No matter how old you get, how successful your career is, or how many children of your own you have raised, your parents will always view you as their kid.
Because of this deeply ingrained dynamic, seniors often brush off their adult children's concerns about safety or health. They may view your well-meaning advice as nagging or overstepping. However, that dynamic changes completely when they are sitting in a medical clinic.
If your parent refuses to listen to you about the need for home care, it is time to leverage the power of a "white coat."
The "Doctor's Orders" Strategy
Seniors of this generation generally have a deep respect for medical professionals. If a doctor prescribes something, they do it. You can use this to your advantage by speaking with your parent’s doctor ahead of their next appointment.
Steps to take:
- Call Ahead: Call the clinic a few days before the appointment. Let the doctor know your concerns (frequent falls, poor diet, missed medications) and ask them to be the one to "prescribe" home care.
- Let the Doctor Deliver the News: During the appointment, let the physician take the lead. "Mrs. Smith, based on your recent bloodwork and mobility, I am prescribing someone to come into the home twice a week to help with your meals and medication."
- Play the Supportive Role: Now, instead of being the person forcing care on them, you get to be the supportive child helping them follow the doctor's orders. "Well Mom, if Dr. Brown says we need to do it, we should probably listen to him. Let me handle setting it up."
We Work With Your Medical Team
At Amy's Helping Hands, our goal is to support your loved one’s overall health plan. We frequently collaborate with local Windsor-Essex healthcare providers to ensure our clients have a safe, successful routine at home.
Whenever the doctor gives the recommendation and your family is ready to accept help, we are available. Let us shoulder the daily tasks so you can go back to just being a supportive son or daughter. Fill out our Start Care Now form to learn more.
