If you have children, a spouse, grandparents, or other relatives who need care and support, the role of the caregiver may fall to you. It may seem like an overwhelming task at first. However, being ready to take on that responsibility and having an action plan in place will make things much easier for you when the time comes. There are many types of medical professionals that can help you find the right assistance for your loved ones. Depending on their age and health, some require more assistance than others. Here is a list of the top 7 types of healthcare professionals needed for your family if they need support with daily activities or live in a nursing home:
OB-GYN Physicians
OB-GYN physicians specialize in the female reproductive system. If your loved one has recently had a hysterectomy or is in need of assistance with incontinence, an OB-GYN doctor may be able to assist them. They can also help manage the monthly menstrual cycle of women of childbearing age. If your loved one is having difficulty conceiving a child, an OB-GYN physician can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the problem. If your loved one has a chronic condition like diabetes, an OB-GYN doctor can help manage the symptoms associated with the disease. They can also examine the genitals and perform a Pap smear if your loved one is still menstruating. OB-GYN physicians are especially important for women who may have difficulty accessing gynecological care.
Dental Care Professional
Dental care professionals can provide assistance with daily oral hygiene tasks, like tooth brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. If your loved one is unable to perform these tasks independently, a dental professional can provide assistance. They can also assist with extractions, fillings, and other procedures if needed. While brushing your teeth multiple times per day is important, so is regular cleaning of the gums. Dental hygienists can perform a gentle, non-surgical gum cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. This procedure helps remove plaque and tartar from around the teeth and gums. It also stimulates the blood flow around the gums, which promotes healing.
Healthcare Aide or Nurse (RN)
A nurse can provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and accompanying symptoms, such as pain or shortness of breath. They can also help with injections and medications, like insulin, if required. A nurse can also help perform and document a physical assessment, such as checking the heart rate or blood pressure and observing wounds or growths. They can also assess and treat minor injuries. If your loved one is in need of assistance with dressing, bathing, or going to the bathroom, a nurse can provide that help as well. If your loved one has a chronic condition, a nurse can help manage symptoms and administer prescribed medications. Nurses are also trained in the administration of therapies like physical or occupational therapy. They can also help you create a care plan that details your loved one’s needs and addresses how you can meet those needs.
Audiologist
An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in hearing loss. If your loved one is experiencing hearing loss, an audiologist can perform hearing tests, including a hearing-level test, to determine the severity. They can also help you find an advanced hearing aid and teach your loved one how to use them. Audiologists can also offer assistance with tinnitus (a ringing in the ears) and vertigo (dizziness). They can also educate you on what symptoms to expect as hearing loss progresses. Hearing loss isn’t a disease that you can “catch,” but it can be caused by certain diseases and conditions. Hearing loss can happen at any age, and many people don’t seek treatment until they’ve lost most or all of their hearing.
Registered Dietitian And/Or Nutritionist
A dietitian or nutritionist can help you design a meal plan that is specific to your loved one’s needs and medical conditions. They can also assist with grocery shopping and help you with meal preparation. If your loved one is receiving supplemental nutrition through a feeding tube, a dietician or nutritionist can help determine the best meal plan for that. This process requires a lot of collaboration between you and the nutritionist. Dietitians and nutritionists can also provide assistance with helping you find community resources and programs that provide free or low-cost food for your loved one. They can also help you apply for food assistance programs, such as SNAP. Nutritionists can also help you develop a healthy eating plan for you and your family.
ENT Doctor
An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor can provide assistance with ear infections, as well as tonsillitis and sore throats. If your loved one is experiencing hearing loss, ENT doctors at the CT sinus center can also help rule out any potential hearing issues. They can also help with the administration of hearing aids and other assistive devices. ENT doctors can also assist with the diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis, nasal polyps, and nasal allergies. Sinusitis is an infection in the air-filled spaces behind your cheekbones that can cause pain and swelling in the face, including the forehead, cheeks, and eyes. It can also cause a thick yellow or green mucus to drain from the nose.
Geriatrician Or Psychiatrist
If your loved one is experiencing dementia, you may want to consider bringing in a geriatrician or psychiatrist. A geriatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of older adults. They can provide assistance with cognitive issues, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. They can also help treat symptoms related to dementia and other mental health disorders. These medical professionals can help you create a care plan that details your loved one’s needs and addresses how you can meet those needs. They can also help educate you on the relevant signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and how to handle them. Most importantly, they can help you find the care that your loved one deserves.