The article discusses the challenges faced by a 67-year-old woman, Susanne Gilliam, as she navigates the complexities of the American healthcare system after slipping on black ice and injuring her knee and ankle. The story highlights the difficulties of coordinating care, multiple specialist appointments, and the burden placed on older adults dealing with multiple medical conditions. It also explores the concept of treatment burden, where patients may find following medical advice unsustainable. The article suggests being candid with doctors, discussing health priorities, and exploring ways to reduce the burden of care for older adults and family caregivers.
Source link
The Burden of Getting Medical Care Can Exhaust Older Patients
