- Schedule the visit for them and accompany them.
Be firm in the way you present the appointment and present it as fact,
not choice. (We are going to the doctor this morning.")
- Tie something the person enjoys doing to the visit to
the doctor. ("After we see the doctor, we can go to lunch.")
- Depending on the individual, you may want to inform
them of the appointment the week before, the day before, the hour
before, or just after you get into the car.
- Use another reason, other than memory loss, for the
check-up, e.g., check your blood pressure, flu shot, get prescription
refilled, etc.
- Enlist the aid of other family members or trusted
friends and advisors who may be able to convince the person that a
check-up is needed.
- Validate their fears and agree with their
arguments. ("I know you are healthy and don't feel you need to
see a doctor, but I would feel so much better knowing you have a clean
bill of health.")
- If the person is afraid of an Alzheimer's diagnosis,
reassure them that there are many other treatable things that cause
memory loss.
- Try not to argue about or have lengthy discussions
that will only increase the person's resistance to going.
- Tell your loved one that you need to go to the doctor
and ask them to come along. (The caregiver can get blood pressure
checked or something simple at the actual visit to make the person feel
more at ease.)
- Tell them that the insurance company is requiring a
check-up for insurance renewal.
- Ask the physician to call them to schedule an
appointment.
- Call ahead or write down your concerns (specific signs
and symptoms you have noticed) and give them to the doctor ahead of
time if you don't want to discuss them in front of your loved one.
- Try to get the person's appointment for the first
appointment of the day (to reduce waiting time) or at the time of the
day when the person is least agitated.
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