More results...
As a family caregiver, you do whatever you can to ensure the health and well-being of your aging loved one. That process includes helping them get the medical care they need to enjoy their golden years.
One of the major challenges for older adults is that they become more vulnerable to health issues over time. Nearly 95% of older adults have at least one chronic condition and nearly 80% have two or more. Routine checkups help you and your loved one address everything from long-term illnesses to growing aches and pain.
Like any other caregiving responsibility, there’s a lot to know about how to approach routine health checkups. Use this guide to help your loved one get the most out of these routine appointments, whether they go see a doctor or need to consider some type of care option.
Routine health checkups play a crucial part in managing the health of your loved ones. Regular appointments with a healthcare provider allow seniors to take the steps necessary to address existing problems and be proactive about their wellbeing. Here are some major reasons why these checkups are so important.
The answer depends on the senior. Like most people, it’s best for older adults to at least have an annual health examination by a professional caregiver. However, these regular checkups can be increasingly important as people get older.
The average person’s health needs become more complex as they age. Simply put, many seniors can benefit from more frequent visits. Here are a variety of reasons why your loved one may need more frequent health checkups.
Just because a parent or another aging loved one should see a medical professional doesn’t mean that they’ll want to. It’s common for aging adults to resist routine checkups, as nearly a quarter of people aged 65 and older actively avoid medical care. There are a variety of reasons why your loved one may avoid checkups.
Many of these reasons are understandable, but they don’t change the importance of routine health checkups. Of course, this process can be challenging, especially when you’re unsure about how to approach your loved one about the subject. Here are some different tactics you can use to persuade aging loved ones to prioritize these appointments.
Your loved one needs to know that you truly believe that routine checkups are essential. Express your concerns for their wellbeing and emphasize the importance of identifying and preventing potential health issues before they escalate. You can even share your own experiences to help alleviate fears and let your loved one know they aren’t the only person who needs routine checkups.
Convincing your loved one to do something is a two-way conversation. Ask them why they’re avoiding health checkups and listen to their concerns. This step will help them feel heard and allow you to address any misconceptions or specific fears that may stop them from seeking help.
Try and get your loved one invested in routine checkups. Some people feel empowered when they’re involved in the decision-making process. Encourage them to ask questions during appointments, advocate for their own health needs and set up some goals that they can work toward. This involvement can help them feel more in control of their routine checkups.
You don’t have to go through this process alone. Try asking close friends, family, or other trusted people to help you convince the person under your care. This assistance not only helps spread out the responsibility, but also allows your loved one to hear advice from multiple voices.
Routine checkups are important, but it’s important not to rush your loved one. If they feel like they’re being forced into routine checkups, they’ll likely resist them even more. Don’t be afraid to take it slow as you work on convincing your loved one about regular checkups.
Whether you plan to attend a health checkup with your loved one or not, it’s good to prepare for these important appointments. Routine health checkups are an opportunity to get the information and care you need to help your loved one live a happier, healthier life. Take the following steps so that you or your loved one can get the most out of upcoming checkups.
Before the appointment, take note of any symptoms or changes in your loved one’s health. The more information that you can provide for a medical professional, the better. Take some time to document the following information.
Compile a list of any medications your aging loved one is currently taking. This process should include everything from simple supplements and over-the-counter drugs to prescription medication. These details will help your healthcare provider to make informed decisions about your loved one’s ongoing medication needs and avoid any drugs that wouldn’t interact well with others.
Sometimes your doctor or other medical professional may need some important documents. These records can provide valuable insight into your loved one’s overall health status and allow healthcare providers to offer more personalized recommendations. Try to have the following records available in case they’re needed.
Your aging loved one’s daily habits and lifestyle can directly impact their health. This information provides valuable insight into their wellbeing, which allows medical professionals to make better recommendations and identify potential dangers. Try to gather as much information about the following aspects of your loved one.
Your perspective is very valuable for routine checkups. Discuss any changes in your loved one’s behavior, mood, or functional abilities that you’ve noticed since their last appointment. You can also use this opportunity to advocate for your loved one’s needs if they’re unable or unwilling to do so themselves.
A big part of getting what you need out of health checkups is asking the right questions. Unfortunately, a lot of seniors don’t get all the information they need during their checkups. Your participation may be required to get the comprehensive care your loved one needs. Ask the following questions during or after your loved one’s appointments to get the information you both need.
Routine health checkups play a big role in addressing your loved one’s care needs. However, every senior is different. Some seniors may only need regular doctor’s visits, while others require care services in their home.
National Church Residences has a proven track record of helping seniors stay strong, healthy, and as independent as possible wherever they call home. Between visiting healthcare services and more than 340 senior housing communities in 25 states, we can help your loved one manage their health and live their ideal lifestyle
