I agree about going with elderly parents to dr's appts. My mom will sit there and smile and shake her head in agreement with the doctor. When we leave the appointment, I'll say, "Did you understand any of that?" And her answer is invariably, "No." It would be funny if it wasn't so scary. Thank God I'm there to remember and follow-up, because she has no clue what was said/decided/ordered/changed.
How true, when I would hear my dad talk to my siblings on the phone, he would say everything went well, good appointment! Nothing about further testing that was ordered or a change in medicines. When my mom had breast cancer she just couldn't handle hearing what the doctor was saying and heard nothing that the he said. You are right freqflyer that there comes a point where parents really do need another set of ears/eyes. The one good thing about the primary my parents went to was he gave you a printout after each appointment with what was discussed, tests ordered and changes in medicines.
I know for my parents I had to drive them to the doctors, and be another set of eyes/ears at their appointments. You'd be surprised how much information an elder can miss when a doctor is talking to them.
I can recall many times hearing my parents in the back seat of the car while driving them home from a doctor's appointment, talking about their appointment.... and wondering if the 3 of us were all at the same appointment as they constantly had misinformation.
Thank you. I am currently checking into a program where "able-bodied" seniors help other seniors (for a nominal fee). This includes taking them to doctor's appts. and staying with them while there, etc.
Also, I am checking into "Love, Inc." to see if they provide such services.
In our city the transportation system runs a senior program. They will pick up, drop off then come back for you. However, you could have a long wait. You could try google, transportation for seniors in your area. Good luck
Thanks in advance!
I can recall many times hearing my parents in the back seat of the car while driving them home from a doctor's appointment, talking about their appointment.... and wondering if the 3 of us were all at the same appointment as they constantly had misinformation.
Also, I am checking into "Love, Inc." to see if they provide such services.