Hi

MissElizabeth36

How was you all able to take your mom or dad to the doctor for there appointments because I am having a hard time.

SusanB-dil

Hi MissElizabeth - and welcome.

Not sure what stage you are dealing with, or which difficulty it is? If it is because they don't wish to go, which is not the unusual, fiblets will be your friend. Tell them they "need to go because insurance is requiring it". or "We need to make sure ___ is still ok." (fill in blank - blood pressure, or cholesterol, etc) Depending on the stage, sometimes bribery works - "if you go now, we can stop for ice cream afterwards".

If it is a transport issue, perhaps a friend could help and go along for the ride for assistance in both getting into and out of the vehicle?

Smilinpj

My parents balk at having to go to the doctor, as well as paying for it because they don't want to go anyway.

I do a similar thing to SusanB - I tell them I can't get their medicine unless they see the doctor twice a year. When you are dealing with Alzheimer's, a little fibbing to get the job done is necessary.

Recently, I needed to take them to the podiatrist and my dad pitched a fit. I insisted because they are still pretty private and I never get to see their feet. Boy am I glad I insisted. Dad's nails were in really bad shape. I don't know how he was even walking!!

Have to add, we are an adventure at the doctor because neither can go in alone, so we are a group of 3 no matter where we are going. Sometimes the offices don't want it, but most understand and we've always managed to do it.

Good luck!!

M1

Hi Elizabeth. Many folks with dementia balk at going to the doctor for memory loss because they think they are fine and don't recognize their problem (that's called anosognosia). It's usually best to avoid talking about it in front of them; you can either call the office ahead of time to alert the staff what you're worried about, or put it in writing and slip a note to the doctor ahead of time.

terei

My mom was at a facility that had a team of doctors, PAs, + aides that visited her at AL + MC. I never had to take her to a dr after we were signed up with the facility’s team. Huge burden was lifted because she was being seen in place.

sheila1965

I fib and tell my mom it is an appointment for me and that i need her support. Worked! I agree telling a fib sometimes does help. I also give the doctor a heads up on what we need to be seen for so that they are aware otherwise my mom will tell them everything is fine.