Most of us do not like the doctor. Generally, it’s nothing personal. They are simply the bearers of bad news and the bringers of discomfort. (I have yet to meet anyone who enjoys getting a shot.) As a result, many adults have broken relationships with their doctors. Unfortunately, as we get older, our General Practitioner must be a more regular part of our lives.
As a caregiver for an elderly loved one, unfortunately, the task often falls to you to see that your loved one makes it to the doctor regularly. You may find your loved one resistant to the idea of yet another doctor visit. If this is the case, here are a few tips that might make the process a bit easier.
Begin a dialogue –
Talk to your loved one about visits to the doctor. Ask about what doctor visits were like when they were a child. Talk to them about their current doctor. What do they think of the office? What do they think of the doctor as a person? Is there something about going to the doctor’s office that explicitly makes them nervous? You can only address issues you know about, so take time to find out what your loved one is thinking.
Find out the preferences of your loved one –
Does your loved one have specific preferences when it comes to the doctor? Are there qualifications they would like their GP to have? Help your loved ones find a doctor that will fit well with them. After all, this is going to be a long-term relationship.
Help allay their fears –
Many elderly individuals are concerned about what they will hear or what treatment issues might cost. Remind your loved one that diagnosis does not require treatment. Once they know what is going on, they have the power to control what happens. Knowing what is going on allows them (and you) to plan the best way to address it.
Offer to go with them –
Sometimes, people just want moral support. Offer to go with your loved one to hear what the doctor might have to say.
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