People of all ages may tell “little white lies” to their doctors, especially if the truth is embarrassing. However, those seemingly innocent untruths can lead to severe health consequences, especially for older adults. Next time your senior loved one heads to a doctor’s appointment, he or she should avoid telling the following lies.
“I Don’t Smoke”
You probably know that smoking can cause irreparable damage to the heart and lungs. What you may not know is that smoking can slow and complicate the healing process after surgery. Some doctors won’t even perform elective surgery, such as facelifts, on smokers. If your loved one smokes, he or she needs to be honest.
“I Don’t Drink”
If your loved one drinks alcohol, he or she needs to tell the doctor what he or she drinks and how much. Alcohol may interact with medication your loved one is taking. Also, older adults aren’t immune to problems with alcohol and drug addiction. If your loved one is drinking too much, the doctor can suggest a treatment program.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support and encouragement if your loved one needs help with giving up unhealthy habits. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elder care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
“I Can Hear Just Fine”
Some older adults are embarrassed about hearing loss. They may not hear the doctor’s instructions correctly. They may also withdraw socially and become isolated and depressed. Even more disturbing, hearing loss has been linked to dementia. If your loved one has difficulty hearing, the doctor needs to know.
If your loved one has hearing loss linked to dementia, compassionate help is available. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Rhode Island families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
“I Only Take My Prescription Medicine”
Herbal supplements are very popular these days. The problem is that some of these supplements can have dangerous interactions with certain prescription medications. Encourage your loved one to tell the doctor about any medication he or she is taking, even if it’s only an over-the-counter supplement.
“I’m Not Sexually Active”
Many seniors grew up believing sex was a private matter that shouldn’t be discussed, even with a doctor. However, it’s important for the doctor to know if your loved one is sexually active. Seniors are as vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases as younger folks are. In women, STDs can increase the risk of cervical cancer. Being completely honest with the doctor can be embarrassing, but it’s better for your parent to feel a little embarrassed now than it would be to encounter serious health problems later. Encourage your loved one to always be candid with the doctor.
Being honest with his or her doctor is one of the best ways for your loved one to stay as healthy as possible. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Rhode Island Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (401) 284-0979 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.