If your mother, father, or someone close to you is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, we know how challenging it is to take care of that person. It's a big responsibility, and it can be a heavy burden on your heart. Your greatest strength on this journey is a compassionate doctor who understands this condition. So, today we'll talk about how to choose the right doctor for your loved one, and how to maintain that doctor-patient relationship.
Consider these things when choosing a good doctor
When choosing a doctor to treat your loved one, you have to consider many things, not just the doctor's knowledge. Because this is a long journey.
- Location of the hospital/clinic: The first thing to consider is whether you can easily get to the location. If you are going by car, is there easy parking? If you are going by public transportation, is it in a convenient location? Because it is often impractical to carry a sick person around with difficulty.
- Clinic opening hours: Check to see if the doctor's available times are convenient for you. Some places are open on weekends and in the evenings. Choosing a place like that can help you avoid having to rush to the Emergency Department (ETU) in case of an emergency.
- Tests that can be done in one place: Some medical centers have facilities that can do things like blood tests (lab tests) and X-rays on-site. With such a facility, you don't have to take the patient to different places for each test. That's a big convenience.
- Staff friendliness: This is very important. If you call to ask a question and get a quick answer from a nurse or doctor, it will be a great relief for you. A place with staff who are friendly and speak kindly to the patient is always better.
A general doctor or a specialist?
Typically, our family doctors (Primary Care Doctors) are people who have extensive training in many medical conditions. They also have good experience in caring for the elderly. However, they may lack in-depth experience in a specific condition, such as Alzheimer's disease.
If you feel that way, talk to your doctor about it openly. He or she may be able to answer your questions better. If you find it difficult to talk directly, write a letter or talk to a nurse there.
The most important thing is to talk about your doubts, not hide them.
If you need to see a specialist, there are opportunities for that too.
- Geriatricians: These are doctors who are specially trained in the health problems and illnesses of older adults.
- Neurologists: Doctors who specialize in diseases related to the brain and nervous system, such as conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia.
- Psychiatrists: They can help you manage the mental and behavioral changes caused by the disease.
Even if you see a specialist, the most important thing is that there is good communication between that specialist and your family doctor. It is essential to inform your family doctor about the specialist's recommendations.
Let's prepare like this before going to see the doctor.
Don't wait until your loved one is sick, but make an appointment on a good day. When you call to make an appointment, tell them that you are a new patient. They may be able to give you a little more time.
Choose a time of day when both of you are relaxed and well-rested. A time like the first hour of the morning or the first hour of the afternoon is best. This is because doctors are less likely to be late. Avoid scheduling appointments close to meal times. If the doctor is late, your patient may become restless and anxious due to hunger.
It will be a great help to have these things ready before you go to see the doctor.
| What to prepare | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| A list of questions and problems | When you see the doctor, you may forget what you need to ask. So, write down all your questions, such as any changes in the patient's behavior, on a piece of paper. |
| All medications used | Carry all your prescription medications, medications purchased from the pharmacy, vitamins, and traditional medicines in one bag. It is more accurate to carry all your medications rather than a list. |
| A notebook and a pen | Write down everything the doctor says, medication changes, and instructions right there. It can be hard to remember later. |
| Food and drink | Bring a bottle of water and biscuits for both you and the patient. This is very useful if you are going to be in the waiting room for a long time. |
| Something for fun | While waiting, the patient can get bored and restless. So it would be good if they could read a favorite magazine, book, or listen to music with headphones. |
If you send someone else with you on a day you can't go...
Sometimes you may not be able to see the doctor. If you are sending someone else with the patient, give them these instructions.
- Tell them to take notes: Give the person a notebook to write down everything the doctor says, including any changes to their medication.
- Ask for the details of someone to call if you have a question: Ask them to write down the name and phone number of a nurse or someone you can call if you have any questions later.
- Ask for written instructions: If any changes are made to your treatment, ask your doctor for a written instruction sheet about it.
- You call later: After the person gets home, if possible, call the doctor or nurse and briefly ask how the meeting went.
What do you do if you want to change doctors?
You may want to change your current doctor. There are many reasons for this. Perhaps you feel that the doctor does not have enough experience with this condition, or the clinic is not conveniently located. Or if your patient is admitted to a nursing home, you may want to leave the treatment to the doctor there.
Whatever the reason, there's nothing wrong with changing doctors. The most important thing is that your patient gets the best treatment.
However, if you decide to switch doctors, keep these things in mind:
1. Before you leave your current doctor, find a new one. Some doctors may not be accepting new patients or may have waiting lists.
2. If possible, meet with the current doctor one last time and ask for copies of the patient's medical records, test results, and current medication list . This is very important for the new doctor .
3. If you want, tell the doctor why you decided to leave. It will be important for him in the future. If it's difficult to say it directly, write a letter or talk to a nurse.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's is a big commitment. But with the right medical support and guidance, you and your loved one can make the journey a little easier.
Take-Home Message
- When choosing a doctor to treat an Alzheimer's patient, consider their knowledge, as well as the clinic's location, facilities, and friendliness of the staff.
- In addition to your family doctor, don't hesitate to seek the help of a geriatrician or neurologist.
- Before going to see the doctor, prepare a list of questions to ask, all medications the patient is taking, and other necessary items.
- If you have doubts or discomfort about your current doctor, there is nothing wrong with deciding to change doctors for the patient's own good. However, do not stay with your current doctor until you find a new one.
- Remember that you are not alone in this journey. Seek advice and support from your doctor whenever needed.
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