How to Work with Your Health Care Provider for Person-Centered Care.

In an ideal world, medical care would focus on you and your own preferences, adhering to your particular needs and wishes – fitting within your schedule and routine, unhindered by issues such as an unwavering health care provider who views healthcare options in black and white. The truth is far from perfect though, and quite a few of us choose to submit to doctors’ orders with no thought that there might be a better-suited alternative.

With some education, however, patients can, as a matter of fact, choose a more proactive stance regarding their healthcare. Referred to as “person-centered care,” it calls for physicians working together with patients and any other members of the family or care providers they establish, taking into consideration the patient’s preferences, values and goals, and utilizing that information as guideline throughout all facets of care.

There are several helpful steps we can all take to achieve a more individualized level of care:

• Consider your healthcare objectives, and write this information down to talk about with your medical doctors. And, request that medical personnel include these goals into your medical records.
• Become knowledgeable in your medical conditions and needs, and how they’re impacting your everyday life. As an example, are you experiencing challenges with any routine activities of daily living, such as taking showers or dressing? Are you struggling with specific types of movements, like lifting or bending? An excellent assessment tool is available here.
• Make sure that discussions with medical professionals are two-sided. Fully engage in a dialogue to make sure your concerns are resolved and that you recognize any possible complications or other risks of treatment recommendations.
• If you have multiple physicians (for instance, a primary health care provider and one or more specialists in a variety of practices), confirm that communication is happening among all. This can include requesting that paperwork be shared between providers, and then following up to make certain that’s been carried out.
• Involve a trusted member of the family, friend, or professional in-home caregiver, such as CareWorks Health Services provides, in all healthcare appointments. Having another person available to write down notes, answers to questions, and other helpful information helps ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

For more advice, and for a partner in care to help make sure the elderly and their family members have a voice in their care needs, contact CareWorks Health Services, providers of expert Orange County, CA senior care. We’ll provide accompanied transportation to treatments and appointments, pick up medications and run other errands, cook healthy meals, and so much more. Call us at (949) 859-4700 for help and support.