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Geriatrician Dr. Allison Ostroff
Michele Thomas, EVP of Osborn Home Care, recently interviewed Dr. Allison Ostroff, Geriatric Physician and Director of the Division of Geriatrics at Stamford Hospital. “Good Living with Michele Thomas” airs every other Tuesday at 9:30am on WGCH (1490 am).
Dr. Ostroff is one of few geriatricians in the area. She has training in issues of aging such as memory and mood concerns, home care, falls, and family issues and dynamics. As a geriatrician, she generally sees people 65 and older. Primary care physicians refer patients to her for consultations. In that role, she sees patients several times a year and works closely with their primary care doctors.
On the subject of falling, Ostroff recommends people “forego their high heels” and wear closed back, rubber-soled shoes. She suggests going through one’s home to remove throw rugs, check for large steps into the bath or shower, and install a bar on the bathroom wall for support. Staying well hydrated helps avoid the dizziness that comes when standing too quickly.
Dr. Ostroff says Stamford Hospital has acknowledged the importance of geriatrics and is using research to become more age friendly while caring for older adults, especially people with cognitive difficulties. Since dementia can often accompany a surgical procedure, they have partnered with the CT Alzheimer Association to have volunteers work with patients while in the hospital.
All hospitals will have to recognize the growing elderly population Ostroff says. “This includes making a more senior-friendly environment in the ER, training nurses, and recruiting more physicians into geriatrics, where there is a shortage of doctors right now.”
On the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s, Ostroff says, “Dementia is a symptom that includes memory loss, but also changes in language, visual and special skills, and executive function--all parts of memory.” Dementia is a very large umbrella covering many diseases. Alzheimer’s causes about 60% of dementia in the United States. Other types of dementia can accompany mini strokes.
Medications play a large role with the elderly. Ostroff says she actually likes to “de-prescribe” if possible. She doesn’t mind allowing blood pressure of 130 over 80 in older, frail patients prone to falling, and may decrease their blood pressure medication. “Meds for urinary incontinence,” she says, “can also increase the risk of falling and cause memory failure. I look carefully at when they are necessary.”
“One of the many benefits of using a service like Osborn Home Care,” noted Michele Thomas, “is helping clients to remember to take their medications appropriately and observing their general behavior over time.”
Ostroff says family, friends, and colleagues can help spot memory problems. Dementia often brings mood issues. Older white males are now the most commonly depressed group in the United States, but it’s been hard for them to talk about it.
Ostroff aims to keep people as functional as possible as long as possible. She applauds cities that are becoming geriatric friendly, knowing it’s the wave of the future. Dr. Ostroff and Thomas talked about how Greenwich is leading this effort with the current collaboration of city planners, public works and business working together to accommodate to the needs of our aging population.
Thomas noted that Osborn Home Care uses this research in caregiver training so their staff will be sensitive to the challenges facing older adults and help them be safe and comfortable in their own homes.
Osborn Home Care works closely with the Age-Friendly Communities and other organizations serving seniors in Greenwich.