A: Warfarin (Coumadin) is a blood-thinning medication that helps treat and prevent blood clots. Certain ...
Dementia and Risperdal	2/8/2008
Q: My great aunt is 83 years old. A few years ago she started hearing voices. Her doctor put her on ... A: Respiradal is a very commonly prescribed medication for Dementia patients to deal with agitation or ...
longstaning GERD	2/6/2008
Q: My 70-year-old brother has suffered from acid stomach for many years but has grown much worse ... A: I agree that nurses are a great resource for hearing who’s good and who to avoid, but I’m not sure ...
Medical alarm/alert systems	1/22/2008
Q: Margot, It is time for our family to get a monitoring system for our mother. Do you have information ... A: I would call your local General Hospital and ask if they have a Community Monitoring System (the ...
Mom's health issues	1/20/2008
Q: Previously you stated that reversing contractures were difficult - but not that it was impossible. ... A: I have "reversed" contractures on some of my older clients over the years - it just requires a ...
Dairy	1/16/2008
Q: I am early fifties. After experiancing a lot of discomfort(gas,bloating) from a small bowl of ice ... A: I'm SO glad you discovered your obvious food allergy - sadly too many people walk thought life with ...
is it dementia without loss of memory	1/13/2008
Q: My grandmother, 79 year old, hypertensive under treatment with nifedipine 10mg,had a stroke 1.5 ... A: Yes it is very difficult to guess without knowing your Grandmother’s medical history and her current ...
Anti-depressants for aged people	1/5/2008
Q: I heard that Ambien is the most popular drug in the USA for people who suffer from insomnia. Which ... A: Currently, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first choice for treatment of ...
when do you need one?	1/4/2008
Q: how do you know if you need to switch to a geriatric doctor from your PCP ? what is the benefit of ... A: I have worked with both Gerontologists and Geriatric Psychiatrists and have both extremely helpful ...
Mental ill mother in "rehabilitation center"	12/17/2007
Q: I didn't know who else to ask, so I hope you can give me some suggestions. I'd like to know if ... A: I am sorry to hear about your Mother's condition, it sounds like she's had a difficult life ...
my 84 yr.old Aunt	12/14/2007
Q: She called(I am5 hrs away and it is all mtn. passes) she told me she was so sick she thought she was ... A: You are experiencing the same stressful challenges many of us in the ‘sandwich generation’ are ...
Turning back the clock?	10/22/2007
Q: I am in 53. I have always been curious about how some celebrities manage to stay so young(looking) ... A: There are no great secrets to good health that I am aware of, just the usual "eat sensibly, exercise ...
Grandfather	10/16/2007
Q: My grandfather lives with me. My grandfather has begun to confuse night and day. He will go to bed ... A: God Bless you for caring for your dear old Granddad - he is lucky to have a family that cares for ...
high blood pressure in geriatrics	10/16/2007
Q: my mother-in-law who is 87 (low-normal to underweight) was visiting us recently (we live in ... A: Any Healthcare professional can tell you that Blood Pressure issues can not be accurately diagnosed ...
neurogenic Bladder	9/29/2007
Q: "I have this as a complication of a right mid cerebral artery infarct (stroke)last December ' 2006. ... A: sorry about my delay responding, my computer was acting up the last few days. I am not aware of ...
Dementia in 82yr old Mother	9/23/2007
Q: My mother has been displaying early stages of dementia for a couple of years, but since our Dad died ... A: I have never heard of anything like this - a temporary reversal of the signs and symptoms of ...
fifties	9/22/2007
Q: Margot I just turned fifty. Since I turned 40,I stretch,get lots of exercise,and dont smoke or ... A: It’s not as difficult as you might think. Most people can feel better without the need to ...
Stool problems	8/28/2007
Q: I have a redundant colon with a hystory of colitis and spastic colon (back in my 30's) I am now 76 ... A: I agree that you should stay away from pharmacological medications like laxatives as long as ...
90-yr-old dad--COPD and Morphine	8/27/2007
Q: I'm going to try to make this short, but it is complicated. My 90-yr-old Dad has not been eating ... A: You are correct that Morphine must be given with caution to patients with COPD or any other ...
Depression in older Father	8/21/2007
Q: Margot, My Mother recently passed away and my Father seems to be showing severe signs of depression. ... A: Depression is all too common in our seniors and is sadly very under-recognised and under-diagnosed. ...
Stroke of a resident at the nursing home that I am employed at	8/19/2007
Q: A couple of weeks ago a dear, sweet lady that resides where I work had a massive stroke. This is ... A: It is very painful to watch those we care deeply about suffer - I have worked with seniors for 20+ ...
After stroke	7/26/2007
Q: I had a stroke 10 years ago. I am 60 years old right now and even though I have Rheumatoid Arthritis ... A: I am familiar with people having similar issues with loss of control of their emotions after brain ...
Maybe I have Dementia???	7/18/2007
Q: I am now 67 and I'm concerned about my predisposition to AD...my mother is 86, still alive, has ... A: Treatment of dementia begins with treatment of the underlying disease, where possible. The ...
mother with dementia	6/2/2007
Q: My mother started seeing her current family practice doctor eight years ago. My mother was in ... A: I'm a big believer in Geriatric Specialists including Gerontologists and Geriatric Pharmacists; I ...
Bells Palsy	6/1/2007
Q: I woke up this morning to find that part of my face had gone on strike! When I was 10 I had a very ... A: Here's a few links I think you should find helpful: http://www.bellspalsy.ws/ ...
bowel movements	5/7/2007
Q: 89 year woman. Just started not eating much during day. 1 donut, banana, tea, couple of spoonfuls of ... A: Older people often have very small appetites so you do not need to worry or force feed. You do want ...
skin burning in elderly mother	5/6/2007
Q: My mother is 96 yrs. old. She cries every morning with symptoms of her skin burning, sometimes all ... A: Obviously I am guessing and no one can diagnose unless your Mother is seen and examined by a ...
My Father	3/1/2007
Q: My father is 84yrs old,he's in hospital at the moment. He went in with pneumonia,aspiration ... A: That is a very good question which you really should discuss with his physician so you know what ...
aging and prescription medicines	1/28/2007
Q: I am a 54 year old male. In my opinion, if you exercise frequently, any prescrption medicine you ... A: You are absolutely right, exercise does not prevent all health issues, but it certainly reduces the ...
MEDICAL TESTS	1/21/2007
Q: Margot Hi, My mom is going to a new primary physician next week and Im going to ask him to get a ... A: You should ask for a CBC (Complete Blood Count), Electrolytes, Thyroid and serum levels for her ...
result of aging?	1/7/2007
Q: Is is a natural response for my mother, age 85, to fall asleep after being seated for a few minutes? ... A: I think you should have your Mother examined by her physician and have them run some basic tests. ...
anal leakage	1/3/2007
Q: I am encouraged by the answer about anal leakage, that state of the art testing can possibly ... A: The first thing you need to do is go speak to your doctor about your leakage, he will exam you and ...
Dad at 74	12/5/2006
Q: My Dad is 74. He had polio as a teen and has deterioration in his back an hips that make it painful ... A: I don't actually know much about Polio and have never worked with any Polio patients, but I did a ...
Acceptance in dementia patient	11/30/2006
Q: My father has recently had a severe escalation of dementia, resulting in loss of driving privileges ... A: I am sorry to hear about your father's struggle with Dementia, it can be such a cruel disease. ...
Grandmother broke ankle	11/25/2006
Q: I don't know if you'll be able to help me, but walking in to my mother's house to eat Thanksgiving ... A: I have broken my leg twice and can honestly say it hurts so much in the beginning and swells so ...
memory trouble	10/22/2006
Q: My mother is 80 years old, in relatively good health with the normal aches and pains of her years. ... A: Yes there are some simple tests you can do to rule out some treatable causes for STM Loss. I would ...
AD and mind-altering drugs	10/22/2006
Q: I really appreciate your fast response and your well-wishes for my Mother. In your reply you ... A: Well your goal is to promote quality of life and that needs to be accomplished by giving your Mom ...
AD and mind-altering drugs	10/21/2006
Q: My Mother, who is 78, is in what I would consider the late stages of Alzheimers. I have three ... A: I am sorry to read about your Mother, Dementia is a cruel disease for everyone involved. The best ...
Alzheimerz	9/23/2006
Q: My mother is 76 and has had Alzheimerz for about 5 years. She has suffered mental illness ... A: I always recommend that people over 65 with complex medical conditions see a Gerontologist if ...
elderly mother in law	9/23/2006
Q: My mother in law is 91 and lives with us. She sleeps I would estimate 90% of the day and then of ... A: In regards to the contractures, yes I would be concerned about that as well as loss of muscle ...
Medical Power of Attorney	9/22/2006
Q: I'm not sure whom I should ask this question. Since you work with Seniors I thought maybe you would ... A: What is a Medical Power of Attorney? It is a document, signed by a competent adult, i.e., ...
Ailing senior husband	9/13/2006
Q: I may not be asking within your lines of expertise; but here goes. My husband has a bad back and ... A: Morphine is a very powerful narcotic and often makes seniors confused, it can also build up in the ...
fractured bones and healing time	9/3/2006
Q: My grandmother, 81, fractured her tailbone memorial day weekend. She does have osteoporisis but was ... A: Treatment aims to manage pain until the bone can heal. Even if the coccyx has moved out of its ...
Nutritional drinks for the elderly	7/5/2006
Q: My 73yo mother has emphysema and severe osteoporosis, and is losing weight which she cannot spare. ... A: Try freezing the Boost or Ensure in custard cups and see if she enjoys it as an ice cream treat - ...
moving to nursing home from assisted living	6/12/2006
Q: My Dad is 85 years old and has been in assissted living for 2-1/2 years. He is severely limited in ... A: It does sound to me like your Dad is very appropriate for a higher level of nursing care due to his ...
bell's palsy	5/23/2006
Q: my mother who is 64 has just been diagnosed with bell's palsy. her facehas drooped to one side as if ... A: Bells palsy is a condition that causes the facial muscles to weaken or become paralyzed. It's caused ...
fluid in the lungs	5/11/2006
Q: My 87 yr old dad has low blood pressure, a leaky heart valve with arythmia and has developed fluid ... A: It's a bit of a catch-22, the diuretic will take water off his lungs, but it will also lower his BP, ...
dementia	3/11/2006
Q: Is there a form of dementia in which the victim behaves rationally most of the time around everyone ... A: Of course no one can diagnose over the internet, but I can share my opinion with you. It sounds to ...
Elderly Father/Physical Rehabilitation	2/22/2006
Q: Hope you can help. My 75 year-old dad just had bypass surgery in his hand; the surgeon removed a ... A: Yes, do talk to the Social Worker, they are the ones who make the arrangements and are a wonderful ...
Pulmonary Edema	1/2/2006
Q: I have a friend whose 46 year old mom has pulmonary edema. She has incontinence and the fluid ... A: normal is clear yellow - I can not speculate on why it's bloody and prefer not to list all the ...
results of penis prothesis	11/14/2005
Q: Few days ago you give me an excellent answer about the 3 different devices to insert in the penis to ... A: I'm glad my answer was helpful for you. The Three-piece inflatable devices (Ultrex [AMS], CX [AMS], ...
bell's paulsy	10/13/2005
Q: i recently developed bell's paulsy well this is my 6th day. ive been told it should clear in 2-3 ... A: Older people are more likely to be afflicted, but children are not immune to it. Children tend to ...
94 year old woman	10/11/2005
Q: My fiances grandmother is 94 and lives on her own about 2 miles from us. She is constantly having ... A: I would suggest you take her to her doctor and insist on a Urinalysis and a C&S which will identify ...
Anal Leakage	8/15/2005
Q: I am a 75 year old male. My problem, despite the greatest of care, is leakage from the rectum for ... A: Some of the possible causes of fecal incontinence include: Constipation Diarrhea Damage to the ...
lifespan of twins	8/12/2005
Q: I have a friend who's 79 and becoming agitated about turning 80 since her (fraternal) twin keeps ... A: I did a little reseacr and found that the MEDIAN AGE for fraternal twins was 80, and of course ...
finding a good doctor	5/11/2005
Q: Please help me find a doctor for my grandmother and mother. My grandmother (86) was just informed ... A: I would recommend your Grand-mother see a Geriatric Specialist and be thoroughly assessed; a ...
finding a good doctor	5/11/2005
Q: Please help me find a doctor for my grandmother and mother. My grandmother (86) was just informed ... A: I would recommend your mother see a Geriatric Specialist and be thoroughly assessed; a "3-question ...
MDS	4/23/2005
Q: Wife, 85,platelets down to 24 in 7 months, tired,weak,diagnosed with above.Weeklyblood tests. Cancer ... A: I am sorry to hear about your wife's MDS - your family faces some tough decisions ahead. Of course I ...
Is it dementia or just old age?	4/5/2005
Q: My step mother, age 82, has always had a very sharp mind and excellent memory. There have been ... A: Your step-mother is showing symptoms of altered cognitive function related to both memory and ...
Tremors	12/23/2004
Q: What causes tremors in older people? What is the usual treatment for tremors? A: "Tremors" can have many, many causes in older people ... chemical imbalances, neurological ...
How can I keep them safe?	12/7/2004
Q: How can I get my folks to take some precautions to protect their health and safety? My Dad, age 84, ... A: I apologise for the delay in responding, I was off with the flu a few days myself. Your parents do ...
authanasia	10/14/2004
Q: If a patient lost his passion to live, can a doctor help him to die (passive authanasia)? A: Technically Euthanasia is illegal so medical porfessionals can not do anything to end life (ie: ...
My grandfather is 94 years...	9/29/2004
Q: My grandfather is 94 years old and is wheelchair-bound. Lately, he has lost his appetite and only ... A: Obviously no one can diagnos over the internet, but my gut tells me your Grandfather is depressed ...
fractured arm, elderly patient	7/1/2004
Q: I'm a librarian in Everett, WA. An elderly woman came in with a compound fracture of her arm. She ... A: You should go to your local Vitamin Store and talk with them about what they have that would be ...
over medication	6/23/2004
Q: I think my Dad is badly over medicated, but I don't know what to do. He takes 17 kinds of medicine ... A: I would agree that your Dad is probably taking way too many drugs which can easily build up in his ...
Can anybody help me?	1/1/2004
Q: I had a lower back operation about three years ago to remove arthritic spurs that were damaging ... A: I'm very sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience. You have every right to seek other ...
My husband repeats himself	10/18/2003
Q: My husband is 71 and I am 56. This past year he has repeated himself whenever he is telling me ... A: This may just be something that you do have to live with as your husband ages, but I think it would ...
Dizziness	7/28/2003
Q: My 84 year old father has a chronic problem with dizziness. He is in generally good health, takes ... A: I presume your Dad also had Blood Work done and his Hg (Hemeglobin) is okay. I can suggest two other ...
bleeding easily	7/3/2003
Q: My 77 year old Dad is under a doctor's care and is taking Cumadon (spelling?) As a result, he bleeds ... A: As Coumadin is a Blood Thinner, easy bruising is a natural side-effect; I would however be concerned ...
help for elderly man w/myositis	2/17/2003
Q: my neighbor, jim, is getting weaker pretty quickly. his wife is in another town w/alz. and his ... A: I think your neighbour is luck to have you watching over him. You could amke some calls and see if ...
Shaking and quivering by elderly father	1/25/2003
Q: My father had an experience last night he's never had before. From about l0:30 pm until l:00 am he ... A: I would take your Dad to a doctor ASAP and get the "shaking" checked out pronto. It may or may not ...
Perpetually Tired Elderly Lady	8/25/2002
Q: This is to request diagnostic speculations about a 74 old lady who feels drained from just a quick ... A: I bet if the lady made an appointment with a reputable Naturopath and was tested for Allerigers you ...
Father	7/13/2002
Q: My 76 yr. old father has numerous health problems. His former dr. left town and the new one keeps ... A: I will try to address each issue as best as I can, but the long and short of it is you do not feel ...
Bed Alarm?	3/3/2002
Q: Are you aware of any bed alarm systems made for a private home. By bed alarm I mean a device that ... A: I have only dealt with the kind that attach to Call Bell systems in facilities and hospitals. I ...
Is my mom getting the right care?	10/30/2001
Q: My mom is 90, has a home paid for; but because she fell 4 months ago and broke her hip and shoulder. ... A: I do appologise for the delay in responding, I moved last week and the cable company "lost" my ...
Fluid in pulmonary edema	9/20/2001
Q: I am working for an advertising agency and I am writing a piece about lung cancer. I would like to ... A: I appologise for the lengthy delay in repsonding. I was actually out of town for ten days and had ...
abdominal Pain	9/11/2001
Q: Can you tell me if I should seek immeadiate attention for the pain I'm feeling in my right side. I ... A: Obviously no one can "diagnos" over the Internet, but I would advise you go see a doctor today for ...
What to do with grandpa	9/7/2001
Q: We are all at our wits end. I hope you can help. My grandmother passed away in january. She was the ... A: I would call a Seniors Advocate Centre in your area to find out what services are available (all ...
Osteoporosis	8/10/2001
Q: I have a dexa-scan T-score of -2.5. I'm not sure what it means except that I have some measure of ... A: There are several products available and each has a good reputation. There is Glucosamine (GLS), ...
VA Vetern Needs Scooter	8/8/2001
Q: My veteran father-in-law is in need of an electric scooter to increase his mobility. He has had ... A: You'll want to contact the VA in your area (as I'm not sure where you live and each district has ...
Dying sighs!	7/19/2001
Q: My 97 year old father was legally blind, going deaf, unable to stand without support and in pain ... A: The Coroner was correct, the changes in a person's breathing pattern near death is just the brain & ...
BELL'S PAULSY	6/7/2001
Q: HOW DO YOU GET BELL'S PAULSEY? CAN YOU CATCH IT FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS IT? DOES IT EVER GET ... A: this should answer all your questions: FACIAL NERVE DISORDERS Unilateral facial weakness is a ...
Stroke & incontinence	5/15/2001
Q: My Mom had a left hemisphere stroke two weeks ago, she has all her movements but has great ... A: Stroke damage can take two years to resolve so it'll be quite a while before you know how far your ...
tai chi for the elderly	4/27/2001
Q: I work in a nursing home (administrative assistant) and I have been teaching wheel-chair t'ai chi to ... A: I do not have any info on hand, but I will look around and see if I can find anything that may help ...
Constipation	3/22/2001
Q: My mother is 73 and just suffered from a fall on the ice. Xrays, nothing broken, bad brusing on her ... A: Yes, your Mother should be concerned about her constipation. First of all she needs to take ...
hormone replacement substitutes	3/16/2001
Q: I had endometriosis cancer with a complete histerectomy (sp?) and cannot take the hormone ... A: I am not sure what you mean by "burning" so I can't really suggest anything. There are several ...
Assessing Grandmothers " dementia "	3/8/2001
Q: Mary is 81 and has been plagued with various prblems too many too mention in last 20 years, but has ... A: You have touched upon a very importnat issue - the frequent misdiagnosis of our elders as they're ...
iron rich foods	12/23/2000
Q: my mother in law, in her 80's, is asking for foods that are naturally rich in iron. the only one I ... A: My research and experience has taught me that most "old wives tales" have some truth to them, some ...
calcium	12/8/2000
Q: Am 81. Compression back fracture 6 months ago put me on 1500mg/calcium carbonate which recently ... A: I'm afriad I'm not a pharmacist. I am aware of several Calcium supplements which I wouldn't hesitate ...

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Margot RN BScN GNC

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Margot RN BScN GNC

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GERONTOLOGY (NURSING ISSUES RELATED TO THE ELDERLY) I have 25+ years experience working with the elderly. I would be pleased to offer any assistance I can. My areas of expertise include: Gerontology / Geriatrics, Long Term Care, Community Nursing, Palliative Care, Private Nursing Services, Intermediate / Extended Care. I also have a personal interest in Homeopathic and Eastern Medicine. If I can not answer your question I`ll do my best to direct you to an appropriate resource. Thank you.

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27 years of Long Term Care and Community Nursing, specialising in Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Care.

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Registered Nurse , Certified Gerontological Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

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