Communications between your mom and her doctor are essential. She needs to understand what her doctor is telling her. Her doctor needs to be able to answer her questions honestly and in a manner that won’t scare her.
In some practices, doctors seem to rush from patient to patient. This can lead to a communication breakdown and lack of patient satisfaction. To ensure your mom is able to communicate with her doctor, there are things family caregivers can do.
Prepare in Advance
A doctor’s appointment may be stressful, which impacts how open or closed your mom is with her doctor. To ease some tension, go over what will happen during the appointment. Go over the tests she may face, questions the doctor will ask, and things your mom needs to do.
Your mom will likely need to give a urine or blood sample. Make sure she’s well-hydrated before her doctor’s visit. Bring a list of medications she takes with you or bring the bottles. If she’s been concerned about anything, have a checklist ready to go so that nothing gets forgotten.
Have Your Mom Grant You HIPAA Permissions
There’s a form your mom has to fill out each year. HIPAA is a privacy act that covers things your mom’s doctor can and cannot share about her. If she wants you to be able to discuss her health with her doctor, she needs to add the names of family caregivers to this form.
You could also be added as a medical power of attorney. This gives you the power to make medical decisions on your mom’s behalf if she cannot speak for herself for whatever reason. You’ll be able to discuss her and your concerns with her doctor.
Attend Her Appointments
If your mom is willing, attend her appointments with her. She may want you to step out of the room for certain parts of the appointment, but you’ll be there for moral support and to ask questions she may not think of asking.
If she doesn’t understand what a suggested test is for, you know your mom best and can explain it in a way she’d understand. You’ll also be able to fill in gaps if her memory is slipping and she cannot remember something about her family’s medical history.
Know When a Doctor Isn’t a Good Fit
Sometimes, doctors leave a practice and their replacement simply isn’t a good fit for each patient. If you notice your mom has a hard time getting along with her doctor, it’s okay to ask for a change. If there isn’t a suitable doctor in that practice, join your mom for introductions at other practices to find a doctor she likes and feels comfortable with.
If transportation to the doctor is a hardship, caregivers can help. Caregivers do more than cook and clean, they offer rides to appointments. Learn more about caregivers by contacting an agency today.
For more information about hiring Elder Care in Pacific Beach, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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