Advice for Treating Geriatric Patients

Communicate closely with the patient's other treatment providers.

Follow up on all laboratory tests.

Obtain consent from the patient for all treatment procedures.

Document the patient's responses to medications, as well as reassessments of the patient's clinical status and any change made to his or her treatment.

Review all drug manufacturer alerts.

When appropriate, involve family members during information-gathering efforts and in getting patients to adhere to treatment.