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Doctors
Doctors can be our best friends, or our most difficult challenges. It all depends on who you get, and how you learn to work with the doctor's personal style. There are two important elements that make a great relationship with the doctor: Your ability to choose a doctor who will be willing to work with you as well as your elder, and the good communication skills that you, your elder, and the doctor bring to the table.
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PACE: The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
How many seniors who can no longer get along without regular assistance would benefit from a program that provided medical oversight by doctors and nurses experienced in caring for the elderly, physical and occupational therapy on site, daily recreational opportunities, social services, personal care and homemaker services, nutritional counseling, a day program with meals, and transportation to get there and back home every day? . . . keep reading
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Getting Copies of Psychiatric Records
Federal law states that patients or their authorized representatives may have access to their medical records. In most cases, if the request is made in writing by an authorized person and the patient pays the cost of copying, obtaining medical records is not difficult, although it may take some time. Psychiatric medical records, however, may not be so easy to get . . . keep reading
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Must You Really See the Doctor Again?
"The next time he makes us come in for no reason I'm going to run him down with Dad's wheelchair! Do these doctors not realize how hard it is to get someone like Dad in to their offices? I drive 45 minutes each way, fight to get Dad into the car, fight for a parking place, fight to get him into the wheelchair, make three trips to the bathroom with him while we're waiting, and then the doctor says the tests were clear and we can come back in three months!" . . . keep reading
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Starring...Your Senior
A crazy-making phenomenon common to families caring for someone with mid-stage dementia is their seemingly instant ability to look completely lucid and "with it" when they're with someone they want to impress. In addition to making us nuts, this can undermine our ability to get the support we need from both family members and professionals . . . keep reading
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TIA: Should You Avoid The Doctor's Office?
A TIA (transcient ischemic attack) is in essence a "mini stroke" that briefly interrupts the blood flow to the brain. Symptoms usually happen suddenly and they often disappear within an hour, although some TIA symptoms can last 24 hours or longer. Because TIAs are by definition "come and go," should you make an appointment to see your doctor? . . . keep reading
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When and How You Can See Your Medical Records
Georgia lives in a nursing home and she wants to see her medical records. Can her doctor refuse to allow her to read her medical chart? John wants to change doctors. He has requested a copy of his medical chart. The doctor's office told him they will send a copy to his new doctor, but they will not give it directly to him . . . keep reading
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10 Signs You May Have a GREAT Doctor
Complaints about doctors and our medical "system" are easy enough to find. Yet many of us have doctors who still go above and beyond to provide their best to every patient. While a pleasant bedside manner is lovely, we've all met the doctor everyone loves who scares us to death. In addition to a good personality, what are the signs that you might have a very good doctor who practices great medicine in spite of all the restrictions the system imposes on doctors and patients alike? . . . keep reading
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Keeping Track of Medicare
As a continuation of our Medicare series, here's a VERY ueful Medicare resource. Especially for caregivers who live distant and who can't be there as often as you'd like, this free tool will help you keep up with all kinds of things. . . . keep reading
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Diabetes Caregiving:
Who Should Be On Your
Diabetic Care Team?
Even someone who is an "experienced" diabetic with a good understanding of the disease, has his or her blood sugar under good control, and is not now experiencing any worrying side effects or symptoms will probably need some or all of these team members in time. In addition to a primary care physician, most diabetics will want to consult with one or more of the following diabetes specialists: . . . keep reading
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How To Find The Right Medical Specialist
Have you noticed that doctors seem to be specializing in ever-narrower niches? If this keeps up, there will be a specialist for thumbs, another one for index fingers, and of course the pinky finger specialist will soon follow behind. Since medical niches are growing ever narrower, just about everyone is going to need to consult a medical specialist at least once in a lifetime. . . . keep reading
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Finding A New Geriatric Doctor: Part One
What do you do when you have to find a doctor who takes new Medicare patients? If you don't have a recommendation from someone you trust (the first option), and you don't have access to someone who ca . . . keep reading
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House Calls Are Coming Back
Do you care for someone who can't easily get out to see a doctor? More doctors and nurse practitioners are making house calls these days. If you live in a very rural area you might have trouble findin . . . keep reading
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Alzheimers Disease
