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Care Close To Home
By
Beverly Moore |
Question:
Where can I get proper evaluation and medical treatment for
my family member with memory loss? Must I go to Boston?
Answer:
We on the south shore are blessed to have the benefit of
physicians and treatment centers from Boston, the health
capital of the world, in satellite offices right here.
Memory clinics, physicians, MRI clinics and
neuropsychological testing sites are increasing in numbers
on the south shore. You can find listings on www.
massalz.org or from South Shore Elder Services’ information
and referral manager Ken Levy at (781) 848-3910.
For the memory impaired person and the caregiver, the
busyness of a trip to Boston creates confusion for the care
recipient and unnecessary stress on the caregiver.
It is frightening for a person to be told they will be
‘assessed’ for memory loss, especially if the person has
little awareness, or denies having a memory problem.
‘Explaining’ why they must go will generally increase the
likelihood of resistance. “Why are you doing this to me?”
“You’re making me out to be crazy!” may be the response. If
told ahead of time, the person may become so anxious they
will adamantly refuse to go.
Tips To Make Keeping An Appointment Easier:
1. Do not discuss the appointment ahead of time. For the
person who cannot ‘hold onto’ information, being told in
advance leaves them anxious and refusal to go when the day
arrives will result. The less said before the appointment
the better. Avoid use of reasoning; it cannot be processed
anymore.
2. Send a fax or email ahead of time to the clinic or
physician with a description of the person’s challenges in
daily life. This can eliminate talking about the person in
front of him.
3. Bring a list of the medications and medical history of
the person to shorten the time spent on this at the
interview.
4. Go somewhere pleasant after the appointment to change the
intent of being together, no matter how the appointment
went! |
About The Author
Beverly is
owner of Alzheimer Coaching Services which serves eastern
Massachusetts and Rhode Island. ACS offers coaching to
understand dementia and learn how to keep the person with
memory loss integrated in family life. Title III E Older
American Act grants provide free coaching to families in 45
towns and cities in the Bristol, south Norfolk, south shore
and West Suburban areas. No referral is necessary. There is
no restriction of income or age. Beverly’s company is
located in Quincy and she may be reached at (617) 233-1145.
You may read more about her company’s services at
www.alzheimercoachingservices. com. Look for Beverly’s book
Matters of the Mind…and the Heart to be released early 2008
Pre-order your copy @ www.Advantagebookstore.com.
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