As men and women grow older, the importance of following up with medical professionals after being discharged from the hospital or receiving treatment cannot be overlooked. If you have an aging loved one who has a number of follow-up appointments in the upcoming weeks or months, the following are just a few of the reasons to encourage him or her to attend them.
Maximize Health
The primary reason for follow-up appointments is to ensure there are no complications after a procedure or treatment. These appointments allow the doctor to assess the effectiveness of a treatment plan to determine if adjustments are necessary for optimal health.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, medication reminders, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Frederick families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Minimize Discomfort
Changes in abilities following a health condition or surgery and newly prescribed medications are just a couple of things that can result in discomfort for your loved one. Follow-up appointments allow your loved one to share how he or she is feeling so other alternatives can be found to minimize any pain or irritation.
In-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Gain Confidence
A follow-up appointment provides a chance for you and your loved one to ask further questions or discuss concerns you may have come across since the last appointment. Having this extra level of insight can help your loved one gain confidence in his or her treatment plan while also providing peace of mind.
Promote Self-Esteem
A doctor will discuss the positive changes and provide feedback about your loved one’s current plan during a follow-up appointment. This allows your loved one to recognize positive results, which promotes a better outlook and higher self-esteem.
Make sure your loved one is following through with these appointments by taking him or her to the doctor yourself or having another family member available. If no one is able to take your loved one to an appointment, consider getting reliable transportation from a professional caregiver.
For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Frederick, MD, Assisting Hands Home Care is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call today.
