If you have an elderly parent who is nervous or stressed about going to appointments, there are a few things you can do to help. By being prepared, you and your parent will be better able to make the best use of your time with the doctor.
You can help your parent prepare for an eye exam by following a few suggestions.
A Shoulder to Lean On
It could be that you’re already in the habit of going with your parent to see the eye doctor. If not, you should consider it. Some seniors do better with the help of a family member who can help them prepare and support them at the appointment. It’s reassuring to have some company during the process and having a loved-one on hand to interpret and assist, can make it a much less stressful experience for everyone involved.
For some seniors, cognitive or hearing loss can make it difficult for them to understand what medical personnel are saying to them. Keeping track of detailed medical information could also be challenging for them. If you are with your parent, you can ask the necessary follow-up questions that need to be asked, so better decisions can be made about their eyesight.
You can help along every step of the way, from booking an appointment to follow-up tests and treatments, if needed.
Booking an Appointment
Whether you or your parent books the appointment, there are certain questions that should be asked, namely:
- Whether or not your parent’s vision will be affected temporarily by tests such as pupil dilation and whether they will be able to drive home afterward.
- Ask about any costs involved and if your province’s health plan or parent’s private insurance will cover all or part of the cost.
- If there will be fees, ask how they can be paid. For example, some practices won’t accept certain credit cards.
Preparing for the Appointment
It’s advisable to spend a few minutes with your parent asking questions and noting any problems. Things to ask your parent include the following:
- Any problems or changes they’ve noticed with their vision, like floaters, dark spots or difficulty seeing at night.
- Any recent eye injuries or eye surgeries should be noted. Include dates, doctors’ names and the hospitals or clinics where they were treated.
- All current and previous medical conditions or operations your parent has had, eye-related or not, including diabetes, allergies, high blood pressure or any chronic health problem.
- Note any previously diagnosed eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts or glaucoma.
- Any family history of significant medical conditions.
- Over-the-counter or prescription drugs, vitamins, herbal medicines or supplements your parent is taking; dosages and frequency.
- Any eye drops your parent uses, prescription or over-the-counter; dosage and frequency.
- Questions either you or your parent want to have answered.
