Better Stronger Loving Compassionate Communication well with a senior citizen elderly persons loved one’s doctor is critical. Unfortunately, families are sometimes intimidated or reluctant to ask questions and share concerns about a loved one’s condition. Vital warning signs and symptoms may go overlooked. If you’re struggling with how to build and maintain a stronger connection with an Mom and Dad or an older family member’s physician, we have a few helpful tips.
Working Well with a Senior’s Doctor
Keep a journal:
Our primary suggestion for families and patients is to maintain a symptom journal if they live in the home or an assisted living home in the Mississippi community. Documenting a senior cares loved one’s medical symptoms, and any issues will help their primary care doctor/physician identify possible problems. Sleep problems should also be documented, also track what they were doing and what they ate on days you noticed something was amiss..
Prepare for the visit: before each doctor visit, have a few minutes to list ongoing symptoms and worries. Write or type it neatly to make the information easy for the physician to review rapidly. Families are frequently worried that their senior loved one’s doctor always seems to be in a rush. Although most doctors are extremely active, they usually want to be made aware of issues to postop small health problems from becoming big ones.
Keep a medical document: Another essential tool for family caregivers is a medical file. Every time a senior has a chronic or severe health condition, they generally have more than one physician involved with their care. While digital records make it easier for physicians to share info, it might be restricted by their health care system. Get copies of health screenings and check results, allergies, medications, and contact information for those professionals involved in their care. If you’re familiar with technology, apps like Care Zone make it easier to organize a family’s health information and access it when you are on the move.
Follow physician’s orders: Should you give it your best effort and don’t feel confident that the physician is a good fit, it might be time to explore different alternatives. “How to Find a New Primary Care Doctor for an Old Loved One” has some useful tips you may use.
