When you don’t like your doctor as a senior retrieving treatment or the family caregiver for an elderly relative, you need to try and do your part to strengthen the relationship between doctor and patient and then assess if your personal grievances are affecting the level of medical care you’re receiving.

If you feel your doctor isn’t listening to your desires regarding your healthcare; speak up and get directly to the point. If you don’t like the side effects of a medication you’re taking, tell them. If they don’t get the hint that you’d like to take a different medication, ask them exactly what other medications are available that would offer similar treatment. It’s also important to establish yourself as an equal, who plays a role in his or her own health; look your doctor straight in the eye, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to share your knowledge or concerns. If you find that your doctor still doesn’t listen to you or treat you with respect on a regular basis, it might be time to find a new doctor to take charge of your senior health issues.

It might be the right time to find a new doctor when:

1)    Your doctor doesn’t like it when you ask questions – a doctor should respect your knowledge and answer any questions you have.
2)    Your doctor doesn’t listen to you – a doctor should make time to address the concerns of every patient directly
3)    A doctor doesn’t speak your language – a doctor should explain your senior health issues using terms you understand
4)    Going to the doctor makes you feel down, even after you’ve left the office
5)    There’s a personal grievance – not everyone’s personalities click; if your doctor just doesn’t seem to like you, or you don’t like them; get a new one.

Sources:
1.    Carol O’Dell Caregiver Blog
2.    CNNHealth.com  Elizabeth Cohen

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.