Judith Graham

Judith Graham was a contributing columnist for KFF Health News until January 2025.

Seniors Steamed Over Cuts To SilverSneakers Fitness Program

KFF Health News Original

UnitedHealthcare has put the skids on offering SilverSneakers, the nation’s fitness program for seniors, as part of its benefit packages. A look at why and some alternatives.

Check Your Medical Records For Dangerous Errors

KFF Health News Original

Medical records often contain incorrect information that can lead to inappropriate medical treatment. Patients need to review them on a regular basis and correct any errors that creep in.

In Days Of Data Galore, Patients Have Trouble Getting Own Medical Records

KFF Health News Original

Federal law guarantees that people have the right to see and obtain a copy of their medical records. But, hospitals, doctors, pharmacies and insurance companies often erect obstacles.

Crear rituales para honrar a los muertos en los centros de vida asistida

KFF Health News Original

Nuevos programas de ayuda abordan un problema pocas veces tratado: el dolor de amigos de residencia y personal cuando muere un adulto mayor en un centro de vida asistida.

Creating Rituals To Honor The Dead At Long-Term Care Facilities

KFF Health News Original

Death and its companion, grief, are often ignored at nursing homes and assisted living centers. Yet ignoring the loss can lead to depression, staff burnout and other problems.

La última sorpresa de la vida: adultos mayores que deben cuidar de sus padres

KFF Health News Original

Con tratamientos médicos que prolongan cada vez más la vida, un nuevo escenario genera preguntas: adultos mayores de 60 o 70 años que deben atender a sus padres nonagenarios.

No Gaps In Understanding: Here’s Your Primer On Medigap Coverage

KFF Health News Original

Seniors often don’t realize that private insurers are required to offer Medigap policies, or supplemental insurance, only when people first sign up for Medicare.

El toque humano en un hospital: por qué importa que los médicos sean compasivos

KFF Health News Original

La actitud de los médicos al momento de hablar de temas difíciles como el final de la vida pueden hacer la diferencia en la calidad de vida del paciente y las preocupaciones de la familia.

A Hospital’s Human Touch: Why Taking Care In Discharging A Patient Matters

KFF Health News Original

Patients and caregivers often feel abandoned and lose trust in health care professionals when they sense a lack of caring during transitions. With it, they feel better able to handle concerns and act on their doctors’ recommendations.

Geriatric Assessments Could Fine-Tune Cancer Care For Older Adults

KFF Health News Original

The American Society of Clinical Oncology issued a new guideline that recommends adults 65 and older receive a geriatric assessment when considering or undergoing chemotherapy.

That ‘Living Will’ You Signed? At The ER, It Could Be Open To Interpretation.

KFF Health News Original

End-of-life documents express your preferences for care but may not be binding medical orders. Here’s how to better prepare for the unexpected — that your last wishes won’t be carried out.