(Snippets from the frontline)
On being a housecall doctor
For over 30 years I have visited patients in their home, mostly elder seniors.
None of them drive, while 40% are bedridden from paralysis or age-related instability. Others use assisted mobility devices including wheelchairs and walkers and can’t get to doctor office appointments.
A housecall provides a unique perspective of a patient’s health and well-being. Clues how patients live can be important factors in their medical and psychosocial care:
-Photos on the wall as a window to their past;
-Bible or book of worship sustaining beliefs;
-a piano or musical instrument reflective of talents;
-displayed military awards and commendations;
-upkeep and cleanliness as an indicator of self-care;
-and a pet providing companionship.
Plus, one can assess potential dangers:
-unorganized prescription medication;
-hassock, rugs, or furniture that might lead to falls;
-lack of grab bars in the bathroom;
-no lighting if awakened at night;
-indoor and outdoor steps difficult to negotiate;
-empty refrigerator.
Providing housecalls by medical professionals — including doctors, nurses, chiropractors, dentists, optometrists, audiologists, wound care specialists, physical and occupational therapists, acupuncturists, social workers, and clergy — could keep elder seniors out of hospitals and in their homes.
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
Thank you Dr. Dorio, I am one of those who needs a walker. I do have a caregiver who assists with washing dishes, doing laundry, taking me to grocery shop using one of those ride-around mart carts. I can certainly see how havaing a good doctor come to my home would be a real help. Thank you for all your excellent physician reports — they are very good, so I share them with all my senior friends and all my senior cousins.