The home care provider is an essential part of this visiting process. Communication between the doctor and the patient, as well as possibly liaising with family members is an important role as is providing support and companionship during the visit. There are some instances when the caregiver will assist the patient through the process of the physician’s appointment and can take notes about the aspects mentioned through the visit.

In the case that the senior is visiting the doctor independently, the care provider can ask for notes which can be delivered to the family and support group. This way, the notes can be an accurate depiction of the visit in the chart or the case of the patient.

There are times when the caregiver will be solely responsible for getting the patient to the office of the health care practitioner. It is important that any care provider be sure to arrive at least fifteen minutes early and plan for any scheduling issues that may occur between the office of the physician and the patient.

The care provider should take measures to ensure the comfort of the client while waiting. Bring a book, magazine or knitting to do through the visit to occupy the patient and reduce the anxiety which is associated with waiting. Provide companionship for patients that are anxious about their appointment or about test results that may be displayed and listen to any concerns that the patient may have.

A caregiver that is willing to act as part of this team will see more success when it comes to their career and more importantly the well being of the senior under their care. Here is a summary of the techniques caregivers can use to ensure the most success with the client:

• Be attentive and listen to the concerns of the client, ask the client if he or she would like these concerns relayed to the doctor.
• Take notes if you are included in the doctor’s visit and have these notes or progress reports ready to give to family members and other members of the support team.
• Draw the client’s attention away from any anxious thoughts before an appointment through distraction, conversation and other activities. 

A special diet is most often recommended by the health care provider. Depending on the diet that has been recommended for the patient, there could be multiple restrictions on various types of foods.

Here is an overview of the common diets which are commonly recommended to seniors:

Low Cholesterol Diet
A low cholesterol diet is prescribed to clients that have a high level of serum cholesterol in the blood. Elevated cholesterol is dangerous, as it can lead to clogged arteries and cardiac problems.

Low cholesterol foods that are included in the diet are whole grains, lean proteins and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fried foods are avoided through the low cholesterol diet as are many processed foods and dairy products that are high in fat.

Diabetes Diet
A diet prescribed to patients that have been diagnosed as diabetic includes very little sugar and refined or processed food. In order to maintain adequate levels of blood sugar it is important to follow the diet correctly.

The caregiver must learn the specifications of the diet in order to maintain the health of the patient. Careful monitoring must often occur through the use of blood glucose meters.

Low Fat Diet
In the case that the client is obese or has been recommended to lose weight for a surgical procedure, for example – a low fat diet is prescribed. This diet often includes caloric restrictions and the client should adhere to the diet to see optimal results.

There are many ways that the client may be advised to follow a low calorie diet, including calorie restriction and soup or liquid diets which include the client fasting for up to seven days. Encouraging and motivating the client to finish the diet and reassuring that the time will pass quickly is recommended for the caregiver.

High Blood Pressure Diet
This diet encompasses meals which are low in sodium and offer the client foods that are free of MSG and foods that have been unprocessed, as these foods contain high levels of sodium and should be avoided. Diets that are created for low sodium patients include fruits and vegetables and dried beans, as well as unsalted nuts and other lean proteins.

Food that is served in restaurants as well as fast food is often very high in sodium, containing more than three times the daily recommended amount. Fast food should be avoided for clients following a diet that has been designed to promote lower blood pressure.

The knowledge of the basics of these diets is essential for care givers as it can assist to better the life and health of the patient. Developing patient nutrition is something that care givers at Hearts at Home Senior Care is passionate about and it is a task made easier with in home care.