@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@CrazyKittyLvr2 wrote:
This is what the PA asked me at my last visit to get my BP meds.
Is this new? Never ever was asked this.
I said "fine", because it is. I don't feel it is his business either way. If someone wants to discuss their mood they can bring it up and that's fine. To me, him asking is intrusive.
@CrazyKittyLvr2
Are you on Medicare? If so, that's NOT intrusive at all, and I'm surprised you would think so.
Medicare REQUIRES health care providers and insurance companies to "cover all the bases" so those types of questions are necessary ... by law.
Older people can experience depression and not even really be aware of it, so this can start a conversation that should be had.
Healthcare providers should never assume you have family members in constant contact with you and are monitoring how you are doing.
Some people have no family left.
@Tinkrbl44 Very true. However, my wellness checks have been only a few minutes of rather rapid fire questions. With yes/no responses. In my experience, few will open up in these situations. And, how many times do I have to tell them I have a grab bar in my shower?
I can remember it taking 30 minutes to an hour to get a patient to open up when I suspected, for instance, domestic violence. I had one patient who was in the ER all day long. While admitting her, I knew she was withholding something. It was a long process, but she finally revealed the trauma she had experienced. It was a rush to get samples collected and contact legal authorities. I doubt it would have ever come out without support and patience. She wasn't the only one, either, in this circumstance. People hide things for many reasons. Fear, embarrassment, etc.
Seniors can be particularly cautious about questioning. They often already feel they're being looked at as lacking ability, just by aging appearance, alone. In truth, many of these seniors could run circles around some of the younger crowds. But, judgment does occur.
Many seniors feel increasingly judged, or that they have less worth, with age. They won't discuss this with pressured yes/no questions. And, sadly, abuse of seniors is not uncommon, often being conditioned not to share, or else.
So I agree that these questions are integral to wellness and health, but adequate time, with a caregiver who shows honest concern, is essential. Otherwise, the truth won't come out, if feeling pressured, or there's a lack of trust.
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