Choosing a physician for your senior parent is one of the most important decisions you can make as a family caregiver, so you need to do it right. To make selecting a primary care physician a little easier, your family can use the following tips.
Check Availability
Your parent’s health will change as he or she ages, and the need to visit the doctor could increase as a result. Never choose a doctor who makes seniors wait weeks for a checkup. It’s a bad idea to choose a doctor who constantly refers people to other physicians within the agency. Therefore, convenience plays a huge role when it comes to choosing a primary care doctor for your parent. Avoid choosing a physician who offers fewer appointments and longer wait times. It’s best to go with a doctor that allows your loved one to be seen within two days or on the same day.
Family caregivers may find it challenging to take their loved one to medical checkups and doctor’s appointments. In Windermere, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family.
Research Training and Certifications
A good primary care doctor will be professional, knowledgeable, and have a strong work ethic. Qualified physicians have encyclopedic medical knowledge they can recall at a moment’s notice, and they have the training and board certifications necessary to provide high-quality care. There are many medical advances being made regarding age-related conditions, and a qualified doctor will stay updated on the latest medical trends and news. The knowledge physicians possess can boost a senior’s confidence. However, a lack of knowledge and self-assurance could translate into uncertainty.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Altamonte Springs senior home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Prestige Home Care is here to help.
Gauge Your Parent’s Comfort Level
Your parent should feel comfortable opening up to the doctor. There will be times your loved one needs to divulge information that may make him or her feel uneasy and embarrassed, but it’s necessary to remain honest with the physician. If your loved one isn’t comfortable with his or her primary care doctor, it could compromise the treatment he or she receives. Medical treatment is based on trust and communication between seniors and their doctors. When seniors are uncomfortable, it may be more difficult to convey various symptoms to the doctor. Schedule a consultation, allowing your loved one to determine if he or she will feel at ease with the physician.
Ask Around
The information you find on a physician’s website should include testimonials. While these details can be helpful, it’s best to ask people you know in real life when it pertains to finding a good primary care doctor for your parent. Personal referrals can narrow down the search, allowing you to take the time to carefully and critically examine each doctor on your list. Ask other family caregivers who share your values and priorities about the family care doctor they chose for their senior loved one. Asking for referrals from trusted individuals can help you find a doctor who is familiar with your loved one’s medical condition.
Selecting the right primary care physician for your loved one is not the only obstacle you’ll face as a family caregiver. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Orlando families can turn to Prestige Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (407) 232-7155 today.