Annual Physical
A general medical checkup should take place at least once a year so your loved one’s healthcare provider can take basic readings as well as screen for medical conditions such as various forms of cancer, diabetes, and problems with circulation or the heart. A great time to schedule these appointments is just before fall or any season in which your loved one’s allergies flare up or changes in the weather affect his or her overall health. It may also be possible to have gender-specific exams during this visit, but consult with your doctor about such things as mammograms and pap smears.
If your loved one needs assistance getting to and from doctor’s appointments, consider hiring a professional caregiver to help when you aren’t able to be there. Home Care San Diego professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, home care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
Dental Checkup
Aging adults should see their dentists once every six months, and those with dental implants, dentures, or other oral devices may need to schedule more frequent appointments. Regular dental visits ensure oral health and hygiene are maintained, which can prevent various diseases.
Some seniors with health conditions such as arthritis find it challenging to perform necessary daily hygiene tasks, such as brushing and flossing their teeth. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior home care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Eye Exams & Other Appointments
After the age of 65, adults should schedule an eye exam once a year. Other medical appointments and procedures that may or may not be required on a yearly basis include various vaccinations, colonoscopies, cholesterol screenings, and bone density scans.
The best advice is to have a consultation with your loved one’s doctor to ask what appointments should be scheduled on a yearly basis and which procedures are deemed unnecessary based on your parent’s specific health needs. These checkups are one of the most important components of staying healthy and detecting major medical issues in their earliest stages.
It’s important for seniors to visit their doctors and other healthcare providers regularly to ensure their long-term health and wellbeing. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of San Diego home care service. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 858-667-0813.