It’s important to trust our doctors’ recommendations, but it’s just as important to be informed and to question prescribed treatments and medications to make sure the benefits outweigh the risks. To assist with this, the American Geriatric Society has put together information on treatments that may be not only unnecessary, but potentially harmful.
Choosing Wisely, an initiative founded by the ABIM Foundation, is taking aim at unnecessary treatments by developing a list of things that both physicians and patients should question. One common treatment that tops the list is the use of dementia drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors. Often these drugs are used to inhibit dementia progression and improve cognitive function, but there isn't much evidence of the drugs’ effectiveness, and they may only be beneficial to a small amount of patients.
Check out further resources on procedures and medications to question that are specific to physicians or patients.
At Independence-4-Seniors, we offer a free, in-depth assessment by a registered nurse prior to beginning services, to ensure that home care is the right choice for your loved one and to answer all of your questions. Whether your loved one is facing a life-altering treatment or procedure, or if just a little extra help around the house is needed to promote safety and independence, we’re with you every step of the way. Call us at 630-323-4665 to learn more about our home care services in Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange, Downers Grove and the surrounding Chicago suburbs.