Finding the Right Doctor for an Older Adult
There are many situations that can leave family caregivers looking for a new doctor for their aging relative.
For example, insurance changes may cause a doctor to be out of the network available to the senior, or the doctor may move away or retire. Older adults may also move to live closer to family members, making it necessary to change doctors. Whatever the case, it’s important for family caregivers to find a doctor that best meets the older adult’s needs. Below are some steps to take when helping your older family member to find a new doctor.
Home Care Services in Southport IN: Finding the Right Doctor
Make a List of Wants
It’s important that the older adult feels comfortable with the doctor as it will make them more likely to communicate openly. Family caregivers should sit down with their aging relative and find out what they like in a doctor. Ask if they prefer a man or a woman. Think about hours that you need the doctor to be available, too. Also, discuss whether your aging relative would prefer a doctor with a private practice or one who is part of a clinic where they may be able to see other doctors if theirs is not available.
Consider Insurance and/or Medicare
If the senior will use insurance to help cover their medical costs, it’s important to know if they are limited to certain doctors who are in the network. If so, it can be helpful to call the insurance company for a list of doctors in the area. If they use Medicare, you can search for providers on the medicare.gov website or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Ask Around
Ask people you trust who their doctors or their parent’s doctors are. Find out what they think of the doctor, including what they like or don’t like. If you hear the same doctor’s name several times, they may be a good option.
Narrow Down the List
Once a family caregiver has a list of names, they can start narrowing it down. Once you’re down to a short list, call the doctor’s offices to learn more. Ask the office staff about billing procedures, office hours, and other policies. You can also ask about the doctor’s qualifications. In addition to learning about the doctor, pay attention to what the office staff is like since you will talk to them often.
Set Up a Meeting
Once you’ve decided who the most likely candidate is, ask if you can set up a meeting with the doctor. You will probably be charged for the meeting, but it will give you a chance to ask questions and find out if the doctor is a good fit.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Care Services in Southport IN, please call the caring staff at Home Services Unlimited. Serving Greater Indianapolis Area. Call for Immediate Info & Assistance: (317) 471-0760
Sources
Verywellhealth.com
Nia.nih.gov
Webmd.com
As a practicing Registered Nurse, Etelka was keenly aware of a void in quality patient care that could be provided in the home. She embarked upon a journey to develop a home health care agency that would exceed all expectations and become a trusted partner to physicians and patients.
A Distinguished Career From Nurse to Director of Nursing to President of Home Services Unlimited
Etelka’s distinguished career followed a logical progression to her position as President of Home Services Unlimited. She graduated as a nurse practitioner with a Bachelor of Nursing (RN) in 1972 from Meshgorya University in the Ukraine, close to where she lived with her family. She married her husband Phil in 1973 and decided in 1977 that they would relocate to the United States to be closer to family and to come to this land of opportunity. With an eagerness to continue her budding career, Etelka sat for and passed her Boards in the U.S. in 1979.
A Love and Talent for Working with the Elderly
Etelka began her nursing career in the U.S. at Colonial Crest, now part of Golden Living, where she was the In-service Coordinator, the Director of Training and Education and Director of Nursing, a position she occupied for several years.
With a group of partners, she co-founded Adept Corporation, which operated group homes for the mentally challenged. The business was successful and in 1996, Etelka sold her share to return to her roots, caring for the elderly.
In January of 1997, Etelka opened Home Services Unlimited as a fully licensed business to provide home health care. In her quest to learn to do better for her patients, she had already obtained a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) in May of 1990 from the College of St. Francis. As President of Home Services Unlimited, Inc., Etelka guides the trusted, experienced care model Home Services Unlimited uses to continue providing excellent home health care.
Giving Back to the Community of Indianapolis
Volunteering for community services is a high priority for Etelka. Her memberships include the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Executive Women in Health Care and the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care, where she is a member of the Board of Directors.
Etelka has also served on the Board of Directors with Hooverwood Home, a highly regarded geriatric facility, since 1997 and as the President for 2005-2006. Through her community work, she has received several awards and accolades, including the Nora McFarland award in 2002, from the Indiana Association of Home and Hospice Care.
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