Reasons Many Seniors Don't Follow Medical Advice
Why is Grandpa so Stubborn? Why Won't Grandma Take Her Medicine? These Perplexing Questions Creep Up when a Senior Tends to Resist Medical Care
Progression of health conditions in seniors
If medical tests indicate an underlying health problem, the doctor will provide guidance and a medication regime. Mom had been extremely healthy for most of her life, eating beneficial foods, walking everywhere (she never had a driver's license), possessing an optimistic attitude, keeping her weight under control, and never smoking or drinking. She grew up using home remedies during the Great Depression. The only time she went to a hospital was to deliver her babies. Mom's first serious medical condition surfaced with the onset of cataracts, and eventually macular degeneration around age 75.
If medical tests indicate an underlying health problem, the doctor will provide guidance and a medication regime. Mom had been extremely healthy for most of her life, eating beneficial foods, walking everywhere (she never had a driver's license), possessing an optimistic attitude, keeping her weight under control, and never smoking or drinking. She grew up using home remedies during the Great Depression. The only time she went to a hospital was to deliver her babies. Mom's first serious medical condition surfaced with the onset of cataracts, and eventually macular degeneration around age 75.
Factors affecting a senior's ability to heed medical advice
Many times, seniors deny they have a medical problem, and refuse to see a doctor. With ageing, the psyche (mind, self, soul and spirit) is being constantly tested. Comprehension and memory issues may surface. Vision or hearing can interfere with ability to follow medical advice. Frustration, depression, stress, anger, anxiety, helplessness, lack of motivation, limited finances, and without helpful information, a senior may avoid seeking medical help.
Many times, seniors deny they have a medical problem, and refuse to see a doctor. With ageing, the psyche (mind, self, soul and spirit) is being constantly tested. Comprehension and memory issues may surface. Vision or hearing can interfere with ability to follow medical advice. Frustration, depression, stress, anger, anxiety, helplessness, lack of motivation, limited finances, and without helpful information, a senior may avoid seeking medical help.
Are medications being forgotten? Are appointments and annual check-ups being missed? A senior may put on a "good act" for doctors, family and friends. When a senior sees the doctor face-to-face, it's only for eight to 15 minutes. I found that accompanying Mom into her appointments aided both of us by hearing first-hand and remembering what the doctor said. Tread lightly, however, because Mom adamantly wanted the doctor to speak directly to her, not to me! I always carried a card with all of Mom's medications listed, and her dates of surgeries and procedures for recall when requested. Eventually, Mom softened and deferred most questions to me.
Seniors need a team to step up in their behalf
Every senior needs an advocate, whether it is a spouse, daughter, son, relative, caregiver, or good friend. The primary care doctor, and, perhaps an eye specialist, dietitian, pharmacist, hearing specialist, fitness therapist, housekeeper, and a food preparer may need to be consulted to coordinate and optimize care for your loved one. Certainly, difficulties with every day living must prompt family members to seek medical assistance. It's time for a family conference!
Every senior needs an advocate, whether it is a spouse, daughter, son, relative, caregiver, or good friend. The primary care doctor, and, perhaps an eye specialist, dietitian, pharmacist, hearing specialist, fitness therapist, housekeeper, and a food preparer may need to be consulted to coordinate and optimize care for your loved one. Certainly, difficulties with every day living must prompt family members to seek medical assistance. It's time for a family conference!
Once mobility issues creep up, seniors can't go to medical appointments, pick up prescriptions, drive to labs for tests, shop for groceries, nor experience quality of life enjoyment (attending movies, going out to eat, attending social and sports events) without assistance. A plan to accomplish these tasks for your loved one must be discussed. Dividing tasks makes everyone's job easier.
Senior stubbornness must be overcome
Arguments never accomplish true cooperation. Control over an elder is not love. However, with education, friendly persuasion (a.k.a. tact), patience and praise, most elderly loved ones can be won over if they understand why the medications were prescribed, and why they must keep their appointments with doctors. A parent sometimes tries to maintain a "power play" over a son or daughter caregiver, but it may be time to trade roles...the parent becomes the child, and the child becomes the parent!
Arguments never accomplish true cooperation. Control over an elder is not love. However, with education, friendly persuasion (a.k.a. tact), patience and praise, most elderly loved ones can be won over if they understand why the medications were prescribed, and why they must keep their appointments with doctors. A parent sometimes tries to maintain a "power play" over a son or daughter caregiver, but it may be time to trade roles...the parent becomes the child, and the child becomes the parent!
When I filled Mom's pillbox and put it on her food tray with each meal, it kept her on track every day with medications. Sometimes she'd have trouble swallowing her pills, so we'd use applesauce, ice cream, pudding or Ensure to help them go down.
Senior loved ones can educate themselves on-line if they are computer savvy. Helpful sites likeWebMD and Senior Health offer plenty of information. Visually impaired seniors can listen toaudiobooks on health issues. Television and radio may also offer medical information. Friends and family can also supply pertinent articles.
A Senior's peace of mind and safety first
Make sure your loved one lives in a safe location. Mom once lived in a townhouse where next-door neighbors had teens who were awake all night long and made lots of noise; Mom suffered from continual lack of sleep until we moved her out to a 55+ adult gated community near us.
Make sure your loved one lives in a safe location. Mom once lived in a townhouse where next-door neighbors had teens who were awake all night long and made lots of noise; Mom suffered from continual lack of sleep until we moved her out to a 55+ adult gated community near us.
Nothing replaces a family's ability to help a loved one enjoy their remaining years, whether it means living independently, living with a family member, or living in an assisted living facility; in Mom's case, she experienced all three. Giving time, comfort and love will suffice your loved one to the end.
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