What to Ask When Taking Your Senior Loved One to the Doctor

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Senior Loved One's Doctor in Tampa Bay, FL

When providing Clearwater home care for your elderly loved one, one of your main responsibilities may be taking him or her to regular doctor’s visits. Being at the doctor’s office with your loved one offers an excellent opportunity to ask some important questions about his or her health and quality of life.

What Are the Side Effects of This Medication?

Your loved one may have several different prescriptions for a wide variety of medical conditions. While necessary, this can also be overwhelming to manage. Your loved one may not know or understand the risks of taking certain medications. Be sure to ask his or her doctor about any potential side effects that can cause lead to other problems.

How Can a Chronic Condition Be Managed?

If your loved one has a recurring condition requiring medical attention such as diabetes or hypertension, his or her illness must be carefully managed. It is important to learn as much about the condition as possible. You should ask doctor about your loved one’s most recent levels. This can help determine whether or not you or a Clearwater caregiver should step in and assist with other responsibilities.

What Will Provide the Greatest Comfort?

Sometimes physicians put more emphasis on the problem and not the inconvenience it causes. This is understandable because a doctor’s ultimate job is to promote health and save lives. However, it is your right to ask about anything that can make your loved one more comfortable. For example, a ramp may not correct limited physical mobility, but it can make the home much safer for your loved one.

Will These Issues Increase?

Many medical conditions affecting the elderlycan get worse with time. Caregivers and family members should be prepared for any reduction of abilities. The best way to address this possibility is to ask your loved one’s doctor about any signs on the horizon. The doctor can map out possible outcomes.

Do you worry about your loved one’s ability to remain independent if he or she becomes chronically ill or endures a serious injury? If you have found it difficult to take on caregiving responsibilities, Home Care Assistance can help keep your loved one safe. Enlisting Clearwater respite care can offer you a chance to take a break from caregiving whenever you need it. The caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available 24/7 to provide your lovedone with transportation, offer medication reminders, and assist with a variety of daily tasks. To learn more about our senior care services, call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862.

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