Would it be wise to visit an elderly parent and see a doctor? 10. Helpful (and Sanity-Saving) Tips.
Walking into a doctor's office with an elderly parent is rarely just about spending time waiting in the waiting area. You can quickly assume the roles of a caregiver, advocate for patients or an assistant, and may even be able to translate medical terminology.' Over 40 million family caregivers in the U.S. are quietly juggling this role every day. The preparation can make these visits less stressful for both you and your parents.
According to Suzanne Salamon, associate chief of gerontology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center affiliated with Harvard, one only spends 20-30 minutes talking to a doctor. You must be organized and efficient to make the most out of your visit.
These 10 tips will help you support your parents before, during and after their appointment so they don't lose their temper.
Setting the Stage: Before the Termination.
1. Confirm your role.
Get in touch with the office to confirm your plan to accompany your parents. Request written permission before participating in medical talks. As a health care proxy for your parents, ensure that the paperwork is on file.
2. Gather their story.
Arrange your parent's health record: current ailments, surgeries and allergies as well as medication & supplements?... If your parent is unable to provide details, ask another family member for assistance.
3. Handle the paperwork early.
Insurance, medical history, and current symptoms are all forms of information that doctors can use to love their patients. Request paperwork in advance and ask if it can be sent or downloaded to fill it out at home, rather than waiting in line.
4. Bring real-life observations.
Doctors don't see the day-to-day. You do. Check if your parents are on time with their bills, eating regularly and needing assistance to walk or forget about medication. Be aware. Their care may require a few insignificant details.
On the Day of Appointment: Being Present.
5. Make a short, sharp list.
Write your parent's symptoms, questions, and priorities in bullet points. Be concise and respectful about the doctor's appointment. What should you say? Send it in advance if you can.
6. Pack the “medicine bag.”.
Take every pill bottle, supplement and vitamin your parents has taken with you to the visit.". Doctors frequently come across duplicate drugs (such as a brand-name drug and its generic counterpart) or outdated prescriptions in this manner.
7. Agree on who speaks when.
Before the appointment, ask your parents how much they want you to agree. Do you need to fill in the blanks or they want you to watch? It's important to respect their voice in the room. ".
8. Protect their dignity.
Avoid talking to your parents as a child, especially when they are in the presence of their physician. Rather than telling them to stop and think about it, try reminding them that they were taking medication last spring. Respect is also considered good medicine.
9. Take careful notes.
Record the doctor's guidance, test outcomes, medication modifications, and subsequent procedures.. You'll both be relieved you did.
After the Appointment: Following Through.
10. Translate the visit into action.
Display the physician's guidance, organize medication supplies, and schedule follow-up visits on calendars.... If your parent has given his consent, offer to manage their online patient portal, which is often the most efficient way to send questions and receive updates.
It is crucial to ensure that your parents have knowledge of the treatment plan. As Dr. You are now on the care team," Salamon reminds us. The role is significant and your parents will be relying on you.
The Takeaway.
It can be a challenge to take an elderly parent to the doctor with both logistics and love. What should you do? It demands structure, patience, and a good deal of empathy.'"... By preparing and showing respect, you can go beyond just ferrying them to an appointment. They are being guided with respect towards their health.
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