Optional discussion worksheet
Later-life cancer care
Bring everyday function, medicines, nutrition, communication and available support into a treatment conversation.
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1. Start with the person, not their age
This sheet does not diagnose frailty or replace a geriatric assessment. Tell the team about changes from the person’s usual abilities and ask what can be improved.
The patient’s own goals, valued activities and acceptable trade-offs
Usual ability and recent changes: washing, dressing, meals, shopping and money tasks
Walking, balance, falls, stairs or equipment that helps
Memory or concentration changes; hearing, sight, language or reading support
What the patient would like to manage independently; help they are comfortable accepting
2. Medicines, food and real-world support
Attach the current medicine list or caregiver-toolkit record. Include over-the-counter, herbal and traditional products. Do not stop medicines or change doses yourself.
Medicine-list location; allergies; problems taking medicines or collecting prescriptions
Appetite, weight change, swallowing, teeth, shopping or cooking difficulties
Other medical conditions, pain, sleep or mood concerns to discuss
Who is realistically available; transport, finances, home access and caregiver limits
Questions for pharmacy, nutrition, rehabilitation or other assessment
3. Turn assessment into an agreed support plan
A different dose or schedule may be considered for clinical reasons. Ask about the goal and evidence rather than assuming age alone determines treatment.
Team-confirmed options and effects on independence, symptoms and expected benefit
Actions to improve function or safety before or during treatment / owner / date
Support and transport arranged; backup if the main caregiver is unavailable
Team-confirmed urgent symptoms and contact route
Review date; what to monitor and when the plan should be reconsidered
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These are discussion prompts, not prescriptions, emergency instructions or formal medical or legal documents. Use the current verified plan from your care team.
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Sources and further reading
These prompts accompany the source-checked guides linked above. Their Sources and further reading sections contain the original references.