In an idealistic world, personalized healthcare, revolving around you and your own preferences, following your particular needs and wishes – fitting within your schedule and routine, unhindered by issues like an unwavering medical professional who views healthcare choices in black and white, would be the norm. Reality is far from perfect though, and the majority of us often tend to submit to doctors’ orders with no consideration that there could be a better-suited alternative.
With some education, however, patients can, as a matter of fact, choose a more proactive stance regarding their healthcare. Known as “person-centered care,” it involves physicians working in collaboration with patients and any other family members or care providers they determine, considering the patient’s preferences, values and goals, and making use of that information as a guide throughout all aspects of care.
There are many worthwhile steps we could all take in order to achieve a greater level of personalized healthcare:
- Think about your healthcare objectives, and write this information down to discuss with your doctors. And, request that medical personnel incorporate these goals into your healthcare records.
- Become well-educated in your own health conditions and requirements, and ways in which they’re affecting your everyday life. For example, are you going through complications with any routine activities of day-to-day living, like taking a bath or getting dressed? Are you struggling with certain types of movements, like lifting or bending? A great assessment tool is available here.
- Be sure that discussions with doctors are two-sided. Fully participate in a dialogue to make sure your worries are addressed and that you are aware of any potential complications or other risks of treatment recommendations.
- Should you have multiple doctors (for example, a primary care physician and one or more specialists in a variety of practices), make sure communication is happening among all. This can necessitate requesting that paperwork be shared between providers, and after that following up to verify that’s been accomplished.
- Involve a trusted family member, friend, or professional in-home caregiver, such as Home Sweet Home In-Home Care provides, in all medical appointments. Having another individual available to write down notes, answers to questions, and other pertinent information helps ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
For more tips, and for a partner in care to help make sure seniors and their family have a voice in their care needs, contact the Kalamazoo home care team at Home Sweet Home In-Home Care. We’ll provide accompanied transportation to treatments and appointments, pick up prescription medications and run other errands, cook healthy meals, and so much more. Call us at 269-224-1683 for help and support.