How do I get my mother, who mistrusts doctors, go to get her regular check ups?

Question:

She is about to turn 64 years old and I worry that she hasn't been to a doctor in over 10 years (at least). Whenever I try to get her to go, she just says that she doesn't want to spend her money going to the doctor. She has always been relatively healthy, but I just want her to get a check up or something.

Answers:
My mother is getting up in age also. I tell her that to make ME feel better, let's go see the doc and see if everything is okay with you. Alot of diseases share the same symptoms or hide their symptoms until they are ready to pounce. Offer to go with her and sit with her in the office and the examination room. Help her get a list of question you and she may have together to ask the doctor. Help her make a list of concerns she has. Ask her if she would prefer a female doctor to a male doctor. Maybe you could have the same tests done as she has hers done, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight. You'll both be filling out the same paperwork (if it's a new doc, and you're new patients)and that will help you to know your family health history.

Other Answers:
I'm wouldn't go. You couldn't make me.

I know for a fact that many people people think that they are healthy because they do not see any symptoms of anything occuring, but I have experienced this attitude in my own family. Explain to your mother that she only has one life and she should cherish and protect it as long as she can. Would she rather spend a few dollars now, or God forbid, wait until she has a life threatening disease and have to spend thousands.

You can have a nurse take her vital signs at home or look in your community resources for local health fairs usually offered in community locations. I would encourage you to get more than one opinion from different health care providers before deciding on medication or surgery.

Try to get the doctor home to see her.

I would tell her.."at the moment you have your right mind and choose not to go to the doctor; when you are unable to make a choice, I'm taking you whether you want to go or not." Advise her it's only for a checkup to keep her healthy longer.

More Questions and Answers

The consumer health information on youqa.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.

How do I get my mother, who mistrusts doctors, go to get her regular check ups?

Health Resources