Managing Appointments: How Home Care Can Help Seniors Stay on Track

As we age, the number of appointments we need to maintain our health and well-being often increases. These can include medical, dental, physical therapy, specialist visits, and various other types of appointments. Despite their importance, it’s easy to postpone or miss these appointments. The consequences of neglecting to schedule or attend them can be significant, leading to health complications, administrative issues, and a decline in overall well-being. At Home Care Assistance, our Care Professionals are dedicated to helping seniors stay on track with their appointments. Here’s how we can assist you and your loved ones in ensuring necessary appointments are attended.

Types of Appointments

While medical and allied health appointments are crucial, other types of appointments are also important for seniors. These may include:

• Beauty appointments: Haircuts, manicures, etc.
• Administrative appointments: Updating legal paperwork, handling financial matters, etc.

Regardless of the type or purpose of the appointment, ensuring it happens is vital for the well-being of your loved one. Our Care Professionals can provide the support needed to make sure these appointments are kept.

Making Appointments

The first step to attending an appointment is making it. Seniors may find this challenging due to:

• Difficulty hearing on the phone
• Managing a busy schedule
• Remembering necessary information

A Care Professional can assist by making the appointment on behalf of the senior, overcoming these common obstacles.

Attending Appointments

Once an appointment is made, the next step is attending it. This involves:

• Transportation: Getting to the appointment location
• Required documentation: Bringing Medicare cards, health insurance information, referral paperwork, etc.

A Care Professional can ensure the senior gets to their appointment and has all necessary documentation. Additionally, they can help communicate essential information, such as medical history, current symptoms, or questions that need answering. If you have concerns about your loved one’s health, the Care Professional can relay this information to the healthcare provider.

Post-Appointment Follow-Up

After an appointment, it’s important to relay critical information to family members. A Care Professional can:

• Obtain and pass on information from the appointment
• Ask the health professional to contact a family member directly (with the senior’s permission)

It’s important to note that without power of attorney, explicit permission from your loved one is required for health professionals to share information.

Follow-Up Care

Further appointments, treatments, or medications may be necessary after an initial visit. A Care Professional can:

• Schedule follow-up appointments
• Ensure medications are taken correctly
• Assist with treatments such as physiotherapy exercises

This support ensures that the benefits of the initial appointment are fully realized.

The support of a home care agency like Home Care Assistance can greatly enhance your quality of life while allowing you to live independently at home. From helping with appointments to assisting with daily activities, Home Care Assistance offers viable solutions for independent living. For more information, contact your local Home Care Assistance today.