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Many things are opening back up in the midst of COVID 19. However, the new normal (at least for right now) includes not having "unnecessary" people in the same location at the same time due to the highly contagious nature of the virus. For example, I know two cases personally where a minor was put in the dentist chair and parent was advised to wait in the car. I just feel like the minor's responsible party needs to be there - not around the corner in a large public parking lot. What if there was a medical emergency or some other problem? Likewise with our elders - many of whom cannot advocate for themselves during an appointment and may not accurately remember or relay what was discussed. Has anyone run into this yet where they were not allowed to be present for elder's appointment to provide history, answer doctor's questions, and ensure that correct follow up takes place? Virtual appointments could help here, but not everything can be done from a distance.

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Yesterday I accompanied my mother to her office visit with her urologist. I was impressed with the precautions the hospital took. My brother and niece were not allowed in the waiting room so they waited in the van. Two people were in the waiting room only, all wearing masks. We were given a fresh mask each and one to take home. We sanitized our hands before and after visit per hospital protocol. I felt safe the whole time. I was able to be with my mom during the visit being her primary caregiver. The staff nurse told me they would make an exception because of my mothers age. I didn't have to ask.
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My mom is 91-yr old w/dementia; had her 1st doctor visit this wk where I wasn’t allowed to go inside. We planned ahead & practiced talking using cell phones with FaceTime/Google Duo. I was “virtually” with mom the entire time she was inside the dr’a office. Explained to the nurse who came out to get mom & she made sure that the phone was situated so I could see & hear, and could talk to the doc. Also, consider using a transport chair so that your LO may not have to exit the chair or touch any public surface at any time during the appt. it’s easy to wipe down/sanitize afterward. Be calm, plan ahead. Less stress for your LO!!
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I took my parents (96/94)to their GP 6 month check up this week. I was able to go with them in the room. The nurse took our temp when we arrived and we wore mask. I think it depends on your location.
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We currently have a stay at home order. I had to take my dad to the doctor and had no problem with being allowed in. I think it depends on the age of the person and most doctors understand that their job will be easier if the caregiver is there as well. People with dementia, especially, would be calmer with a family member present.
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I just took my 92 yr mother to her retinal eye appt. on the door it said patients only.  I went in with her and no one said anything. I was prepared to let them know that there was no way she was going in by herself because I know that she won't remember what he said nor she might not know what he is asking her.  She does NOT have dementia, but is at the age where she is not concentrating fully and plus she needs her ears checked out which is next week.  AND IF I had a child (depending on age), I would insist that I be there also with them....of course with mask on.  I don't care if someone would have liked it or not.  I am there as an advocate for someone that won't remember or think to ask questions.  So I would just let them know ahead of time that you WILL be joining them for the appt in case information is required from or given to the doctor. good luck
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An update to my answer from 5/13. Today, I was able to accompany my sister and sit with her while she had her first iron infusion.
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My husband was not able to accompany me to an office visit to my urologist at a clinic last week. Now, I'm not not in need of assistance for any physical or mental problem so it was fine.
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My sister accompanied my mother to her doctor appointments. Wearing masks of course. The doctor knows mom so would not want an appointment without one of us there. They also do virtual meetings for the previsit to discuss issues prompting the appointment. If you have a doctor who is not allowing you to be in the room and your elder cannot manage without you I would find a new doctor who understood his patient’s needs. For dentists that is very different because the procedure has already been planned. Many parents sit in waiting rooms even in good times.
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igloo572 May 2020
Jan, for the virtual, was it face to face on an iPad? like an appointment done for a “telemed” type of visit?
OR
was it via a detailed advance check-in on line?
For me, for both my MD and lab visit, there was “e-Pre” an on-line questionnaire, emailed to me abt 4 days in advance. My chart showed an “e-pre” on the top page.

if this is what’s happening pretty much all over, if you haven’t moved digital, you kinda really need to now.
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My hubby had to go to dermatologist for skin cancer surgery. We walked in, she took his temperature, and asked me to wait in the car. I just looked at her. She said, "Oh, are you his caregiver?" l said "yes". That was that, my temperature was taken and I went in. I stayed with him the entire time. There were only a couple of people in the waiting room, everyone miles apart. The second time we went back to get his stitches out, it was the same. I had an appointment too. They started to put me in a separate room, I told the gal I was not comfortable with this because he has Alzheimer's. So, I went into his room again. The gal told the Doctor that hubby had Alzheimer's and I needed to be with him. No problem.
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It depends on the doctor office policy and I get them only allowing the patient in, unless, they are not competent. The fewer the people the less the risk.

If you want the doctor to get certain info about her condition, sign her up on the doctor office online portal. Most places have them. It provides private messaging directly to the doctor. You can request refills, make appointments, etc. I have found it very helpful for my parents.
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