During the senior years, a person’s health needs will undergo significant changes, which can create a need to find the right doctor to provide the highest level of quality care. Yet many seniors and their families find it difficult to select a physician when they’re handed a list of names and numbers by an insurance company, friend, or medical professional. While references are always helpful, evaluating the following criteria will also ensure the right doctor is found to fit your senior loved one’s needs.
Experience with Geriatric Care
Gerontology is a specialized field of medicine in which physicians gain experience in working with older adults. While your loved one may not need a specialist, it can be reassuring to know a doctor has a firm understanding of the unique needs of seniors. The doctor will be able to advise specific medications, diet plans, and activities that can promote total health, and he or she can also provide insight into the level of care your loved one may need at home.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Hospital & Insurance Affiliation
Today, finding the right doctor should also include making sure the physician is affiliated with your loved one’s preferred hospital and covered by his or her insurance plan. This is especially important if your parent is working with a specialist who may need to treat a health condition in an emergency. Make sure the hospital is close to your loved one’s home and that the doctor has flexible working hours that include time to visit your parent in the hospital if needed.
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 home care. Fair Oaks families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Personality & Communication
For seniors, a doctor’s bedside manner can make all the difference when it comes to staying on top of appointments and following a treatment plan. After you have found a doctor for your loved one, schedule a visit to make sure the physician’s personality is compatible with your parent’s. The physician should be comfortable communicating with your loved one as well as other caregivers so your loved one can benefit from a full support team.
If your loved one has a chronic condition or is experiencing some of the challenges associated with the natural aging process, making sure he or she attends regular doctor appointments and takes prescribed medications on time is of the utmost importance.
While doctors can treat various age-related health issues, they don’t offer help with daily tasks. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Fair Oaks respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (916) 485-4663.