Dr. Eboni Green
April 25, 2021
If you’re caring for an elderly relative, it is important to have support including the right doctor to ensure your loved one receives proper care. Whether your loved one is acutely ill, needs a specialist, or has health concerns, the right doctor can make a massive difference to their health and the confidence you have in their care.
Should you be searching for a new general practitioner, an online GP, or a specialist who can manage existing health conditions, it is important to find a doctor who has the right personality. Your loved one does not need to be friends with their doctor, but they need to feel comfortable with them.
Does your loved one feel uncomfortable with their primary doctor? You might seek out someone who is kind and comforting. If they prefer to simply obtain the facts during a visit, then they may feel more comfortable with someone who has a more straightforward bedside manner.
If your loved one feels comfortable with their doctor, they will find it easier to discuss their health, even when their health condition is intimate or complex.
Some elders have specific care needs that are best addressed by a specialist. Perhaps they have an ear, nose, or throat condition requiring an ENT. Identifying a physician who has experience in the care that your relative needs is important. Whether your loved one is in need of a specialist with an excellent bedside manner or who has an excellent approach to treating individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, you will want to have a skilled, knowledgeable doctor.
It might not seem like the first thing you need to consider, but while you are looking for the right doctor, do not forget to think about the practical things.
Where is the doctor based? You want your relative to have access to their specialist. If the doctor is too far away, it will make it challenging to take your loved one to and from appointments. A doctor who offers virtual visits can also be especially useful if you struggle to take time off work take to your loved one to in-person appointments.
You will also want to consider what is their appointment system like? Can you book appointments online? Can you call and speak to a receptionist right away, and make an appointment in a reasonable amount of time? Or do you need to sit on hold for an hour, only to speak to a rude receptionist and find out that all the appointments are book for the next couple weeks? When you are not able to speak with the doctor will you have access to another doctor or a nurse?
Selecting a doctor should be approached in collaboration with your loved one. Always seek out his or her opinion before making decisions about a specialist. Should you have a negative experience, do not be afraid to continue searching until you find the right doctor.
