Communicating effectively with a physician is one of the best ways to ensure your senior loved one is getting the medical care he or she needs. If you are the person in charge of taking a senior loved one to and from appointments, it’s up to you to be prepared when you take them to the doctor. Being aware of symptoms and changes in your loved one’s health can help the doctor pinpoint any potential problems. Here are a few tips and questions to consider before, during, and after a doctor’s visit, furnished by the experts at Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care, Clearwater families can trust.
Before Visiting the Physician
- Make a list of changes in health and/or behavior
Is your loved one eating less? Are they complaining about restless sleep at night? Do you notice sudden changes in weight or body composition? Are there any complaints of chest pains, dizziness, nausea, or other conditions? You should watch your loved one carefully and note any changes and be sure to ask them from time to time how they are feeling. You can bring this information up to the doctor when you visit. - Monitor dosage and side effects of medications
If your loved one takes certain medications, then you should watch to see how they react to the medicine. Are the side effects of some medicines too harsh? Are the side effects interfering with the quality of life of your loved one? You can list the complaints and visible side effects from the medications and bring them up to the doctor. The doctor may be able to offer a different medicine with fewer side effects.
Questions to Ask During the Appointment
- What exactly is the diagnosis of my loved one?
- What can I do to help my loved one feel more comfortable at home?
- Are there any special treatments available that can help my loved one feel better?
- Which side effects of medications are taking the greatest toll on my loved one’s health? And is there anything we can do about the side effects?
- What is the long-term prognosis of people with this particular condition or set of conditions? Will my loved one improve over time or stay the same?
Being prepared means observing the current state of your loved one’s health. You must also ask the right questions so that the doctor knows how to help. Caring for your loved one isn’t always easy, but you can take steps to ensure a better quality of life.
You can also turn to outside help to ensure your loved one is as healthy and happy as possible. Utilizing a live-in or part-time caregiver in Clearwater will ensure your senior loved one is eating well, exercising, socializing, and staying mentally sharp. Give Home Care Assistance of Tampa a call at (727) 330-7862 to learn more and schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.