Call Us: (08) 9025 3285

Patients suffer from many different illnesses as they grow older, so it can be expected that elderly relatives and patients need the services of a doctor in the house as often as parents of sick babies do. Here are some of the most common illnesses elderly patients complain about and what a doctor in the house can do for them.

 

Doctor in the house’s answer to falling injury

Older patients have difficulty with their balance and mobility, so chances of falling from their bed, stairs, or uneven flooring is common. If the fall resulted in a serious injury, it is best to call an ambulance and rush the patient to the hospital. However, if the fall only caused painful but not life-threatening injuries like bruising, swelling, and tender bumps, then a medical doctor in the house can effectively address these problems. Dizziness, headaches, and sleepiness may accompany these physical injuries, so it is imperative for a doctor to check them out as soon as possible.

 

perth-doctor-in-the-house

Doctor in the house’s answer to respiratory problems

Elderly patients are vulnerable to infections caused by bacteria and virus, so respiratory illnesses are prevalent especially during the winter season. A doctor in the house is an excellent choice to address symptoms of respiratory infection such as a runny nose, sneezing, heavy coughing, fever, and headache. Home doctors provide comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of the problem and can prescribe needed medications and antibiotics to make you feel better faster.

 

Doctor in the house’s answer to gastrointestinal problems

Gastroenteritis, as well all know, is a common inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. It may be caused by bacteria, virus, parasites, or maybe a result of food poisoning. An elderly patient who experiences diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting may be suffering from gastroenteritis. A doctor in the house’s primary goal is to prevent dehydration that may cause further problems for the patient’s health.

Elderly patients must keep drinking fluids to replace the lost ones from their bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea. He may also prescribe oral rehydration salts that contain electrolytes that restore the energy of the body. Though not all gastro is contagious, it is still best to prevent the spread of the disease by proper handwashing and to separate the utensils of the patient as long as he still suffers from the infection. If their symptoms persist or worsen, maybe it is time to go to the nearest hospital for further monitoring and treatment.

 

 

Doctor in the house’s answer to UTI

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), like gastro, are very common among elderly patients. Because their immune system is getting weaker and the muscles of the body are deteriorating as they age, elderly patients are vulnerable to this type of infection. It is hard for them to empty their bladder fully, and because of their weakened bladder muscles, some also complain of incontinence. These patients are at a higher risk of developing UTI. The challenge for most doctors is to determine if elderly patients are really suffering from UTI because most of them do not manifest symptoms quite as clear as other middle-aged or young patients. They sometimes do not have a fever or complain of pain when urinating; instead, they show symptoms of delirium, dizziness, confusion, and behavioural changes that can be mistaken for psychological disturbance and other mental disorders, like dementia.

 

These are just some of the many reasons why a doctor in the house’s medical services are very helpful in managing continuous care for our elderly relatives or patients. Know the hotline number of the nearest home doctors services so you would know who to call when you need urgent medical care.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This