Pulse CPSEA People for Patient Safety Seminar to Address Ageism

“Ageist” medical decisions include improper diagnosis and medication errors

The next online seminar in Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy’s “People for Patient Safety” (PPS) series will feature patient advocate and end-of-life doula Jacquelen “Jackee” Namwila addressing the ways in which “ageism” — discrimination or prejudice against the old — can threaten the safety of eldercare.

The virtual seminar will take place via Zoom on December 8, 2025 at 7:00pm, EST. (Registration details below.)

Ageism can be found in many contexts — from discrimination in hiring to dismissal of older people’s opinions to out-and-out abuse, but it has especially serious consequences in the context of health care.

Says Ms. Namwila: “Ageism isn’t just about getting older, it’s about being overlooked, dismissed, or underestimated simply because of age.”

Older people may be incorrectly diagnosed with dementia or psychosis on the basis of statements or behavior that have other causes such as medication interactions, or chronic pain.

Poor coordination of medications or overuse of certain medications by nursing home staff to make their jobs easier are also common. In one case known to Pulse, an elderly woman in care appeared increasingly lethargic and unresponsive until her daughter reviewed her medications with the pharmacist. As soon as the pharmacist modified the medication regime, the woman recovered.

The seminar is open to the public and registration is free, herhttps://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LmpFdRRySKeWHAQi8w7EbA#/registratione. (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LmpFdRRySKeWHAQi8w7EbA#/registration)

Fee for BCPA CE's is $10.

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