3 Must-Make Annual Appointments for Seniors

As you or your loved one age from middle age to senior, an annual physician’s appointment simply isn’t enough. There’s so much that wears down naturally in the body that a 15- or 30-minute appointment with a general physician simply can’t offer a thorough examination of everything. Some of these issues are gradual and not easy to spot, but they diminish your quality of life if left unchecked. In fact, they can cause more extensive damage if left undiagnosed and untreated.

As a favor to yourself or to the senior loved one in your life, make a checklist of specialists you should visit annually, long before there are any outward symptoms of a problem. As the best specialists accept Medicare or at least offer specials such as a free examination or discounted prescriptions and aids, there’s a way to fit these visits into every budget. Speak with a senior center representative for assistance in transporting yourself or your loved one to these appointments if driving isn’t an option and public transit is limited. Make time for these appointments even if you have a busy schedule; if you can’t do it alone, there are people willing to help you or your loved one get the proper care.

Hearing Care

The loss of hearing isn’t always obvious. It could start with sounds becoming just slightly harder to understand and with conversations being a little harder to follow. Have a hearing care specialist examine your or your loved one’s hearing at least once a year. She’ll look for any gradual loss of hearing and make sure the health of the ear is intact. She’ll also prescribe hearing aids if necessary and adjust existing hearing aid prescriptions when the current prescription isn’t helping enough. Loss of hearing can prove isolating for a senior and could lead to depression, so it’s important you never go a long period untreated for hearing issues. If you or your loved one is capable of driving, hearing issues might also pose a safety risk if unable to hear a siren or a horn or that a blinker is still on.

Eye Care

Vision degrades over time, and it can be frightening to a senior to no longer be able to see. However, most vision problems, like hearing problems, occur gradually. It could start with a prescription no longer being strong enough or a formerly nearsighted person requiring bifocals as her close vision diminishes. Eye care is especially important if you or your loved one is still driving, as it may not be safe for a senior with impaired vision to operate a vehicle. During the senior years, your risk of developing cataracts and other eye issues is also greater.

Skin Care

A dermatologist will check for skin cancer, growths, rashes and other issues on a senior. It’s important that you treat cancer early before it spreads. It’s also essential that an expert spot any rashes that might be a side effect of a medication so the medication can be adjusted if necessary. Other things sometimes associated with life as a senior, such as adult diapers or pads, may also cause rashes and a dermatologist can offer relief from itchiness, dryness, and discomfort.

Every senior has her own health concerns, but these are just a few of the most basic that affect virtually everyone of an advanced age. Speak with your general physician or tag along for your senior loved one’s next doctor appointment to learn about other specialists that might be worth an annual visit.

About the Author: Rebecca Chainani is a senior care advisor from the Neptune, New Jersey area. She directs her clients to http://www.njhearingaids.com/ for their annual hearing care visit.

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