Who accompanies you to the doctor and interprets what they say?
This summer, I visited the ER once and I accompanied my husband three times. After each visit, we followed up with our primary care doctor. At this point in my life, with my 40 years of experience in healthcare collaborating with seniors and their families, I don’t feel I need anyone to advocate for me… just yet. I have learned which questions to ask over time because of my collaborative experience with the medical field, some of it is intuitive. Likewise, when I go to physical therapy, I know which exercises to do and which ones to avoid.
When I accompany my husband, Ralph, to the doctor, the experience is different. Without wanting to stereotype, perhaps it’s a “guy thing,” but Ralph often doesn’t know the right questions to ask. He tends to place too much trust in his doctor or other practitioners regarding their advice about his health. During our last visit, he asked the doctor, “Do all your patients have someone like my wife who asks this many questions?” I stayed quiet just long enough for the doctor to respond, and she said, “No, you’re lucky!”
When serious medical issues occur and you realize you need to see a doctor, it may be time to consider an advocate. This could be a family member, a close friend or a professional service such as Geriatric Care Managers. One of their roles is to care for clients whose families live far away and are unable to attend doctor’s appointments and other important matters in person. I know firsthand how they work.
As a senior myself, and through my experiences with my husband and clients who call me about personal training because of poor balance, weakened lower body strength, chronic conditions such as cardiac health or neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, I’ve learned the importance of asking questions, even if it’s outside the doctor’s office. This enables the client and their family members to become effective advocates for their own health.
If you wish to hire a personal trainer and combine services with physical therapy or other doctor-recommended treatments, we can help. Our trainers possess both strong skills and a good sense of humor, as laughter is healing. We are effective communicators. It begins with a thorough assessment, conducted by me, including a partial session and safety check around the house. Our FAQ page aka Questions and Answers can be useful, especially for someone new or returning to exercise. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn or get some greats tips on our website at LoriMichielFitness.com. You can also email us or call us at 818-620-1442 for a consultation.
All the best! – Lori