The importance of putting our health first increases with age. Choosing a physician who is capable of providing individualized, high-quality care and who recognizes our special needs is one of the most important decisions we can make in this regard. But navigating the healthcare system can be difficult, particularly for seniors. Not only are there many doctors to choose from, but they may need specialists depending on their medical condition. The good news is that companion care at home and loved ones can help seniors in their hunt for a new doctor by suggesting the following tips and tricks:
- Determine Your Needs: Seniors should spend some time determining their precise healthcare requirements before starting their search. They should think about things like any current medical conditions, their preferences for a specific specialty (like cardiology, geriatrics, or primary care), and practical things like how close the facility is to their house or their access to transportation. Companion care can assist with this by asking a few simple questions and making sure the answers are written down in one spot so that seniors can refer back to them.
- Check Credentials: Depending on the situation, it may make seniors feel better to have confirmation about the physician’s credentials. Loved ones can help them get this documentation online, as most professional associations or medical boards have databases with the information posted.
- Explore Experience with Seniors: Finding a physician with prior experience treating seniors can also put their minds at ease. For instance, geriatricians specialize in the treatment of elderly patients, but if there’s not a geriatrician in their area, they can focus on finding a primary care physician who has compassion and understanding for senior patients.
- Assess Communication Skills: Seniors who may have complicated medical histories or numerous chronic conditions require effective communication, which is especially important in the healthcare industry. When they visit the doctor for the first time, companion care at home can encourage them to observe how the doctor listens to their concerns, clearly explains medical concepts, and includes them in decision-making about their care.
- Examine Hospital Affiliations: It’s important to take into account the doctor’s affiliations with nearby hospitals and healthcare networks, as the possibility of hospital stays and the need for specialized consultations increase with age. Care coordination can run more smoothly if their primary care physician and other medical professionals are in agreement.
- Trust Your Instincts: In the end, when choosing a physician, seniors should follow their instincts. Companion care and loved ones can help them feel empowered in this moment, allowing them to gain confidence in their initial thoughts and feelings about the doctors they consider.
Selecting a new physician is an important choice that can have a big influence on seniors’ general health and wellbeing. Companion care at home and loved ones should encourage seniors to use the tips and tricks above, so they can take charge of their health and build a trustworthy relationship with a healthcare professional who values their needs and treats them with respect as they manage the challenges of aging.
Sources:
https://www.bcbs.com/the-health-of-america/articles/five-tips-choosing-new-primary-care-physician
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medical-care-and-appointments/how-choose-doctor-you-can-talk
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-older-adult-choose-pcp
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 companion care at home in Johns Creek, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder 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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