What do you do when an adult refuses to go to the doctor?
Discussion
In our wider family, a concern has been raised that an adult is not well.
The person refuses to go to the doctor. Someone close to them, wanting to help, booked an appointment for them both, but they ended up going alone, and described the symptoms to the doctor.
The doctor was very professional, and obviously couldn't discuss detailed personal medical history (data protection etc) but did discuss some hypothetical cases, and suggest some possible causes.
One option would be a scan (CT, MRI or ultrasound) to eliminate some possible causes.
But it all needs the sick person to attend the surgery.
It appears there is no way of helping them if they don't want help.
I'm not medical expert, but on hearing the symptoms it seems to me like a progressive disease that could take months or years to reach "incapacity" stage, at which point an ambulance can be called, but it's basically too late. It's definitely not something that will fix itself, like a grazed arm, which gets better if you just get on with life, (drink, eat, sleep and be active).
Just asking if anyone has experience, and what can be done?
The person refuses to go to the doctor. Someone close to them, wanting to help, booked an appointment for them both, but they ended up going alone, and described the symptoms to the doctor.
The doctor was very professional, and obviously couldn't discuss detailed personal medical history (data protection etc) but did discuss some hypothetical cases, and suggest some possible causes.
One option would be a scan (CT, MRI or ultrasound) to eliminate some possible causes.
But it all needs the sick person to attend the surgery.
It appears there is no way of helping them if they don't want help.
I'm not medical expert, but on hearing the symptoms it seems to me like a progressive disease that could take months or years to reach "incapacity" stage, at which point an ambulance can be called, but it's basically too late. It's definitely not something that will fix itself, like a grazed arm, which gets better if you just get on with life, (drink, eat, sleep and be active).
Just asking if anyone has experience, and what can be done?
There’s nothing you can do unfortunately. I had a conversation with my mother some 25 years ago about my father and she dismissed my concerns. Fast forward to now and everything I said was pertinent and has crystallised in a man who is simply no longer independent, for no reason other than allowing it to happen.
My view is it suits my mother and I’ve been unable to do anything without causing a huge fuss.
I don’t know if your issue is the individual refusing to go or someone else encouraging the apathy.
My view is it suits my mother and I’ve been unable to do anything without causing a huge fuss.
I don’t know if your issue is the individual refusing to go or someone else encouraging the apathy.
What are the symptoms?
How old is the symptomatic individual?
Does the GP do video or telephone consultations?
Pharmacist may have some role to play with a reluctant person.
In the old days the GP would have dropped round for a cup of tea at the end of his / her home visits.
Many lives were saved by that means.
How old is the symptomatic individual?
Does the GP do video or telephone consultations?
Pharmacist may have some role to play with a reluctant person.
In the old days the GP would have dropped round for a cup of tea at the end of his / her home visits.
Many lives were saved by that means.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff