Managing and navigating the healthcare system can be daunting enough for an adult, but for an aging adult, it can be a tremendous task. Couple this with the fact that they often can’t hear well, can’t see well, and don’t always have all their faculties, and it becomes more difficult. Here are a few tips to help your aging parents maneuver the healthcare system and maintain good health as well!

Maneuvering Healthcare with Aging Parents

Regular Check-Ups

Attend all physician appointments with your parents. Take notes during the appointment and clarify any instructions, medication changes etc. Ensure that they have the needed transportation to appointments if you are unable to attend.

Understanding Medical Information

Assist your parents with understanding any medical bills, and call the insurance company as needed for clarification on bills. Call healthcare providers as needed.

Medication Assistance

Assist your parents with filling of pill boxes. Encourage them to take their medications as ordered, and report any side effects to their physician. Teach your parents to recognize their medications and encourage them to learn the names of their meds, uses, and most common side effects.

Managing Finances

Ensure that your parents are able to afford their medications. If they are unable to afford them, request samples from the physician and help them with applying for assistance from drug companies and for PAN (Patient Access Network) grants as needed. Monitor insurance statements to understand what stage your parents are in and if they are nearing the Med Gap (Donut Hole). Notify their physician for alternate drugs as needed.

Preventing Health Crises

Educate your parents on their disease processes, signs and symptoms of exacerbation, treatment, and any red flags for calling their physician. Stress the importance of following the physician’s instructions.

Preparing for Procedures

When needed, educate your parents on preparation needed for any surgical procedures and the details of the procedure to alleviate any fears they may have. Take them to the appointment and stay with them for as long as possible.

Maintaining a Healthy Diet

Educate your parents on their diets as ordered by their physician, and reinforce the need for compliance to the diet. Assist them with grocery shopping as needed, in order to assess compliance with their diet and to observe if your parents can afford the needed food items.

Remaining Physically Active

Assist your parents with starting an exercise program after checking with their physician about needed precautions. Encourage your parents to start out slowly and to pace themselves.

Help with Technology

If your parents struggle with technology, assist them with completing necessary online paperwork/forms for physicians, insurance companies etc.

Home Care can Help

If you are worried about your parents when you're not around, and they need assistance with the activities of daily living, errands, or appointments, our traditional caregiving could be right for your family! Care Management may also be helpful with managing and navigating the aging journey. Care Management is a client-centered approach of guiding older adults through the confusion and anxiety of the aging process. Care Management is carried out by our Care Managers, registered nurses by education or other licensed professionals who are experts in navigating the field of healthcare. Our professional Care Managers complete a comprehensive assessment, offer recommendations, and create a unique care plan that help clients and their families find current solutions and prepare for the future.

Learn more on our website at https://www.carearoundtheblock.com/caremanagement or call us today! (865)444-6787