Follow
Share
Yes. More than a suggestion, look at it as a PRESCRIPTION for care.
Helpful Answer (11)
Reply to Midkid58
Report
CaringinVA Jul 13, 2024
I like that Mid, a prescription for care. Also, it is good to see you and I hope you are doing well.
(3)
Report
The same as when the doctor says a patient needs heart medication. It's a "suggestion" in that it's up to the patient to actually follow doctors orders, or why ask for their expertise in the first place?
Helpful Answer (7)
Reply to lealonnie1
Report
Fawnby Jul 8, 2024
Lea, I follow doctors' instructions to the letter. I've had a couple of them express surprise when it's come up in conversation about meds or therapy. I gather from their reactions that ignoring doctors' advice is rampant. This puzzles me. If I didn't want their advice, I'd stay home and eat bon-bons.
(7)
Report
See 1 more reply
Put it this way - if you ignore it, and dont do it, and he/she falls and has a major injury, then how will you feel?
Helpful Answer (7)
Reply to strugglinson
Report

I was told my dad needed memory care by a "Doctor", when I went to look at facilities I knew that my dad did NOT need memory care.

So, I highly recommend, that you get a needs assessment from your local council on aging and decide from there.

Some doctors are complete and total idiots and don't use the sense a sugar ant has, it is up to us to advocate or get an advocate to ensure we are getting the appropriate care for the actual needs.
Helpful Answer (7)
Reply to Isthisrealyreal
Report

It’s advice based on training, expertise, and experience. Like all advice it can be ignored, often to a person and their family’s peril
Helpful Answer (5)
Reply to Daughterof1930
Report

When the doctor makes a suggestion, do you ignore it? Or only when it's for 24-hour care, which costs some money and a lot of inconvenience? Examine your conscience.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to Fawnby
Report
swmckeown76 3 hours ago
Not necessarily (actually I use a nurse practitioner, not a doctor). But I research everything she recommends myself online. She's always been right so far and sends links to reputable online information in the patient portal to back up what she recommends. All NPs, PAs, MDs, and DOs should do this. A well-informed patient is more likely to follow their advice after she or he has looked into it her or himself. Of course, this can be a spouse, child, sibling, or grandchild if the patient cannot look it up themselves.
(0)
Report
24/7 care is generally only "suggested" when necessary. And it's not just having someone live with the patient or the patient living with someone. 24/7 care is having someone awake and alert 24/7 in order to see to the needs of the patient. That usually implies that the person can't be left on their own for any amount of time.

So is it a suggestion? I guess if you look at it from the perspective of can they they force you to do it - not unless something really bad happens and APS has to step in (and even then if she is "competent" she still gets to decide, unless she is Baker Act'd or something serious like that).

So sure - it's a suggestion. But it's not one I would ignore for very long - because it usually has a strong sense of urgency behind it.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to BlueEyedGirl94
Report

I’m confused, because you have not completed your profile or explained much. 24 hour care for whom? I first read it as being for you. But perhaps not!

24 hour care can be one of several different things: Three shifts of carers sitting by the bedside at home, 24 hours a day? A nursing home? AL with a bit of extra monitoring? A babycam, and a pressure alarm if the person wakes up and tries to get out of bed? They are all forms of 24 hour care.

For that matter, doctors differ in their suggestions, their understanding of the total situation at home, and their realism about finances. Saying ‘24 hour care’ is easier than doing it. It reminds me of another recent post where the doctor said that MIL ‘would not thrive’ in a NH – without considering whether the carer, husband or children would ‘thrive’ with MIL at home and the carer quitting her job, or even whether ANY elder ‘thrives' in a NH.

If you have doubts about the need for 24 hour care, I’d suggest that you look at all the options. Then go back to the doctor for a more detailed recommendation – or find another doctor who can give more useful advice.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to MargaretMcKen
Report

Twenty-four home care can be very expensive. If you look into this option read all of the terms of the care, including hourly quotes as well as to the minute quotes. Also care givers have to be monitored. One of mine at $33 per hour slept on my couch, wanting blanket, pillow, etc. Another did not know what a boost was. These care givers came from a very reputable company or so I thought. I opted for care up to 10 or 11 and then used a baby monitor. I am a very light sleeper so I was aware of any movement or need. You will be inconvenienced by having someone in the house but nursing homes seem understaffed. At least I knew care was given.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to Windingquilter
Report

Ask the doctor.
I'd think NO. . . otherwise, why would she say that?
You must ask your MD to clarify anything and everything s/he says that you are not absolutely clear about / understand.

Gena / Touch Matters
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to TouchMatters
Report
swmckeown76 3 hours ago
You can also get a second (or even third) opinion. MDs are not "MD-deities". They sometimes make mistakes.
(0)
Report
See All Answers
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter