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Care
Page Some Hmong elders prefer to use traditional medicine or have a Shaman assist them when they are ill but there may be a time when Western medicine would benefit. If you or your elder doesn’t have a doctor, choose one carefully. There are several referral sources you can utilize: 1) a friend who is satisfied with his/her physician; 2) your County Medical Society; 3) Physician Referral Service; 4) a neighborhood hospital (some offer a physician referral service). The doctor is a valuable resource. If you are having a difficult time managing your care receiver at home, or an acute illness occurs, the doctor may assist with related health care concerns. Your care receiver may have to be hospitalized. The doctor may assist by making a home health care referral. Once hospitalized, the doctor can assist in assessing whether a nursing home move or home health care is appropriate upon discharge. If the doctor doesn't offer it, you may request it. Arranging the Doctor Appointment. Some questions to ask when you make a first appointment: Has the doctor treated Hmong clients before? Is the doctor aware of some of the cultural differences such as some Hmong elders’ privacy about their bodies being examined? If it is important, does the doctor know anything about Hmong traditional medicine/healing arts? What are the office hours? How are the bills handled? Who will answer my questions if the doctor is unavailable? How does the office handle emergencies? How is co-payment handled? What hospitals does he or she go to? On the first visit to the doctor, the patient's list of current medications, herbal use or other treatments and previous medical records should be given to the doctor. If the visit is for a specific problem, have the following information for the doctor: -- The symptoms -- How long they have been present -- How often they
happen and how bad they are Reviewing this
information before the visit will help. And remember, it is important
that the patient have a chance to visit with the doctor privately to discuss
confidential information if he or she wants that. Before leaving the doctor's
office, meet with the doctor or the nurse to find out how you can help
with treatment and what your role as caregiver should be. 1. What can be done now to help in the treatment of current medical problems 2. How to recognize problems that may arise 3. What to do in emergencies Planning For Emergencies. Having an emergency plan is important, especially when a substitute caregiver occasionally takes your place in the home. Post phone numbers for the following agencies next to your telephone or a conspicuous place where they can easily be seen by anyone. The 911 number for emergencies (Medical, Fire or Police) The physician's number (emergency and office number) The name and number of the hospital the physician and the patient prefer The number of the home health agency, if one is currently making visits to the home The Poison Center phone number The 24-hour number of the medical or oxygen supplier, if one is being used The telephone number where you can be reached If you are dissatisfied with your doctor, consider: What do you want from your doctor? Are these wants realistic (like a cure for a terminal disease)? Have you discussed them with your doctor and/or staff? Do you have a primary physician (usually internist or family practitioner) who oversees your overall medical care? (Often, sub-specialists such as cardiologists or orthopedists focus on one organ system, and do not try to coordinate the patient care.) Do you keep your appointments? Do you take medications as prescribed, contact the doctor if you change, and discuss your concerns with him or her? Do they know about other drugs—herbs that may be taken? Remember, physicians are human beings, with individual personalities, enormous responsibilities, and only 24 hours in one day. No doctor will be right for all patients. Find a doctor whose skills and style of practice suits your current needs. All patients should have one physician to coordinate their care. Frequently changing doctors is likely to result in poor quality care of chronic or complex problems. Older individuals with multiple medical problems or difficulties with memory or intellectual functions may benefit from a comprehensive geriatric assessment program. Your physician or local area agency on aging may have information on comparable programs in your community. This
Care Page is adapted from the Caregiver’s Handbook, which was developed
and produced in booklet form by The Caregiver Education and Support Services,
Seniors Counseling and Training Case Management Services of the San Diego
County Mental Health Services; Robert Torres-Stanovik, LCSW, Editor
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