Resistance to Care
by Risa Levovsky
Caregiver-Journalist-Advocate for Successful Aging
www.alzheimers-tips.com
Although you may have your own ideas about the optimal frequency of
physicians’ visits for your family member, you many encounter some
resistance along the way. Caregivers often choose a physician, and
then cancel their appointment at the last minute. This behavior may
be frustrating and upsetting to the entire family.
Here are some of the reasons why caregivers may cancel doctor’s
appointments:
Many caregivers are in severe denial that their loved one has
Alzheimer’s disease or other progressively debilitating illnesses.
After a “probable” diagnosis is determined, they cancel future
appointments hoping that the doctor made a mistake.
Caregivers often equate good physical health with good mental
health. A person who is physically healthy may suffer from memory
loss that may become progressively worse over time. Others do not
want to burden their physician with the fact that the person’s
behavior and memory loss have only declined minimally.
A caregiver shares her insight:
“Two years ago, my husband was diagnosed with Mild cognitive
impairment. Although our neurologist recommends that we see him
every six months, I only take my husband to see him
once a year. I’d rather just wait until we really need him.”
This attitude prevents the person from getting the care needed and
deserved throughout the illness.
It may also limit the physician from aggressively treating the
symptoms as they occur. Major advances have been made in behavioral
and medical interventions to help people with Alzheimer’s disease
and other forms of memory loss.
Never wait until the last moment to obtain quality care for yourself
or a loved one.
To learn about subjects such as obtaining a diagnosis, the latest
innovative care strategies, behavioral interventions that work,
coping skills, free resources and so much more,
GO TO www.alzheimers-tips.com