Going to the doctor does not have to mean that you are sick. What many people do not realize is that going to the doctor when they are not sick can save their life. Finding out about problems with one’s health, early on, can help them take the necessary steps to correct the issue before it gets out of hand. Your loved one’s in-home care provider can help him or her obtain the proper medical appointments and care to ensure preventative care is a priority in their life.
Types of Tests
Yearly exams allow doctors to determine if anything seems out of the ordinary. Sometimes certain problems can be identified before a person ever experiences symptoms. This could enable them to take the necessary measures to overcome the issue before they become unfixable.
The necessary tests for seniors at home or in assisted living include:
- Blood pressure screening
- Cholesterol screening
- Bone density test
- Prostate exam
- Rectal exam
- Breast exam
- Pelvic exam
- Vision screening
- Hearing screening
Discussions with Doctors
In addition to the formal tests, seniors should also have regular discussions with their doctor about their lifestyle. General diet, exercise and habits should be discussed, as well as the person’s current weight. The doctor might be able to offer insight into a senior’s life, to help him or her determine what they can change to become healthier or avoid the risks of various diseases that could occur to those that are either prone to diseases, due to hereditary disposition, or as a result of the lifestyle that they lead.
