Every year, many people avoid going to regular health and wellness appointments. Some individuals are scared, while others simply keep forgetting to call in and get on the doctor’s schedule. For seniors, staying on top of health appointments is critical to ensure good quality of life and proper treatment for existing conditions. If you’re a caregiver, make sure your loved one attends these appointments as necessary:
Primary Care Physician
Many young people don’t go to the doctor until something is wrong. Older individuals, however, should go to their regular doctors once a year for a full physical. This way, the physician can ensure the senior’s treatments are still necessary and working properly.
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The doctor may check your senior loved one’s vitals, ask about sleeping and eating habits, and address any concerns. Be sure the older person mentions any aches and pains, skin discoloration, or other issues he or she is worried about.
Yearly eye doctor appointments help prevent glaucoma and treat aging eyesight.
Optometrist
As people age, their optical health tends to decline. While a senior may not need glasses for one year, eyesight can drastically decline and require adjustment with the help of an eye doctor. Yearly appointments typically consist of vision tests that assess how seniors can see up close and far away. The practitioner will also ask about headaches and dry eyes, as many seniors experience a lack of optical lubrication. Your loved one may take prescription medications contributing to eye dryness, and an optical physician can suggest ways to address this issue. Older people are also susceptible to eye problems caused by glaucoma and diabetes, so it’s necessary to catch these early.
Dentist
Seniors’ teeth are often more fragile than when they were younger. As the years go by, the enamel that protects our smiles can wear down, leading to more frequent cavity growth or even tooth breakage.
“Seniors’ teeth are more fragile than when they were younger.”
Yearly dental appointments, complete with x-rays and cleanings, prevent dental damage. Encourage your older loved one to brush and floss twice daily to remove plaque and prevent buildup. Also, ensure the person properly cleans dental implants, retainers, or dentures. These items may require extra appointments to ensure they fit.
Specialists
Older people may have pre-existing medical conditions that require them to see a health specialist. Some individuals require a trip to the allergist, while others are involved in speech therapy, physical therapy, or holistic practices like acupuncture. Some of these wellness necessities involve more frequent appointments, so help your loved one remember to attend as needed.
Assisted living communities offer transportation to medical appointments. This helps family members as they don’t need to take time off to drive their senior loved ones. Many older people feel more independent because they can hop on their communities’ transport vehicles to head to their health obligations. Some assisted living communities also offer in-house options, like speech and physical therapy, so be sure to keep that in mind when looking for the best option for your senior friend or relative.
