Taking Your Aging Parent to the Doctor
When it comes to taking your aging parent to the doctor, you might not even be sure where to begin. You may have questions such as, “How do I get permission to talk to my parent’s doctor?” or “Can a doctor discuss a patient with a family member?” and “Can I call my mother’s doctor?”
We assume that since you are reading this, you have decided to accompany your loved one to the doctor. We will do our best to address your questions and give you a checklist of topics to discuss at your parents' next appointment.
Time spent with the doctor goes by pretty fast, making it easy to forget the questions you had planned to ask. It is also easy to forget what the doctor even said. This is particularly true for elderly patients with memory problems. By taking your aging parent to the doctor and making sure that the right questions are being asked, you can help ensure that their health and well-being are made a top priority.
Getting Permission to Talk to Your Parent’s Doctor
In most cases, simply accompanying your parent to the doctor is all the permission you need. You can request that your parent sign a HIPPA release form as well. Even if a patient is not present, HIPAA allows healthcare providers to disclose information if they determine that doing so is in the best interest of the patient.
On the other hand, if your parent does NOT want their doctor to talk to you and you believe they are incapacitated by cognitive decline, you can call their doctor and voice your concerns. You should also put your concerns in writing so that it will become a part of their medical chart. Another option is to look into obtaining a durable power of attorney.
Keep in mind that the decision to override your parent’s wishes is a serious one, so it should only be considered if you truly believe you have good cause to do so.
To learn more, read “A Patient’s Guide to the HIPAA Privacy Rule.”
Topics to Discuss at Your Parent’s Next Doctor’s Visit
The best way to avoid missing the opportunity to ask important questions during your parent’s next doctor visit is to be prepared with them in advance. During the visit, taking detailed notes will help you stay on track with your parent’s home care plan.
1. Your parent’s symptoms
Keep track of your parent’s symptoms in the days and weeks leading up to their appointment. Be sure to note any physical discomfort, changes in their cognitive abilities, and any emotional issues they might be experiencing. You should include details such as when they first noticed the symptoms, their progression overtime, and anything that seems to make the symptoms better or worse.
2. Their mental health
Mental health conditions are common in older adults, including feelings of depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness due to social isolation.
3. Fall prevention and mobility exercises
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 4 seniors fall each year in the US. Many of these falls require a visit to the hospital, so reducing the risk of falls in and around the home is of the utmost importance. Ask their doctor to recommend mobility exercises that are appropriate for your parent and other things you can do to help prevent falls, such as installing grab bars in the shower or having your parent use a cane or a walker.
4. Suggestions to help your parent remain independent
If your parent is starting to have trouble caring for themself, ask the doctor to talk to them about the need for a professional caregiver and how it can help them retain their independence.
Visiting Angels Southwest Michigan Is Here to Help
If you live too far away to accompany your parent to the doctor, long-distance caregiving services by Visiting Angels Southwest Michigan can help. In addition to providing assistance and companionship to your loved one, our caregivers can accompany them to their doctor’s appointments and provide you with regular updates on their health and well-being.
Visiting Angels also offers a fall prevention program, which is designed to help reduce the risks of slips and falls in and near the home.
For a free in-home no-obligation consultation, give Visiting Angels Southwest Michigan a call at (269) 459-6464 or Contact Us through our website to request more information.