My father recently moved in with me, he is 75 years old and I am having a hard time managing the follow up appointments, coordinating referrals and just doing these admin things. I don't know how to address this with a full time job and other commitments.
Anyone have tips?
How do you guys manage this much level of work? Is this a suck it up and move on situation?
I am 77, still drive so does my DH and he is approaching 80. We are still capable of caring for ourselves. Still make our own appts and just arranged a referral for my husband. ( he is deaf) Don't enable or disable Dad. My doctors send me confirmations of appts and reminders on my cell. Set boundaries for yourself. You know the saying "while under my roof", that pertains to Dad now. There is a post now where Dad took over the OPs house. Drs now have portals you know can set up. This would help you know, if Dad goes to the Dr alone, what went on in the visit.
Appts, I cut down on my Moms. Her PCP was having her come in every two months. By law you only have to see a Dr every 6 months to renew meds. She was only on cholesterol and B/P meds. She went back when she needed to. Her gastrologist, once she was stable 1x a year. Her encronologist, every 6 months because of stability. IMO, once you are stabilized with some specialists, your PCP should be able to take over. You go back to the specialist if needed. I would have his Meds looked over by PCP. My Mom was on some from a hospital stay that were no longer needed.
I would call your County Office of Aging and ask if they provide Senior bussing. If so and he can go to the doctors alone, he can take the bus. They take people shopping too. Our County has transit bussing from town to town.
Referrals. I have the care of my disabled nephew. And of course, DH and I are having some small problems. I find that when given referrals for my nephew because the practice is based in a city 45 min to an hour away and they are part of a Hospital group they want to send him there. He does not drive. I will not drive in cities and not in unknown areas anymore. So, he needs to go somewhere closer. For us, we live closer to a boarding state but when we get referrals, we are directed to Drs up North farther away then the boardering State. So we pick someone closer by. Because a doctor refers you to another doctor does not mean you have to use them. Who Dad goes to should be whoever is more convenient for you.
What is your Dad's health issues that he needs to go so often?
Also, I hope you are having your Dad pay a share of rent, utilities and food.