Attending doctor appointments

Tips for ATTENDING DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS

Why should a person see a doctor if they are concerned about their memory?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the earlier the better to rule out other possibilities. A doctor visit can assist in ruling out other possible treatable illnesses, such as a urinary tract infection or dehydration.

If it is determined to be some form of dementia, then there is medication that can be taken right away to assist in maintaining the cognitive level the patient is at, for a time, at least.

Some good things to keep in mind prior to the appointment is to make a list of areas of concern. What changes have you noticed since your last appointment? Any medical problems, changes in medications?

Write everything down on a list and make a copy to share with the nurse. This gives the doctor the opportunity to review it before starting the appointment. It is also more respectful to the person you may be assisting.

When I attend appointments with my mom or with my clients, the doctor and nurse will ask them questions that they are no longer able to answer, and it is clearly difficult for them. With the information already written down, often the questions have already been answered. This is less stressful for everyone.

When my mother was still living at home, we would sit down the night before her appointment, and I would ask her if there were any areas she wanted to talk to the doctor about.

As her Alzheimer’s progressed, this was a more difficult question for her to answer. I would bring up things that I had maybe noticed and then she would agree that it was a concern. This helped Mom feel she was still in control.

The day of her appointment we would review our thoughts, questions and concerns before going to the appointment. I always asked Mom’s permission to share it with the nurse and doctor.

Always keep in mind the importance of helping your loved one feel in control and respected.

These ideas are also a great help to both the nurse and doctor. The more they can understand what is happening behind the scenes the better they are able to treat your loved one.

The Family Circle

BY LAUREL HED

LSW GCM, works for Security First, SBC Adult Care Management Services

TREE

From Page 6

Last spring, I received many calls and emails about birch trees that were not leafing out. Zeleznik observed the same. “We saw this in 2021, especially with birch trees. Throughout the state, ornamental birch trees had a lot of dieback, and there was nothing we could do about it.”

Addressing whether there’s anything else we can do for our trees this time of year, Zeleznik says March is a great time to prune trees for several reasons. The trees are dormant, which means the insects and fungi that might cause problems are also dormant and won’t infest the fresh pruning wounds.

Zeleznik also says it’s easier to choose which branches to remove and which to keep because there are no leaves on the trees, making branches and their structure more visible.

If you’re questioning whether certain tree branches are dead, perform the scratch test. With your thumbnail or a knife, gently scratch away the outer grayish brown bark from twigs. The presence of a fresh green layer immediately beneath the outer bark indicates life. If that layer has turned brown, and the twigs are dry and snap when bent, that portion is dead and can be pruned away.

Dorset Storage Center

BRAD CARLSON BRAD CARLSON

Construction Inc.Construction Inc.

General Contractor - 24 Years Experience!

Residential & Light Commercial Construction Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, is the horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. Readers can reach him at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.