7 Important Questions You Should Ask Your Aging Parent’s Doctor

When you accompany your senior loved one to the doctor’s office for an appointment, it’s important to be prepared with questions ahead of time. This can help your loved one receive comprehensive care. Ask the following questions during a doctor’s visit.

1. What Changes Should I Watch For?

It’s common for seniors to experience physical and mental changes as they age. Ask the doctor about signs you should be watching for, which will depend on your loved one’s age and any underlying health issues, such as conditions that pose a higher risk of dementia. A home caregiver can help you maintain a detailed record of your loved one’s daily routine and note any changes the doctor should know about. For many seniors in Arlington, TX, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.

2. What Exercises Are Good for Increasing Balance & Coordination?

Seniors have a high risk of falling, which can result in broken hips and other injuries. Ask your loved one’s doctor about exercises that can help seniors increase balance and coordination. These exercises can lower your loved one’s risk of falling.

3. Are Any New Prescriptions Being Added?

Some seniors take multiple prescriptions for different medical conditions. When you take your loved one in for a checkup, ask the doctor about any new medications being prescribed. You should also ask about side effects and potential interactions with other medications or certain foods.

4. What Screening Tests Does My Parent Need?

Most health standards recommend aging adults get screening tests such as colonoscopies, cholesterol tests, and cancer screenings, but some doctors won’t order these tests unless they’re asked to do so. Make sure to request elective screening tests for your loved one because they can catch health issues before they become serious.

5. What Tests Are Being Done?

Seniors often undergo more tests than younger individuals due to the higher risk of developing certain conditions, such as glaucoma or prostate cancer. Ask your loved one’s doctor which tests are being done, whether or not there are any risks, and how the results will be reported.

6. Are My Loved One’s Health Problems Chronic?

If your loved one has been diagnosed with a health problem, ask the doctor if it’s considered a chronic one. Chronic health conditions cannot be cured, but your loved one can address them with treatment, lifestyle changes, and medications. Managing chronic conditions can relieve symptoms and possibly prevent them from becoming worse. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, an Arlington in-home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.

7. How Can My Parent Stay Mentally Healthy?

Doctors should talk about mental health with seniors. The doctor may be able to suggest methods for staying mentally strong, such as social interaction and regular cognitive exercise, or prescribe medications that can lower the risk of developing mental disorders. It may also be a good idea for your loved one to discuss being tested for Alzheimer’s disease so it can be treated as soon as possible.  Professional home caregivers can help seniors keep track of their medications, provide transportation to medical appointments, and assist with several other important tasks. Senior care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need professional home care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (817) 591-1580.