For one reason or another, you need to become your dad’s medical spokesperson. He may have dementia and doesn’t always comprehend what his doctor says. He may be losing his hearing and can’t hear his doctor. He may simply want you there for support.
If you’re going to become involved in his healthcare matters, take the right steps to make it work effectively. These are the steps you must take.
Make Sure You Can Legally Coordinate His Care
Have the paperwork that gives you the legal authority to make decisions for him. Hopefully, he’ll be able to communicate his preferences for care. If he’s unable, you can’t just step in unless you have a power of attorney giving you that authority. You also want to be listed on his HIPAA paperwork.
Get Photos of All Medications He Takes
Before going to an appointment with him, write down a list of everything he takes. If it’s a prescription, a photo of the label with the dosage, medication name, and prescribing physician is important. If it’s an over-the-counter medication, vitamin, or herbal remedy, get a photo of the dosage instructions and name.
Keep a Copy of His Medical Information
Go online and print out a basic medical information form. Ideally, you want to have a list of health conditions your dad has and when they were diagnosed. You want a list of major illnesses your dad had as a child and an adult. This doesn’t have to include things like the common cold or the flu, but it should note if he had chickenpox, shingles, etc.
You want a list of allergies your dad has. If he’s allergic to latex, you need to know that. If he’s allergic to penicillin, eggs, or seafood, note that. The more you can tell the doctor, but the better it is for your dad.
Ask About Telehealth Appointments
If your dad has a hard time leaving his house, see if he can do a telehealth visit for some appointments. Some things won’t be possible through a telehealth visit. If he has the flu and should be seen by his doctor as a precaution, a video visit is safer for him and for those in the office who could get the virus from him.
Help your dad manage his healthcare needs. At the same time, consider having elder care aides available to help him with the rest of his daily routines. He can have caregivers help him with meals, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation. If he is prescribed any medications, caregivers can remind him when it’s time to take those.
Learn more about the services elder care agencies offer. With a helping hand, your dad remains independent in his home. He no longer has to struggle to get things done or wait for you to have a day off to help.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elder Care in Scotch Plains, NJ or the surrounding areas please contact the caring staff at Perfect Touch Home Care Firm today! (908) 469-2701
About Mildrene Volcy
Mildrene Volcy is the Owner at Perfect Touch Home Care Firm in Elizabeth, NJ. In 2013, Perfect Touch Home Care Firm was established to serve our communities and provide life-enhancing home care services to those who need care and companionship. Our home health care agency makes the patient the center of our care practice. We make it easy for persons who wish to stay at home in their preferred habitat to arrange available services in an easy, dependable, and respectful way. Our team of Certified Licensed Home Health Aides meets and follows the highest standards of integrity, compassion, and dedication to caring for those in need. We even offer professional staffing services for personal and agency needs. Following industry standards, our home health aides and nursing staff can be counted on for various service requirements.