A family member or a care provider should always go with a senior who has Alzheimer’s to the doctor. If you can’t make it to your senior parent’s medical appointments because you have to work and don’t have PTO a care provider that is trained in Alzheimer’s care can go with your senior parent. Alzheimer’s care is a good alternative to help take care of a senior parent when you can’t be with them.
It’s very important that someone go to medical appointments with a senior who has Alzheimer’s because the senior could become confused, upset, or agitated at the appointment. Going to an appointment is a disruption to their routine and seniors with Alzheimer’s thrive on routine. They also may not be able to respond to the doctor or volunteer information about how they are feeling or any problems they are having. Below are tips for family members or Alzheimer’s care providers who go to a medical appointment with a senior who has Alzheimer’s.
Record The Appointment
It’s always a good idea to record the appointment on your phone or have a care giver record it. That’s just so that you don’t miss anything that the doctor says. It’s very easy to get distracted trying to keep your senior loved one calm and keep them from wandering during the appointment and when that happens you may miss something important that the doctor says. Having a recording of the appointment gives you a chance to go back later on and listen closely to what the doctor said.
Ask For Paperwork
Ask for copies of the doctor’s notes and any other medical documents like copies of X-rays or blood work results so that you will have copies for your medical records and files. Having a copy of all those medical records can be very helpful during a medical emergency if your senior parent needs to go to the emergency room. You can send the medical records with them so that they can get the most effective treatment.
Schedule A Follow Up Immediately
When you are checking out after a medical appointment make the next appointment for your senor parent at that time. Don’t wait to go home and check your schedule or make arrangements. It can be tough to get timely medical appointments right now so it’s better if you can make the next appointment while you’re still there.
Have A List Of Questions To Ask
You should have a list of questions that you want to ask about your senior loved one’s symptoms, medications, and other issues when you go into the appointment so you don’t forget what you wanted to talk to the doctor about. If you know the doctor’s email address you may want to email them the questions in advance so they can have answers ready for you at the appointment. By being prepared you can save yourself and the doctor a lot of hassle and time.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today. Call (469) 596-6500
HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.
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