You may want to care for your senior parents or have home health care come in, but you’re unsure how. This can be especially difficult when your parents have health issues that you are unsure about. One of the best ways to get answers to any questions you have about seniors’ health is to attend doctor’s appointments with them. The doctor will give you an inside scoop on when a senior should be taking medication and how to take care of them. It will also give the senior a second set of ears on any instructions for their health, which can help them follow the doctor’s orders better. You can also consider hiring a home health care services provider to keep your senior on track for any after-care instructions.
However, not all children can go to appointments with their senior parents, and that’s okay. You’re busy, and caring for someone can be a full-time job that you may not have time for. Companion care at home can help take care of your senior and attend doctor’s appointments to take notes when you can’t. Once a senior gets back from the appointment, companion care at home can help them adhere to doctors’ orders and implement them into a care plan.
Whether you or companion care at home providers are attending an appointment with a senior, you must figure out how to communicate with the doctor. This is not always easy because most people don’t understand many doctors’ terms, including seniors. So, it is crucial to ask questions and communicate any concerns on your senior’s behalf. Here are some communication tips you can use when you visit the doctor with your senior parents.
Ask The Doctor To Explain More
Ensure that you grasp all the doctor says about your older adult’s health and how to manage their diseases throughout their medical appointments. If the doctor says anything you don’t understand, speak up quickly and request an explanation in plainer language. You may not have medical knowledge, and that is why it is crucial to ask clarifying questions. The doctor’s role is to ensure that your senior receives proper treatment. A critical component is ensuring that you can make educated judgments and adhere to their directions.
Prepare Questions Before Appointments
If you notice symptoms of medications, it is essential to take notes of what medication and when these symptoms happen. Always prepare a list of problems and concerns before going to the doctor. Write it down and go through each until you get answers to all of your questions. A written list will help you keep track of what is more important to ask and help you communicate better with the doctor.
Take Notes
One of the worst things that can happen is if both you and the senior forget what the doctor says. They will write down instructions for you to follow, but having your own notes will help too. This will be especially crucial if a senior is prescribed a new medication. You should know what side effects and symptoms to look for in a senior, so it does not concern you or if it’s something abnormal.
Call With Extra Questions
The job of a doctor is to ensure the care of your seniors. If you have any extra questions that pop up later on, you have the right to call for answers.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Home Health Care in Lawrenceville, GA, and the surrounding areas.
Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.
We provide home care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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