Seniors need to trust their doctors to help them manage the health changes that occur with aging. While it may be tempting to hide new symptoms, being honest could help seniors find ways to optimize their health before they develop more serious issues. These seven things should always be discussed with a doctor during a senior’s appointment.
1. Mention New Instances of Memory Loss
The fear of having dementia can cause some seniors to avoid mentioning an inability to remember important information. However, new treatments can help seniors slow the progression of dementia when they’re started early. Talking to the doctor about memory loss may also reassure seniors they’re having normal age-related memory lapses.
If your loved one is diagnosed with a form of dementia such as Alzheimer’s, compassionate assistance is just a phone call away. The days, weeks, and months following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be challenging for both seniors and their families. However, these challenges can be made less stressful with the help of caregivers trained in professional Alzheimer’s care. Arlington Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one enjoy the golden years while simultaneously managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
2. Talk about Challenges with Taking Medication
Doctors prescribe medication with the expectation that seniors will take it. If a medication causes side effects that are intolerable, seniors need to speak up. They may be able to take different medications or use other strategies to make current medications more tolerable.
3. Discuss Any Recent Falls at Home
A senior who falls at home might sustain injuries that aren’t immediately apparent, and this could also indicate new issues, such as a loss of balance, that need treatment. Doctors can help seniors figure out why they fell and identify strategies to keep it from happening again.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
4. Ask about Problems with Sleeping
Seniors sometimes view insomnia as a part of growing older. Not getting enough sleep can place seniors at risk for accidents around the home. It can also begin to take a toll on their health and mental wellbeing. Seniors should talk to their doctors about things that may interfere with their sleep so they can put together a plan to help them get enough rest.
5. Share Symptoms of Depression & Anxiety
It’s common for people to think of their doctors as only tending to their physical health. However, doctors can also help seniors take care of their mental health. They may do so through referrals to counselors, prescriptions for medications, and helping seniors find ways to be more social.
6. Tell Them about Potentially Embarrassing Symptoms
Some new symptoms that arise during the golden years may cause seniors to feel embarrassed, but they need to be mentioned. Incontinence is one of these symptoms, but doctors are used to hearing about these things. They can also help seniors stay comfortable and healthy once they know the symptoms are occurring.
7. Let Them Know about Challenges with Driving
New health issues often become apparent when seniors try to drive. For instance, they may have accidents if they’re unable to see clearly, or they might not hear horns honking. Telling doctors about these issues can help them assess seniors’ vision and hearing to determine if they could benefit from using corrective devices.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of Arlington home care services. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (703) 988-1800 today.
