If you are working with a doctor to help the aging adult in your life get the best care possible, how do you determine if every recommended treatment or test will be harmful or helpful? Yes, Doctors are the experts when it comes to treating disease, but you are the expert at knowing what the aging adult in your life wants or needs.
Therefore, it is important you attend every doctor’s visit with them. Some aging adults may not be able to convey their direct wishes and rely on you to help them speak with the doctor.
The doctor needs you to let them know if the treatments they would like to try are realistic for the aging adult’s situation and if they will actually improve their quality of life.
Here is a list of 5 questions you should have prepared to ask the doctor at your loved one’s next appointment.
5 Questions Aging Adults Should Ask Doctors to Prepare
- Do they really need this test? Usually, the tests are essential because they help the doctor or nurse determine the correct treatment. Yet, if the tests are invasive or painful, your loved one might not want to go this route. If you and the doctor agree the tests are crucial, you could take some time alone with your loved one to gently explain why the tests are important and encourage them. Remember, however, the choice is ultimately up to them.
- What are the risk factors of the tests or treatments? Will there be side effects? Will the results involve more testing, possibly leading to another procedure?
- Is there a safer or simpler option? There is a chance that your loved one just needs to make lifestyle changes, such as eating better and getting more exercise.
- What happens if your loved one decides they do not want to do any tests or treatments? Ask the doctor if the condition will get better or worse if they do not have the tests right away?
- How much will the treatments or tests cost? Again, this is your opportunity to determine how much their insurance may cover. It would help if you also used this time to ask about generic medication vs. name-brand medication.
Be an ally to the aging adult in your life. Make sure you talk to the doctor about them receiving the right amount of care. For more questions aging adults should ask doctors, go to 50 Questions You Should Always Ask Your Doctor After 50.
At Next Day Access, our goal is to support caretakers and aging adults by offering all the supplies they need to live a comfortable and safe life at home. We offer everything from wheelchairs to in-home elevators. We also offer smaller devices such as handrails or grab bars. Contact us today for a complimentary in-home consultation.