Entering the minds of the elderly

I was sorting things out pretty well. They had been attending for only a few weeks, but I had managed to reduce their multiple drug regimens and to diagnose and control his atrial fibrillation. Bill and Netty were a delightful couple, always attending together and obviously devoted to one another. Their delight in their new sheltered house and enjoyment of their new town was a pleasure to see.

Now I raised the question of Bill's microscopic haematuria, discovered at the registration medical and present on further samples. “Probably due to your prostatectomy five years ago,” I said, “but I'd advise a check at the hospital just to be sure.” He seemed hesitant. “It's a small operation—you'll be in and out in a day,” I reassured and went on …