It’s common knowledge that healthcare needs change with age, frequently necessitating a range of tests and treatments to keep seniors healthy. However, the field of modern medicine is often complicated, and many seniors might feel confused and even uneasy about the care, tests, and treatments that are suggested. It's critical for seniors to ask the correct questions of their doctors while discussing testing and treatments in order to take charge of their healthcare journey. With elder care support, seniors should ask themselves the following important questions:
Purpose and Necessity
- What is the purpose of this test or treatment?
- Why is it required for my circumstance or condition?
- Are there any other possibilities that I should consider?
Risks and Benefits
- What are the potential risks associated with this test or treatment?
- What are the expected benefits, and how likely are they to occur?
- How do the potential risks and benefits weigh against each other, especially considering my age and overall health?
Cost and Coverage
- How much, including any out-of-pocket costs, will this test or treatment cost?
- Does Medicare or my insurance plan cover it?
- Are there less expensive alternatives or financial assistance programs available?
Long-Term Effects
- What could this test or treatment's possible long-term impacts be?
- What potential interactions could it have with my other medications or conditions?
- Will there be long-term effects on my quality of life from this test or treatment?
Timing and Frequency
- When should I book this test or treatment?
- How often do I need to have it?
- Do I need to make any special arrangements in advance?
Accuracy and Reliability
- How will this test accurately diagnose my condition?
- What is the treatment's success rate for seniors like me?
- Is there anything that could impact the results' accuracy or dependability?
Monitoring and Follow-Up
- What happens when the test of treatment is over?
- Will I need more observation or appointments for follow-up?
- How will the treatment be monitored, and what are the signs that the treatment is working or not?
How Can Elder Care Help?
Elder care helps seniors understand the complex healthcare system, especially when it comes to tests and treatments. They do this by providing seniors with education and appropriate resources, as well as being a sounding board. They can also help seniors understand why certain tests and treatments might be needed. In doing so, seniors can take the answers to the questions above and the information they receive from elder care and make confident healthcare decisions.
Of course, elder care also promotes medical provider-senior collaboration. This is done by empowering seniors to advocate for their health and encouraging them to ask the questions needed for them to feel confident. In fact, with elder care by their side, seniors can feel comfortable asking a wide range of questions, not just those related to a specific test or treatment.
Ultimately, seniors should feel in charge of their health care, and by asking questions like the ones listed above and working with elder care to obtain valuable information, they can feel in control.
Sources:
https://dailycaring.com/5-questions-to-ask-your-elderly-parents-doctor-about-tests-or-treatments-infographic/
https://www.novanthealth.org/healthy-headlines/questions-to-ask-your-doctor-at-65
https://www.mibluesperspectives.com/stories/health-and-wellness/10-questions-seniors-should-ask-their-doctors
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING ELDER CARE IN SAN JOSE, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY.(408) 317-4969.
