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Can you have home psychological evaluations done on parents who refuse to go to the doctor?

Asked by tracichudej | Feb 17, 2010

My mother-in-law is refusing to go to the doctor. Is there is a way to have home psychological evaluation done?

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Carol Bradley Bursack, Feb 17, 2010

Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.” Her sites, www.mindingourelders.com and www.mindingoureldersblogs

You could contact your local Alzheimer's Association and see if someone can come out and evaluate her. Often, people will listen to a third party, so if this social worker comes out and sees your mother needs help, she may be able to get her to a doctor.

Good luck,
Carol

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Sparkly

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Feb 17, 2010

We had a similar issue with my FIL. While he did frequently visit his doctors - to get refills or to complain of a certain problem like itchy skin or edema.... he was not fully truthful about his decline. (The fact that none of his local kids went with him didn't help!) We arranged a home visit by a social worker and then a geriatrician. Once they evaluated him, we were able to set up several services and got the rest of the family more involved. Now, my FIL allows someone to accompany him to doctors visits.

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hapfra

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Feb 17, 2010

Hi Traci~I think that the refusal of your MIL to go to a doctor or to have a needed evaluation is quite normal for the most part. I think that either she does not want to hear the truth about a possible condition (denial)..or she wants to sheild you from the truth.

If your MIL is lucid--can you explain to her that making such an appointment is not for her benefit only, but for your peace of mind as well?

Not fully aware of the situation---it may be possible, if it is treatable, and to do this at an early stage--rather than later.

As carol has suggested--bringing someone to your MIL-and possibly evaluate her situation sounds like a very good alternative. If you think your MIL will be resistant to this--you may even have to trick her-and say that the person is just an old friend. In my case-having my mom finally accepting a doctor's visit---worked-as he was a professional person of authority.

Traci---I have been there as well-and between my own experiences, and from what I have read and learned-you need to do this sooner rather than later. Once some type of evaluation is made--you then will know what direction to turn.

If possible-Please let me as well as the others in the thread know how you are progressing. I am a big believer in support--so take as much support as you find.

Good luck to you.

Hap

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