The Secrets to Better Healthcare for Older Adults

In an idealistic world, healthcare would revolve around you and your personal preferences, following your particular needs and wishes – fitting within your plan and routine, unhindered by problems such as an unwavering medical professional who sees health care options in black and white. Reality is far from perfect though, and many of us often tend to submit to doctors’ orders without any concept that there may be a better-suited choice when it comes to healthcare for older adults.

With a bit of understanding, however, patients can, believe it or not, take a more proactive position pertaining to their healthcare. Recognized as “person-centered care,” it calls for medical professionals working in collaboration with patients and any other members of the family or care providers they establish, considering the patient’s preferences, values and goals, and making use of that information as a guide throughout all aspects of care.

There are several steps we can all take to reach a more individualized level of care:

• Think about your healthcare objectives, and write this information down to talk about with your doctors. And, request that medical personnel include these goals in your medical records.
• Become well-informed in your own medical conditions and needs, and just how they’re impacting your day-to-day life. For instance, are you suffering from complications with any sort of routine activities of daily living, such as taking a bath or getting dressed? Are you struggling with specific types of movements, like lifting or bending?
• Make sure that discussions with physicians are two-sided. Fully take part in a conversation to make sure your worries are attended to and that you understand any possible complications or other risks of treatment recommendations.
• Should you have several doctors (for instance, a primary care doctor and one or more specialists in a variety of practices), make sure communication is taking place among all. This may include requesting that documentation be shared between providers, and after that following up to make sure that’s been carried out.
• Involve a trusted family member, friend, or professional in-home caregiver, such as All Care In-Home Care Solutions provides, in all medical appointments. Having someone around to write down notes, answers to questions, and other relevant information helps ensure that no balls are dropped.

For additional tips, and for a partner in care to help make sure the elderly and their family have a voice in their care needs, contact All Care In-Home Care Solutions. We can provide the Medford senior care services you need, such as transportation to procedures and appointments, picking up medications and running other errands, preparing nourishing meals, and so much more. Call us at (541) 857-9195 to learn more about healthcare for older adults.