Have you ever gone to a medical appointment with your mom? You should. It’s important that you get to know your mom’s doctors.
Why is it Important?
If something happens to your mom, you need to be able to speak on her behalf. If you’ve attended her appointments, she’s going to have filled out paperwork that allows you to talk to her doctors. Without HIPAA permissions and paperwork like a medical power of attorney, you don’t have say.
When you know her doctors, your mom has taken part in discussions and learned what is needed to make sure you can be her advocate. It’s easier to make these decisions when you know your mom’s doctor, have heard her express her wishes, and understand the medical tests and procedures she’s undergone over the years.
Some doctors get rushed and overlook things. As your mom’s advocate, you can insist something is discussed before the appointment ends. If you’re with your mom and the doctor never asked if she wanted her cholesterol levels checked, you can find out why. You can also ask if some less affordable tests that are being scheduled are really necessary.
Finally, you can sit down and go over the medications your mom takes. Include non-prescription supplements, too. You can find out if they are necessary, when/how they should be taken, and what side effects are common. If your mom is having an issue with side effects or the prescription’s cost, you can address that during the appointment.
What Doctors Should You Meet?
Really, it’s best to meet them all. Meet your mom’s dentist and primary care physician to start. During the appointment, ask questions after your mom has asked her questions. She may cover things you want to know, but you can fill in things she forgot.
Depending on your mom’s health, you may also need to meet oncologists, cardiologists, neurologists, and others. If your mom isn’t working with a geriatric physician, you might want to have her meet one. These doctors specialize in elderly health concerns.
Keep a List of Questions
As questions arise, jot them down. This eliminates the chance of forgetting something days or weeks from now. When your mom has her next appointment, you’ll be able to ask them during the appointment. If anything is urgent, you can always call and speak to a nurse or physician’s assistant.
Knowing your mom’s medical history also helps determine when home health care services become necessary. If your mom’s doctor notices she’s not taking her medication at the right time, home health care assistants can offer medication reminders. If your mom isn’t getting enough exercise, caregivers can help get her outside for daily walks. Call our home health care agency to discuss the other things caregivers can do to help your mom age at home.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Dover MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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