When a loved one ages beyond typical medical concerns into what Dr. Warren Wong calls "the decade of frailty," everything changes—including how we should approach their care. In this episode, geriatrician Dr. Wong reveals why elder care requires specialized knowledge that many family doctors don't possess.
Have you ever wondered why traditional medical appointments focus almost exclusively on disease management rather than your aging loved one's changing abilities? Dr. Wong explains how geriatric medicine mirrors pediatric care—but in reverse. While pediatricians track developmental milestones as children gain abilities, geriatricians monitor functional states as elderly individuals gradually lose certain capacities.
The conversation takes a surprising turn when Dr. Wong reveals common caregiving practices that can actually harm elderly skin.
For caregivers feeling overwhelmed, Dr. Wong offers a powerful concept: establishing "a line in the sand" as a necessary boundary for well-being. This acknowledgment that caregivers must recognize their limits—even as those limits may shift over time—provides both permission and wisdom for the caregiving journey. As host Jay Smiles reflects, this conversation reminds us that our efforts aren't in vain—professionals like Dr. Wong see our struggles and are working to improve support systems for caregivers everywhere.
Visit drwarrenwong.com or look for his forthcoming book "The GOLD Book: Getting Older with Love and Dignity" to access more of his practical wisdom for the caregiving journey.
Host: @jsmilescomedy
Producer: @MiaHallTV
Editor: @annelisetv2624
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