Everything we need
96 year old male New patient to me, history of multiple medical problems, chief complaint: weight loss. Chart review revealed this had been going on for months. Before I stepped in the room, I already knew what to expect, another depressing emaciated face staring back at me, surrounded by a family member or members who could not carry on caring for their aging parent/grandparent. I already had a few of these visits this past week. I stepped into the room to a thin man, but who immediately stood up as I entered the room and held out his hand in to deliver a firm handshake. I looked around for the other family members ,but no one else there. He came here on his own. “I’m on my way to the grave’ was his frank response when I asked how I can help him today. He was speaking the truth, however his statement was in discordance with the countenance it came from- the brightest toothless grin I’d ever see...