Medication Management & Medical Appointments (Part 1)
This presentation from Town Square University Parkway explores the essential role of medication management, dementia care, and navigating the healthcare system for older adults and their caregivers.
Presented by Catherine McDermott, PMHNP, this educational session explains the importance of person-centered care and emphasizes that every individual living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or cognitive impairment deserves a customized care plan that reflects their unique needs, goals, and quality of life.
The discussion highlights the value of building a trusted healthcare team, including primary care providers, neurologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatric specialists, psychologists, and social workers. Together, these professionals can help support both the individual and their family caregivers throughout the aging and dementia journey.
A major focus of the presentation is medication management for seniors and the growing risks of polypharmacy. Caregivers learn how multiple prescriptions from different specialists can increase the likelihood of falls, hospitalizations, adverse drug interactions, and cognitive decline. Catherine encourages families to advocate for their loved ones by maintaining accurate medication lists, communicating changes with healthcare providers, and regularly evaluating whether medications remain necessary.
She also stresses the importance of keeping community partners, such as adult day centers and memory care programs, informed of medical updates so they can better support participants throughout the day.
The presentation also provides valuable education on the differences between palliative care and hospice care, helping families understand when the focus of treatment may shift from prolonging life to maximizing comfort and quality of life.
Throughout the discussion, Catherine reinforces that caregivers should never navigate the dementia journey alone. Resources such as caregiver support groups, respite care, dementia education, cognitive support programs, and adult day services can help families reduce stress while allowing older adults to remain engaged and connected.
At Town Square University Parkway, we believe that hope exists after a dementia diagnosis. Through our medical-model adult day center, memory care programming, free caregiver support groups, respite services, educational classes, and comprehensive dementia resources, we are committed to helping seniors and their families thrive while navigating the challenges of aging and cognitive change.
If you are caring for a loved one living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or cognitive impairment, Town Square University Parkway is here to help.
Contact our team today to learn more about our adult day services, caregiver support groups, educational classes, and respite care options.
Location / Contact:
Town Square University Parkway
8450 Lockwood Ridge Rd.
Sarasota, FL 34243