Seniors who have help getting ready for doctor visits are more likely to get what they need from their appointments. Your aging loved one may need physical assistance with getting to and from the doctor’s office, or he or she might just need someone to provide emotional support. Taking the time to plan together for your loved one’s appointment will allow you to rest assured your parent has everything he or she needs for a successful visit.
1. Go Over the Current Treatment Plan
If it’s been some time since your loved one’s last appointment, many things might have changed. Find out if your loved one is facing any challenges with his or her current treatment plan, such as forgetting to take medication or having difficulty making it to physical therapy appointments. This gives you a starting point for talking to the doctor about possible accommodations you can make to meet your loved one’s needs.
2. Ask About New or Increasingly Troublesome Symptoms
An older adult’s health can change rapidly. Ask your loved one how he or she is feeling, both physically and emotionally. Then take notes on any symptoms he or she reports. You might also want to list any of the changes you’ve noticed in your loved one’s health or behavior. Your loved one’s other caregivers might also have input they can add. Gathering as much information as you can about your loved one’s current state of health gives the doctor what he or she needs to make an accurate diagnosis.
A professional home caregiver can help you keep track of any new symptoms or changes in your parent’s health. Homecare services providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. Get Any Necessary Medical Reports from Other Sources
An up-to-date home medical file is essential for older adults who may see multiple healthcare providers. Check to see if your loved one has recently undergone any medical testing that could be related to the upcoming appointment. Doctors often order X-rays and other imaging reports before appointments to provide further insight into what’s causing a senior’s symptoms. Having these items ready to share means your loved one may receive a faster diagnosis.
4. Create a List of Questions to Ask
Seniors may need some time to come up with questions to ask their doctors. It’s also easy for older adults to forget to ask important questions during their appointments. If possible, begin compiling a list of questions a few days ahead of the appointment. This gives your loved one time to come up with new questions he or she might have forgotten to mention the first time you asked. Then store this list of questions somewhere safe so you remember to take it with you to the doctor’s office.
A home caregiver can help you maintain a detailed record of your loved one’s daily routine and note any issues the doctor should know about. For many seniors in Edmonton, AB, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
5. Appoint a Health Advocate when You Can’t Go Along
A health advocate is simply someone who can help your loved one speak up for him or herself and remember what happens during the appointment. If you cannot go with your loved one, arrange for a professional caregiver or member of your loved one’s current care team to accompany him or her. This provides further assurance that your loved one will get the care he or she needs and remember what the doctor recommends for the new treatment plan.
If you’re unable to take your parent to the doctor yourself, a home caregiver can be a great resource. Edmonton homecare experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337.