If a Senior Loved One Needs Medical Attention, Where Should You Go?

Especially with older adults, immediate medical attention can be critical; however with a variety of care options including Urgent Care, Emergency Care, or a primary healthcare provider, we sometimes end up not knowing which one is most appropriate. Experts explain that the confusion is common as many seniors have a more complicated health history that can make a decision such as who to turn to for treatment more difficult. 

To help ensure you get the proper care, Dr. Douglas Kupas, an emergency physician and EMS physician at Geisinger in Danville, Pennsylvania, offers the following guidelines. To start with, he says you must consider several factors when deciding where to go for health care in various situations. “The most important is the type of injury or illness that you have, its severity and whether it fits with the resources at the site." 

For the most serious healthcare emergencies including those where the time to medical treatment can make a huge difference in outcome like heart attacks, strokes, shortness of breath in a person with COPD, confusion and disorientation, or a fall, call 911. The person needs to be taken to the Emergency Department of your area’s hospital where they will receive the highest level of specialty care in the most timely, efficient manner. 

An Urgent Care clinic is appropriate for moderately urgent healthcare issues that do not require immediate attention but cannot be put off until the person is able to schedule an appointment with their own healthcare provider. Urgent Care Clinics are equipped to handle cuts, sprain, low-grade fevers, ear infections, and other common ailments and may have an x-ray machine and lab. Your own physician is best used for routine care including check-ups and to discuss chronic health problems and medications. While it is more basic care, you are seeing a health professional who not only knows your medical history but personally knows you, which is important. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area. 

Source:
https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2018-02-07/emergency-room-urgent-care-or-primary-care-physician