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What should I do when my elderly mom refuses to go to the doctor?

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Q:What should I do when my elderly mom refuses to go to the doctor?

A: It happens often and is horribly frustrating. You can't physically get them in the car to go. I wish I had a magic answer, but I don't. Preparing ahead is wise.

If that doesn't work, lying helps sometimes, depending on their mentality. If it's dementia and they forget easily, getting them in the car for something "fun", and then dropping by the doc's office first, may work. It also may not. It's trial and error.

Elder care author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack is an AgingCare.com contributing editor and moderator of the AgingCare.com online caregiver support forums. Read her full biography

 
 

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CajeanL50

Give a Hug

Aug 25, 2010

I agree and add that bribes sometimes work for my mom; such as "I'll take you Goodwill-ing, (shopping, eating, etc.) if you'll do this first!" ;-) I also tell her it's just for a follow up (usually is), and won't take long; reminding her that she's healthy and we want to keep her that way.

 
 

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cindybrownlbsw

Give a Hug

Aug 25, 2010

Check in your area to see if there are any house call services! Many areas nationwide have services where doctors and/or nurse practitioners will make home visits to people who can't or won't go to a traditional doctor's office. These services almost always accept Medicare and/or private, supplemental insurances. This is frequently a good solution for basic primary care. (In some areas there are labs who will come to the home for blood draws and even mobile x-ray providers.)

 
 

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fulltimemartin

Give a Hug

Oct 26, 2011

I have learned not to tell her ahead of time and then day of the appt. I tell her the doc office called and got a last minute cancellation and can see us and I told them ok and if we don't go, they are going to have to charge us for the visit...works almost everytime.

 
 

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