Join us at noon CT (1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT) on Tuesday, July 26, to chat about keeping senior citizens out of nursing homes, with Tribune reporter Judy Graham, and panelists David Fisher and Anthony Ohotto, M.D.What are the most common reasons that seniors end up going to a nursing home? How can older people stave off problems, avoid giving up their independence and prepare to stay safely at home? We ask doctors who have devoted their careers to helping people live well in their communities as they age.
David Fisher, MD is a board certified geriatrician and palliative care physician. He practiced with Advocate Medical Group, caring for seniors living in nursing homes throughout Chicago, before relocating to Raleigh, NC to join one of the nation's largest home care practices, Doctors Making Housecalls. Dr. Fisher's passion is helping seniors and their loved ones maintain control of their health through the aging process. His book "How to Keep Mom (and Yourself) Out of a Nursing Home" gives practical tips for preventing the loss of independence that often leads to the need for nursing home care.
Anthony Ohotto, M.D., is a geriatric and palliative care specialist with Providence ElderPlace in Portland, Ore. That organization operates a program known as PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), which supports seniors with medical issues living in the community. Dr. Ohotto practiced for six years in a remote area of Arizona on a Navajo reservation. In his current position, he focuses on helping older adults remain independent and occasionally makes house calls to people who can't come to Providence ElderPlace's health centers for services. The doctor's professional interests include pain management and end-of-life care; outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking and mushroom hunting.Can't make the chat? E-mail questions in advance to jegraham@tribune.com.
