April 28, 2023
Getting the most out of doctor appointments is essential, but it is even more important as seniors age. There are a few things to consider when seniors see their doctor, including if they need someone with them. This might spark frustration, making seniors feel they can’t manage on their own. Working with companion care at home, seniors and loved ones can learn to navigate difficult transitions and conversations so everyone feels heard.
Doctor’s appointments can be stressful, and when people are stressed, they don’t always remember to ask the questions they want to. They also might not remember what the doctor tells them. This is true of any age, not just seniors.
Approaching the conversation about an extra set of ears during doctor visits needs to happen in a supportive way. For some loved ones, attending the visits isn’t an option. Can loved ones log in remotely?
Are companion care at home professionals able to attend? When seniors understand the reasoning behind extra support during medical visits, their resistance decreases. Forcing the situation will only cause frustration and increased stress.
It’s important for everyone involved to double-check the appointment time and date to make sure they arrive on time. Seniors should bring their insurance cards and their medication information – even if the doctor has these on file. There might be a situation where seniors see a new doctor who isn’t privy to their past information.
Having companion care at home helps to have things organized and ready to go. They can also provide ideas for questions seniors should ask, especially if they’ve noticed changes in seniors’ diets or issues with medications.
Every time a new doctor is seen, they will ask about their medical history. This happens much more often as seniors age, with referrals to new physicians as health concerns arise. It’s important for seniors to portray the history and not gloss over the questions accurately. This is another reason seniors might need support during the visit, especially if memory issues are at play. Before visits, talk with home care professionals and seniors about medical history so everyone is on the same page.
Doctors are busy people. Unfortunately, this means they might not have time to discuss concerns fully in one visit. Knowing that seniors might not get much time with their doctor means they and their loved ones need to be very clear about their concerns.
Communication is their best weapon in this situation. Work with companion care at home and with loved ones to document concerns that should be discussed during the appointment. Encourage seniors to speak clearly and with intent. They can practice with home care professionals to know what to say. Practicing will help them feel more comfortable when the appointment comes.
Doctor appointments can be stressful, which is another reason to prepare for them. Helping seniors understand the benefit of having someone with them during the appointment and preparing them for the appointment is easily done through companion care at home and the support of loved ones.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Companion Care at Home in Bloomfield, PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today. Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call 412-421-5202
