Diagnostic testing and treatment are determined based on ability to improve disease process or quality of life/goals of care.

Older adults may have fewer options for transportation to medical appointments. Telemedicine (telephone or audio-visual communication) can improve patient health, lower healthcare costs, reduce wait times, reach a broader geographic region, and limit unnecessary exposures of patients to infection.

Humans are social beings and connections to others are vital to our health and well-being. Social isolation (i.e., the objective absence or paucity of social interactions with others) is a social determinant of health which is related to, but distinct from, the concept of loneliness (i.e., the subjective distressing feeling of being socially isolated).^1,2

Health literacy refers to an individual’s ability to understand his or her health and effectively navigate the health care system.  

While sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise among older adults, medical providers may associate this problem with younger populations, missing prevention and treatment opportunities.

Outline standard approaches for planning, leading, and concluding difficult family meetings with strategies for navigating conflict.

Define advance directives and the components that are commonly incorporated.

Review available home care services and Medicare requirements.