Month: September 2022

Depression is a serious mental illness that affects millions of people every year. It can cause a person to feel sad, hopeless, and worthless. In some cases, depression can be so severe that it leads to suicide. That is why everyone needs to know about depression screening. In this blog post, we will discuss what depression screening is and why it is important.

What is depression?

Depression is a mental illness that causes extreme feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair over some time. It can be so severe that it leads to suicide.

Depression is common in the U.S.; about 16 million American adults experience at least one major depressive episode each year. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 10 people have depression at any given time.

Although depression can occur at any age, it is most common among women between 45 and 64 years old, who also have a higher risk of suicide than men or younger adults.

Depression can affect your ability to function at work, school, or home. It may cause you to withdraw from friends and family members and make even simple tasks seem too much effort.

That’s why it’s important to recognize the symptoms of depression, seek help and take steps to manage the condition.

What is depression screening?

Depression screening is a brief, standardized assessment used to determine whether you may have depression. You can be asked about your symptoms and their severity, how long they’ve lasted and what impact they have on your life.

Some people with depression also experience anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Depression screening helps doctors rule out these other conditions before diagnosing depression. This is important because some medications used to treat these disorders can make it harder to diagnose depression.

Depression screening can also help you and your doctor decide whether medication or psychotherapy may be helpful. However, depression screening is not the same as a diagnostic interview, which is more comprehensive.

A diagnostic interview takes a thorough look at your symptoms and how they affect your life. It can help determine whether you have depression or another condition that causes similar symptoms, such as anxiety or bipolar disorder. If you think that you may have depression, talk to your doctor.

Screening Tools For Depression

There are several depression screening tools that you can use to help identify whether a person has depression. These tests are quick and easy to use and can be administered by health care providers or family members.

The most commonly used screening tools for depression include:

PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)

PHQ-9 is a depression screening tool used by health care professionals to make sure that patients are not depressed. It is a 9-question test that can be completed in five minutes or less.

The PHQ-9, a nine-question survey, asks patients to rate how often they have been bothered by a variety of symptoms in the past two weeks. It includes questions about your mood, sleep, physical symptoms, work, and social activities, eating habits, and energy level.

Each item is rated on a four-point scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day). Patients are considered to have the major depressive disorder if their total score is above 5.

PHQ-2 (Patient Health Questionnaire-2)

The PHQ-2 is a two-item screening tool for depression that can be used to evaluate your level of depressive symptoms. This test is a brief, reliable and valid measure of the presence of depressive symptoms in primary care settings.

The test consists of two questions about the frequency of depressed mood and anhedonia (lack of interest or pleasure) and asks patients to rate each symptom on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day). The total score ranges from 0 to 6. If you answer yes to either question 1 or 2, your result will be 2 points. But, if you answer yes to both questions, this is 4 points and so on.

If you have at least one positive answer out of the two items, you likely have depression.

Why should you get screened for depression?

Depression affects millions of Americans every year — including many who don’t realize they are depressed until they start feeling symptoms.

All too often, people think that depression is just a bad mood or feeling down. But depression is much more than that. Depression can cause extreme sadness and despair, as well as loss of interest or pleasure in things you normally enjoy.

Depression left untreated can lead to suicide. Hence, if you are feeling depressed, you must get screened for depression. If you have a family history of depression or other mental disorders, it’s especially important to talk with your doctor about how best to manage your health.

What Happens During Depression Screening?

Remember, depression screening is a short test that helps determine if you may have depression. It’s not a diagnostic tool, meaning it can’t tell you for sure if you have depression. But it’s an important first step in getting help for your symptoms.

Questionnaire

Depression screening tests vary from one place to another and from one doctor to another. Most use different versions of the same questionnaire asking about your mood, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors over the past two weeks.

Interview

After taking the questionnaire, you’ll discuss your answers with your doctor or nurse practitioner (NP). They will ask questions about how long these symptoms have been going on and what they’re like. They’ll also ask about other problems you might be having right now besides depression — like trouble sleeping or anxiety — that could affect how you answer these questions.

Medical History

The NP will also ask about your past. They will ask about your family history of depression and other mental health problems, how you were treated for these problems in the past, and if you’ve ever had thoughts about harming yourself or others. They will want to know if there’s a reason why you might be depressed now (like losing someone close to you).

The NP will also ask you some questions about your general health. This includes things like whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs. They’ll want to know if any medical issues could be causing depression or making it worse (like a thyroid problem). If so, they’ll include these in the diagnosis.

Lifestyle Questions

Finally, they’ll ask you about your life. This includes whether you have a job and what your work is like (if applicable), how many hours of sleep you get each night, and if there are any major stresses in your life right now (like financial difficulties).

Depression screening is not a one-and-done process. It’s more like a detective investigation, where the clinician gathers clues and pieces them together to form a diagnosis. This process can take several visits, with each visit building on what happened in previous ones.

How long does depression screening take?

The length of the process depends on how quickly you and your clinician can get through all of the necessary steps. It’s important to remember that a proper depression screen takes time—especially if it’s an in-person visit. And don’t worry about feeling like it’s taking too long; if anything, going slow and thorough will result in more accurate results!

What happens after my depression screening test results come back?

If you have screened positive for depression, your healthcare provider will review the results and discuss their meaning. You and your clinician must work together to develop a treatment plan.

The plan will be based on the severity of your symptoms and how long they’ve lasted; it could include therapy, medication, or both.

If you don’t screen positive for depression but are still struggling with symptoms, your clinician can work with you to find an appropriate course of action.

What if I decide to seek treatment?

If you decide to seek treatment for depression, it’s important to find a mental health professional who is right for you. It can be helpful to talk with your primary care doctor or other health care providers about the pros and cons of different types of treatment.

Some people with depression may not be interested in medication or therapy and may prefer to try other ways of managing their symptoms. Other people prefer to use a combination of treatments. There’s no one right way to treat depression—the best approach is the one that works best for you.

Where can I get a depression screening?

You can get a depression screening at your primary care doctor’s office or mental health provider. They may do it as part of an annual checkup or ask if you want to be screened for depression when you see them for other reasons (like if you’re having trouble sleeping).

If you’re worried about depression and want to know how to get a depression screening, start by talking with your doctor. Ask if they would be willing to do one. If not, ask if they can refer you to someone else who does.

Does my health insurance cover it?

The short answer is yes. Many healthcare plans cover some form of depression screening. However, there are some differences between plans and even within the same plan from year to year. This makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they’re covered for and how much it will cost them out-of-pocket.

How often should I get screened for depression?

Depression screening is not a one-time thing. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it’s important to get screened again in the future so your doctor can track your progress.

Moreover, the American Psychiatric Association recommends that all adults undergo depression screening at least once in their lives. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recommends that people who are at higher risk of depression should be screened more often than this.

Takeaway

Depression is a very real issue. It goes beyond the simple blues and can have a detrimental effect on your life, your career, and your goals.

If you have problems that go beyond the everyday struggles with stress and insecurity, then take a moment to consider whether or not you may be dealing with depression. If you feel that answer is yes, follow up and get screened.

Depression Screening is a useful tool for identifying or ruling out those suffering from depression. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to get screened again in the future so your doctor can track your progress.

The screening process is quick. It can help you determine whether you need to seek additional treatment or simply monitor your symptoms. Whether you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, or both, getting screened by a professional who can guide your treatment plan is important.

Almost everyone goes through some level of anxiety or depression at some point in their lives. Under the right circumstances, anxiety can be a helpful response that makes you more careful when you’re in a dangerous or stressful situation. In addition, it’s common for people to have traumatic life changes that leave them feeling alone, sad, and uninterested.

If these feelings stay and get in the way of your daily life, you may have a mental disorder. But how can you tell whether what you’re suffering from is anxiety or depression?

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out which condition is causing the symptoms. A lot of people think they deal with anxiety or depression. However, they can have both anxiety and depression at the same time. The confusion is due to the reason that both conditions can look like the other.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal response of your body to stress. It’s the worry or fear about what’s going to happen. Some people get nervous and worried when they have to do something new, like go to an interview or give a speech on the first day of school.

It’s normal to be anxious before big changes in your life, like moving into a new home or taking an important exam. Even though anxiety is uncomfortable, it could push you to work harder and perform better. Normal anxiety is a fleeting feeling that doesn’t interfere with your daily life.

However, you might have an anxiety disorder if your worries are severe and it lasts for more than six months. If you have an anxiety disorder, you may always feel afraid. It can be painful and sometimes even stop you from moving. Because the constant worry may lead you to stop doing the things you love.

Symptoms of anxiety include:

• Worry about the near or the long-term future 
• Not being able to stop thinking about a problem over and over
• Needing to escape a circumstance
• Starting to think about dying because of how dangerous or bad things seem to be
• Trouble focusing because of anxiety or the continuous ideas
• Different thoughts make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep
• Upset stomach
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Faster heartbeat, shaking, sweating, and tense muscles

No one knows the sure causes of anxiety. But it’s likely that more than one thing is to blame.

Some things that can cause anxiety are:

• Stress
• Other health problems like depression
• Family members with generalized anxiety disorder
• Being extremely shy as a kid
• Major shock due to trauma
• Certain phobias
• Verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
• Drug use
• Surgery

What Is Depression?

Depression is a type of disorder that affects how you feel. It can be thought of as extreme feelings of sadness, loss, or anger. People have different ways of being depressed. It could get in the way of your daily work, costing you time and making you less productive. It can also have an effect on relationships and impact ongoing health problems.

Even though depression and grief have some things in common, it differs in the way sadness is felt after a traumatic event. Depression is usually accompanied by self-hate or a loss of self-confidence, while grief doesn’t. Additionally, in depression, being sad is constant.

People with depression will have different symptoms. The severity, frequency, and length of time of symptoms can also vary. The signs of depression can be different for men, women, teens, and children.

If you have some of the following signs and symptoms of depression almost every day for at least two weeks, you may be depressed. Depression symptoms are:

• Feeling down, worried, or “empty”
• Feeling sad, worthless, and hopeless
• Crying a lot 
• Feeling upset, irritated, or angry
• Losing interest in many things you used to enjoy
• Low energy or tiredness
• Having trouble focusing, remembering things, or making decisions
• Lowered self-esteem
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Chronic pain (headaches, abdominal pains, digestive problems, and cramps)
• Thoughts of dying, killing oneself or hurting oneself
• Suicide attempts

Many things could lead to depression. Common causes include:

• Imbalance of chemicals in parts of the brain that control thoughts, mood, sleep, behavior, and appetite
• Changes in hormone levels
• Family history
• Brain structure
• Troubles or trauma during early childhood
• Substance abuse
• Medical conditions like chronic illness, insomnia, stroke, or cancer
• Chronic physical or emotional pain

What Are The Similar Symptoms Of Anxiety And Depression?

Depression and anxiety are both very common, and they often occur at the same time. More than half of the people with anxiety also have signs of depression, and the same goes for depression. Each illness can make the other’s symptoms worse or last longer.

The same genes and brain structure can also be the root of anxiety and depression. Other triggers can be stress and trauma experienced in early life.

If you have either or both anxiety and depression, you might have the following symptoms:

• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Changes in levels of energy
• Sensitive mood and irritability
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Having trouble concentrating, focusing, and remembering
• Having aches, pains, or stomach problems for no clear reason

What Are The Distinct Thought Patterns Of Anxiety And Depression?

Both conditions can cause people to worry. Rumination is a general term for repeatedly having sad, dark, or other negative thoughts. Even though you don’t want these thoughts, you can’t seem to stop having them.

If you have anxiety, you may be:

• stuck in a loop where you keep thinking about all the ways something could go wrong
• you can’t stop worrying about things, even though you know there’s nothing you can do about it

On the other hand, if you have depression, you may be:

• feeling bad about not having enough energy to hang out with friends
• stuck in a cycle of going over things that happened in the past. And then blaming yourself for things you can’t change, like depression itself

Moreover, if you have any signs of anxiety or depression, you should get help from a medical practitioner immediately. It’s time to seek professional help when:

• You have a hard time going about your daily life
• You no longer engage in events and activities you once enjoyed
• You have no energy so it’s hard for you to get out of bed

It’s important to get help for mental illnesses. It usually doesn’t go away on its own. If you don’t get help, it may worsen, cause other health issues, or even last for a long time.

How To Deal With Anxiety And Depression?

Get counseling

A trained therapist can develop a plan to help you with your anxiety and depression. Personal counseling teaches better ways to show and control feelings, including anger. It also enables you to alter self-defeating thoughts and behaviors.

Counseling gives people the chance to look at the way they feel, their beliefs, and their actions toward it. It also helps in dealing with difficult memories and figuring out what they would like to change in their lives. Thus, learning more about themselves to set personal goals and work on the changes they want.

Try different deep breathing works

Get comfortable and take a deep breath from your diaphragm. As you breathe in, your stomach should get bigger. Then try taking slow deep breaths.

You can also try square breathing:

1. Take a deep breath for five counts.
2. Hold it for five counts.
3. Exhale for five counts.

After that, hold it for five counts before taking another deep breath. It will help if you spend the whole time focusing on your breath instead of the stressful event.

Studies have shown that breathing exercises and being mindful can improve your mental health. It makes you feel better and help you feel less stressed or depressed. You can also think more clearly and feel less anxious when you do breathing exercises.

Exercise

Exercise can help people with both depression and anxiety feel better. One reason could be that exercise makes your brain produce chemicals that make you feel good and boost your mood. It’s also been shown to help with problems like low self-esteem and social isolation.

Additionally, it takes your mind off of your worries, fears, and other bad thoughts. Even walking for as little as 10 minutes may help.

Get social support

Having close friends makes you feel better. Reach out to family and friends and tell them what’s going on so they can give you support. Social support helps people deal with stressful physical and psychosocial events. It is also a factor in reducing emotional stress when you are faced with stressful events.

You can also join a support group and meet other people who are going through some things you are also experiencing.

Other steps you can do:

• get organized
• read a good book
• make new goals
• be creative
• do something important and meaningful

Final Note

A reputable mental health professional should be consulted with any questions or concerns regarding depression and anxiety. With the help of a doctor, it will be easier to pinpoint the origin of the problem.

Talking about your symptoms in therapy can help you and your therapist recognize the problem. After you and your therapist have isolated the problem, you can work together to develop strategies to deal with it.

But, for some people, it can be difficult to talk about your mental illness. Mental health and mental illnesses are often looked down upon because of the stigma around them. Thus, it can make it hard for people to get the help and support they need.

However, mental illnesses are very common. About 1 in 5 people is going to have some kind of mental illness at some point in their lives. So don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need to.

We all worry sometimes. It’s a natural part of being human and can even be helpful in some situations. But what if you constantly worry about things that don’t seem like they should cause you to be stressed? What if your worries are so intense that they’re interfering with your ability to get through the day? They could be signs of something more serious, like anxiety.

What is Normal Worrying?

Normal worrying is when you have thoughts about something bad happening in the future and are afraid it will happen. This is called “anticipatory anxiety.” Normal worrying helps you deal with problems by giving you time to plan how you will handle them if they do occur.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses that cause people to feel overly anxious or worried about things in their lives — even when there’s no reason for concern. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting more than 40 million adults in 2017 alone.

People with anxiety disorders may have had them for years, or they might just be starting with their first episode of panic attacks or other symptoms of an anxiety disorder. It’s also possible for someone to have an anxiety disorder for many years and not realize it until later on down the road when their symptoms get worse.

Anxiety Symptoms

There are several types of anxiety disorders. The most common types include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

GAD causes excessive worrying about everyday problems for at least six months and negatively impacts your life. You may also have physical symptoms such as insomnia, muscle tension, fatigue, and irritability.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder affects how you interact with other people and makes it difficult for you to perform in public or be around others without feeling embarrassed or humiliated by your actions or appearance. The symptoms of social phobia include blushing, trembling, sweating, nausea, and having a rapid heartbeat when you’re faced with any kind of social situation.

Panic disorder

Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort that can last from a few minutes to hours. A panic attack can cause physical symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. People with panic disorder have recurring panic attacks and often worry about when the next one will occur.

Normal Worrying vs. Anxiety

The difference between normal worrying and anxiety can be hard to define. Are you just being a little too anxious, or is your anxiety actually causing problems in your life?

If you have an anxiety disorder, it is more than just worrying. It’s a condition that causes extreme feelings of fear, dread, or uneasiness about everyday situations. People with anxiety tend to constantly worry about certain things and might experience panic attacks or extreme anxiety when confronted with their fears.

Here are some of the differences between normal worry and anxiety:

Duration

One of the biggest differences between normal worrying and anxiety is the duration. Normal worrying is short-lived, while anxiety lasts for days or weeks.

Normal worrying tends to come and go, while anxiety often sticks around and can get worse over time.

The difference in duration is also reflected in how you feel when you’re experiencing normal worry versus anxiety. With normal worry, you’re likely to feel tense and anxious when you start to worry. But that feeling will fade away as soon as your mind shifts its focus elsewhere. If you find yourself worrying about something constantly—even when it’s not appropriate—then it may be a sign that you’re experiencing anxiety.

Cause And Effects

Normal worrying is based on rational thought—you’re concerned about something that could happen in real life, and that concern makes sense to you. You might be worried about an upcoming test, for example. You’ve studied for it for weeks, but now the day is here, and you’re still worried that you won’t do as well as you know you can.

This kind of worry is actually helpful—it motivates us to prepare for what we think is coming. So, when it does come, we’re ready for it! It also motivates us to take action when we need to. If there’s something we need to do to prepare for our upcoming test (like studying more), then we’ll do it.

Anxiety doesn’t always make sense. Sometimes it can cause people to have false beliefs or fears. They may become convinced that something bad will happen even though there is no reason to believe this will happen at all!

And because anxiety isn’t always grounded in reality, people who suffer from it often don’t know how to cope with their symptoms. They may try to avoid situations that make them anxious, like going to a party or riding in an elevator. But this can make things worse because they never get the chance to learn that these situations aren’t dangerous after all.

Intensity

Normal worrying is usually proportional to the situation at hand. It’s a bit like a car alarm that goes off when someone opens your car door, even though you’re parked in a safe place. It’s going to cause you to check all of your doors and windows, but it’s not going to keep you up at night.

When you’re worrying about something, it’s normal for your thoughts to be intense and focused on the issue at hand. In fact, that’s how worry works—you’re hyper-focused on one particular thing.

Anxiety is different. Anxiety causes people to fixate on negative outcomes—even when they know they are unlikely or impossible. This can lead them to avoid situations that they might otherwise not consider scary or threatening. It can also lead them to obsess about their fears and what could go wrong in those situations for days or weeks before actually experiencing them.

Effects On Daily Life

When you worry about something, it’s normal to feel some tension in your body and mind. You might even notice that you start to sweat or feel like you’re having trouble breathing. But these things are all temporary and will pass on their own.

Normal worrying doesn’t affect a person’s ability to function; they can do all the things they normally do.

Anxiety, on the other hand, can have a major impact on your daily life. People with anxiety often experience things like panic attacks and dizziness that make it hard for them to be around other people or go out in public without feeling embarrassed. They may also withdraw from activities they used to enjoy because they’re afraid of being judged by others or making mistakes.

Intervention

Normal worry is just that: normal. Normal worrying is a common part of life and doesn’t usually require intervention. It’s when people spend a lot of time thinking about things beyond their control, and it can be stressful sometimes. But it won’t stop you from living your life or doing daily activities.

On the other hand, anxiety is a severe mental condition that requires professional treatment. If you think you’re suffering from anxiety, it’s important to visit a doctor. They can perform a physical exam and run some tests to rule out any other medical issues. They can also refer you to a mental health professional if they feel that treatment is necessary.

Treatment For Anxiety

Anxiety is a problem that nearly everyone has to deal with at some point, and it comes in many different forms. Whether you’re struggling with social anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder, there are many ways to treat this debilitating condition.

First, it’s important to identify the cause of your anxiety. Suppose you have a medical condition that causes anxiety, such as an overactive thyroid or high blood pressure. In that case, these should be treated first before you try any other methods of treatment.

However, once they’re under control, there are several ways to treat your anxiety:

Talk therapy

Talking about your feelings in a safe space can help alleviate them. A therapist will listen and guide you through the process of understanding what’s causing your anxiety and help you work through it, so it doesn’t control your life anymore.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat anxiety. These can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. They come in many forms, such as pills, patches, and inhalers.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing your thoughts about situations that trigger anxiety. It can be helpful for people who are feeling anxious and want to learn how to cope with their feelings. CBT teaches you healthy ways of thinking so that you can easily handle stressful situations.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, normal worrying and anxiety are two sides of the same coin. They both can be fueled by the same fears and anxieties, but they manifest in different ways.

The key to distinguishing between them is understanding that normal worrying is a tool for your brain to help you solve problems—it’s just a little more intense than most people need. On the other hand, anxiety is a sign that something isn’t right in your life, and you should seek professional help if it persists.

So what can you do? If you’re experiencing normal worrying, don’t stress out about it! It’s perfectly natural to wonder if something bad might happen or someone will get mad at you. But if it’s interfering with your daily life or causing you more than occasional discomfort, talk with a trusted advisor about how to handle it next time around!

Anxiety is part of our response to the environment around us. It is a normal and healthy emotion. But, when a person experiences too much anxiety, it may become a medical issue. The importance of anxiety screening becomes more apparent when your anxiety worsens. A person must be mindful of his condition. He must also keep in check how stress impacts his health.

What is Anxiety? 

Anxiety manifests as physical tension, anxious thoughts, and physiological shifts. In other words, anxiety is the fear of something terrible happening in the future. Tense muscles and avoiding situations cause this most of the time.

It is a typical stress response and, in some cases, can be helpful. It can alert us to threats and assist us in paying attention. 

Yet, anxiety disorders differ from usual uneasiness to too much worry. There is a diagnosis when a person’s anxiety is out of proportion to the situation. 

Anxiety problems trouble people at some point in their lives. It gets in the way of normal functioning. It also triggers or makes the symptoms worse. Hence, work, school, and personal relationships may suffer. 

The good news is that there are treatments for anxiety disorders. With treatment, some people may enjoy productive lives. Thus, a person should take Anxiety Screening to receive early treatment.

What do you do in Anxiety Screening? 

The first step is for you to consult a physician to rule out any physical cause for the symptoms. A mental health professional helps you find the best way to treat your anxiety disorder.

There are easy and accessible anxiety screenings out there. It is available through the internet or in your doctor’s office. Here are the general processes to follow.

1. You will give some personal information to ensure that you receive appropriate screening.
2. The anxiety screening will include questions about nine distinct types of anxiety disorders.
3. Your results will be available to review, print, or email. These screenings alone cannot diagnose. The proper diagnosis requires more details about you from medical professionals.

Take note that the primary goal of online screening is to find out if you have an anxiety disorder. This kind of screening also looks for mood disorders and harmful drinking habits.

The goal of anxiety screening is to educate, not to make a clinical diagnosis. A trained mental health professional can only diagnose mental illnesses.

Remember that the purpose of the test results is to share them with your doctor. It gives details on diagnosis and treatment. Before making a final diagnosis, doing a complete evaluation is a must. These evaluations ensure that no other diseases could cause the symptoms.

What are the different tools for Anxiety Screening? 

There are many screening tests for anxiety. Tests like these can help a person figure out what’s wrong. It also helps in determining how bad the anxiety is. 

You can do these tests at home, but a mental health professional needs to look at them. Tools for checking for anxiety include:

Patient Health Questionnaire

PHQ-9 has nine items on the patient health questionnaire’s depression scale. Its basis is the nine criteria for major depressive disorder in the DSM-IV. The PHQ-9 can also be a screening tool that keeps track of a patient’s symptoms. It sees how well the patient is getting better due to treatment.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment

GAD-7 has seven questions that measure how bad a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is. The patient rates the intensity of his symptoms over the past two weeks. Responses include “never,” “many days,” “more than fifty percent of the days,” and “almost every day.” 

Primary care patients, the general population, and GAD adolescents use this assessment. The patient can take the questionnaire at home. It only takes around 1-2 minutes to complete.

Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale

BFNE shows how a person tolerates public judgment. It sees how one reacts to the thought of poor treatment towards them. It also measures their fear of others judging them. This scale studies people’s general social behavior. It is a key diagnostic test for social phobia and other disorders.

Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale

HAM-A was one of the first scales to test anxiety symptoms. Mental health professionals still use it today. The 14-item scale rates both psychological and somatic anxiety. Each item ranges between 0 (not present) to 4 (severe), with a total score range of 0–56. Less than 17 indicates mild severity, 18–24 mild to moderate, and 25–30 moderate to severe.

Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale

LSAS is a self-rated scale with 24 items used to assess social anxiety in different scenarios. The scale measures social anxiety in research studies. It looks at a patient’s symptoms in a therapy setting. People that think they might have an anxiety problem can also take it.

Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale

OASIS is a quick, continuous evaluation of anxiety’s total severity and impairment. OASIS is applicable for anxiety disorders and multiple anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptoms below the threshold are also relevant to the scale. Many contexts and groups use this 5-item instrument.

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale

HADS is a 14-question test where each question has a score. The scores range between 0 (no impairment) and 3 (severe impairment). Anxiety or depression can get the most score of 21. 

Its purpose is to measure anxiety and depression in medical patients. The patient’s physical health should be minimal in the test scores.

Patient Health Questionnaire-4 

PHQ-4 has four items scored on a four-point Likert-type scale. It bases on the first two questions of the “GAD 7” and the “PHQ-8”. This tool gives a quick and accurate way to measure anxiety and depression.

Penn State Worry Questionnaire

PSWQ is a 16-item self-report questionnaire measuring worry in adults. The scale checks extreme, broad, and unmanageable worry. PSWQ also discerns GAD from other anxiety disorders. Clinical and non-clinical contexts use this screening and diagnostic questionnaire.

Social Phobia Inventory

SPIN diagnoses and measures the degree of Social Anxiety Disorder. This test was released in the early 2000s. The social phobia tests did not look at the full range of acute physical symptoms at that time. And so, the Social Phobia Inventory aims to address this shortcoming.

This assessment was made through the efforts of Connor et al.; at Duke University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

What comes next? 

Your symptoms play an important role in knowing if you have anxiety. Mental health experts use the DSM to identify anxiety based on symptoms. Aside from anxiety, they can also diagnose other mental diseases. 

Your first goal if you have anxiety should not be to get rid of or cure your anxiety. Instead, learn how to manage it. Medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can help control anxiety. 

Your primary care physician will refer you to a psychiatrist for further evaluation. The psychiatrist can then give which anti-anxiety medications will work best for you. Medications will provide the desired results. So, you must follow the suggested treatment plan.

It is also a good idea to try going to therapy. It provides an environment for you to discuss your situation. You can join a support group if you are not comfortable with a solo discussion. It is where people can relate to what you are going through. 

These practices can help you gain control of your worries. It can help you figure out what is causing them in the first place.

Last, find active methods of stress relief. These activities can lessen the effects of anxiety. You can try exercising, finding hobbies, keeping a journal, and socializing. Avoid alcohol and drugs because their side effects may worsen your condition.

Conclusion

Anxiety is not easy. It is not something that a series of blood tests can detect. It has different forms and can go with other illnesses. You can prevent anxiety from holding you back by working on getting control over it.

Even so, anxiety is as severe as any physical illness. Those who have it need help and support. Anxiety disorders can influence one’s well-being. So it’s crucial to perform an anxiety screening to know if your feelings are normal or a symptom.

There are online and in-person procedures that offer anxiety screenings. Do not wait for anyone before taking such tests. It is best to get the help you need, especially if you feel overwhelmed with your emotions.

The sooner you are aware of your anxiety, the faster you can treat and manage it. With managed anxiety, you can perform your daily activities with more ease.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting 40 million adults in the US each year. While anxiety disorders can affect people of any age, they are most common in teenagers. This blog post will discuss seven signs that your child may be struggling with teen anxiety disorder. If you suspect your teenager is struggling with anxiety, please seek professional help.

What Is Anxiety In Teens

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing. Moreover, anxiety can be caused by various factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences.

For teens, anxiety can be especially debilitating. They may worry about things far out of their control, such as world events or the future. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Teens with anxiety may also avoid activities and situations that trigger their symptoms. This can make it difficult to go to school, make friends, or even leave the house.

If you are a teen with anxiety, know that you are not alone. Many resources are available to help you manage your symptoms and live a full and happy life. Talk to your parents, teachers, or doctor about what you’re going through. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help.

Common Signs of Teen Anxiety

It can be difficult to tell if your teen is just going through a phase or if they’re experiencing anxiety. Here are seven signs that your teen may be struggling with anxiety:

Emotional Changes

Significant emotional changes are one of the most common signs of anxiety in teens. If your teen is suddenly more irritable, easily agitated, or prone to outbursts, it could be a sign that they’re struggling with anxiety.

Although it’s normal for teens to experience mood swings, if you notice that your teen’s emotions are out of character or seem disproportionate to the situation, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

It’s important to talk to your teen about what’s happening and see if there might be any underlying causes for their emotional changes.

Changes To Academic Performance

There are a few key things to consider if you think your teen is struggling with anxiety. One big sign is a change in academic performance. If your child was previously an A student and suddenly starts getting C’s or D’s, it could cause concern. Of course, other factors can contribute to a drop in grades, but if other signs of anxiety accompany it, it’s worth looking into.

Anxious teens may also start withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy or have difficulty concentrating in school. If you notice your child is struggling in any of these areas, it’s important to talk to them about it and see if there might be an underlying issue. Anxiety can be tough to deal with, but there are ways to manage it and get help.

Trouble Sleeping

If your teen is having difficulty sleeping, it may indicate anxiety. Anxiety can manifest in different ways, and for some people, one of the ways it manifests is through difficulty sleeping. If your teen is having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it could be a sign that they’re anxious.

Sleep deprivation can also cause anxiety. If your teen is not getting enough sleep, it can exacerbate anxiety and worsen it. If your teen is experiencing anxiety, getting them help is important. There are many ways to treat anxiety, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Social Withdrawal

It can be difficult to tell if your teen is just going through a phase or if they’re actually experiencing anxiety. However, one of the most common signs of anxiety in teens is social withdrawal. If your teen suddenly stops hanging out with their friends and becomes withdrawn, it’s important to take notice. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your teen is experiencing full-blown anxiety, but it’s a sign that something is going on.

If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, the best thing to do is talk to them about it. Let them know that you’re there for them and that they can come to you with anything. If their anxiety is severe, you may want to consider seeking professional help.

Unhealthy Eating Habits

Unhealthy eating habits are often a sign of teen anxiety. If your teen is not eating properly, it could be a sign that they are experiencing anxiety. There are a few different ways to tell if your teen is not eating properly due to anxiety.

One way to tell if your teen is not eating properly due to anxiety is by their weight. Teens who are anxious may lose weight due to their anxiety. If your teen has lost a significant amount of weight, it could be a sign that they are anxious.

Another way to tell if your teen is not eating properly due to anxiety is by their eating habits. Teens who are anxious may skip meals or eat very little. They may also eat more than usual. If your teen is skipping meals or eating more or less than usual, it could be a sign of anxiety.

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can be extremely frightening for teens. They may feel like they have a heart attack or that they’re going to die. It’s important to understand that panic attacks are not dangerous, and they cannot hurt your teen. However, they can be very debilitating and make it hard for your teen to function in their everyday life.

Panic attacks are often triggered by a specific event or situation. For example, your teen may have a panic attack when they’re in a crowded place or when they’re taking a test. It’s important to help your teen identify their triggers so that they can avoid them if possible.

Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem can be a sign of teen anxiety. Anxiety can cause teens to doubt themselves and their abilities. This can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. Teens with anxiety may avoid activities or situations where they feel they will be judged or evaluated. They may also withdraw from friends and family. If you notice your teen is exhibiting these signs, it’s important to talk to them and get help.

Moreover, low self-esteem is often characterized by a lack of confidence and self-doubt. Teens with low self-esteem may feel they are not good enough or that they do not fit in. They may avoid trying new things or taking risks.

How To Help Teens With Anxiety

Knowing how to help a teen with anxiety can be difficult. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to support your child. However, it’s important to remember that there are limits to what you can do. Here are some tips on how to help a teen with anxiety:

Communication Is Key

Talking to your teenager about their anxiety can be a difficult conversation. You want to be supportive, but you also don’t want to make them feel like their anxiety is a problem. Nevertheless, communication is key when it comes to helping your teenager manage their anxiety.

Here are a few tips on how to communicate with your teenager about their anxiety:

Listen more than you speak. It can be tempting to want to offer advice or fix the problem, but sometimes the best thing you can do is just listen. Let your teenager know that you’re there for them and that you understand what they’re going through.

Encourage them to talk about their anxiety. It’s important for teenagers to feel like they can talk openly about their anxiety without being judged. Ask questions and show genuine interest in understanding what they’re going through.

Seek Professional Help

It can be incredibly difficult to watch your teenager suffer from anxiety. As a parent, you may feel helpless and alone. You may not know how to best support your teen or where to turn for help. Seeking professional help is a great step in getting your teenager the support they need.

Moreover, there are many reasons to seek professional help for your teenager’s anxiety. A therapist can provide tools and coping mechanisms to help your teen manage their anxiety. They can also help you as a parent to understand and support your child through this difficult time.

Bottom Line

Anxiety can manifest in different ways, so it’s important to pay attention to your teen’s behavior. If you’re concerned that your teen may be struggling with anxiety, reach out to their doctor or mental health professional.

If left untreated, anxiety can have a negative impact on your teen’s life. It can lead to problems with school, friends, and family. It can also lead to physical health problems.

If you think your teen may be struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to families dealing with anxiety. With the right help, your teen can learn to manage their anxiety and live a healthy life.

Palliative house calls are helpful for those diagnosed with a long-term illness. It gives patients comfort and a better quality of life. However, people still often have questions about palliative care. 

Here are a few of the most common questions about palliative care services.

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is care that focuses on the person and their family. It helps with the symptoms, side effects, and stress of a severe illness. The main objective is to enhance the patient’s and family’s quality of life.

Where Do I Go To Get Palliative Care?

You will need a reference from your doctor (often your primary care physician) and a doctor’s order.

Who Pays For Palliative Care?

Numerous individuals inquire, “Does Medicare cover palliative care?” Medicare and other insurance programs often cover palliative care services.

Is Palliative Care the Same As Hospice?

Palliative house calls are distinct from hospice care. Palliative care may start at any stage of severe disease, including when a person is diagnosed while undergoing therapy to cure their condition and when they are reaching the end of their lives. Explore the differences further.

Who Can Receive Palliative Care?

People with serious diseases can get palliative house calls if their doctor refers them and gives them an order. Some common conditions that are treated are heart disease, cancer, lung disease, Alzheimer’s/dementia, kidney disease, chronic liver disease, and diabetes. Pain and trouble breathing are the two most common and severe symptoms that palliative care helps with, according to the World Health Organization.

Who Provides Palliative Care?

The patient’s pain and other symptoms are taken care of during the initial consultation and follow-up visits. The nurse practitioner works with your healthcare providers, social workers, and the medical director. 

Where Is Palliative Care Provided?

No matter where you live, you can get palliative care. For some people, this is their home. Some people get palliative care in hospitals, nursing homes, or other places.

What Exactly Does Being In Palliative Care Mean?

Families often question what it means for a loved one to receive palliative house calls. They fear that it may indicate, for instance, that their loved one cannot be treated. That is not always true. Palliative care offers respite from the pain, anxiety, and symptoms of various life-threatening conditions, some of which are treatable.

What Does Palliative Care Focus On?

A grave prognosis may be accompanied by severe and distressing bodily signs as well as emotional suffering. Palliative care focuses on assisting you in overcoming these obstacles so that you and your loved ones may enjoy more peace of mind and a higher quality of life. It can help with symptoms such as discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, exhaustion, and sleeplessness.

What Kind Of Results Should I Anticipate From Participating In A Palliative Care Program?

The First Evaluation

A palliative nurse practitioner will assess pain and symptoms, check vital signs, discuss care needs, and make a care plan.

Follow-Up Visits

During future visits, the practitioner will help monitor and treat pain and other symptoms and work with a social worker to assist with planning and providing emotional support. Depending on your needs, your follow-up visits could last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. You will usually get between one and two visits per month, depending on what you need.

Coordinating Health Care

The palliative health care team will coordinate with your other doctors and nurses to make sure you get coordinated care and safe, smooth changes in care as needed.

What Do Palliative Care Principles Consist Of?

There are fundamental principles of palliative care assigned by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care. Palliative care is: 

• Relevant at any stage of a serious illness can be given along with treatment options to help cure the condition.
• Not based on a prognosis but on what the patient and family need over time.
• Provided throughout all care settings and wherever the patient calls home.
• Focused on what is essential to the patient, family, and caregiver(s). In other words, respecting their priorities and preferences for care.
• Delivered by a team of people from different fields. People who work together to meet the whole-care needs of the patient and their family and caregivers.

If I’m Getting Treatment To Cure My Condition, Can I Still Get Palliative Care?

Yes. You may get palliative care with curative treatment for your condition. Your symptoms may be better controlled with palliative care, enabling you to focus on what is most important to you.

What Does Palliative Care Involve?

Palliative care includes defining tailored care objectives, such as pain and symptom management and emotional support, which may help you feel more comfortable and enjoy life on your own terms.

What Equipment Do I Need For Palliative Care At Home?

During the first visit, the nurse practitioner will be able to tell if you need a hospital bed, oxygen equipment like a ventilator, wheelchair, or other kinds of equipment.

How Long Does Palliative Care Last?

As long as the services are necessary, palliative care may be provided. It might also mean until your health improves and you no longer need palliative care or until you get hospice care.

Will The Palliative Team Take Over My Care?

No. Your primary care physician will continue to be responsible for your care. The palliative care team will collaborate with your healthcare professionals to effectively manage your pain and symptoms and advocate for your needs.

Can I Also Get Additional In-Home Care Services?

Yes. You are eligible for palliative care if you also receive home health, personal care, or other in-home services. Patients often get various services simultaneously, and the staff may recommend these forms of care.

What Happens If I Refuse Services But Change My Mind Later?

Services are available for as long as you need them. You may rethink services you refuse at a later date. As long as palliative care remains medically required, services may be reinstituted at any moment with a doctor’s order.

What Is The Objective Of Pain Management?

In coordination with your doctor, the staff is trained to give painkillers to people who are in a lot of pain from cancer or other illnesses. The goal is for you to feel as good as possible.

Conclusion

Palliative care for people with severe or terminal illnesses can be hard to understand and not always clear. Usually, patient care goals are focused on healing, and patients and their families may not know what palliative care is. 

Palliative care is often associated with death and “giving up” by patients, their families, and even the people who give it. But if we know how a disease makes people feel, how to treat it, and what the patient’s care goals are, we can be effective health advocates across the board.

If you or a family member are coping with a serious illness, palliative care house call may be just what you need! Many individuals have never heard of palliative care house calls or are skeptical about its advantages. However, it is worthwhile to understand more since the advantages of palliative care may be significant.

What is Palliative Care

Palliative care is defined as “active medical care that focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses.” In other words, it’s not just about making people comfortable – it’s about giving them the best possible quality of life, even in the face of a terminal diagnosis.

Moreover, it is a type of healthcare that focuses on relieving the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses. It can be used for patients of all ages at any stage of their illness. Moreover, it is provided by a team of specialists.

One common misconception about palliative care is that it is only for end-of-life care. However, palliative care can be beneficial for patients with any type of serious illness. It is often used alongside other forms of treatment, such as curative or disease-modifying treatments.

Palliative care can help relieve the symptoms of many illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the symptoms that palliative care can help with include pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, anxiety, and depression.

Furthermore, palliative care is provided by a team of specialists who work together to create a personalized care plan for each patient. The team may include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a serious illness, talk to your doctor about whether palliative care might be right for you. It can help improve your quality of life and provide much-needed support during this difficult time.

How Palliative Care Works

So how do you go about getting palliative care? The first step is to talk to your doctor. They will be able to tell you if you are eligible for palliative care and, if so, refer you to a specialist. Once a specialist has seen you, they will work with you to create a care plan that meets your specific needs.

Patients often get palliative care in a hospital setting. However, palliative care is also provided in residential care facilities, senior centers, outpatient centers, and hospices, among other places.

Most health insurance policies cover palliative care therapy in full or partly. Medicare and Medicaid often cover palliative treatment. If you’re worried about the expense, talk to a palliative care social worker.

Palliative care is vital to ensuring that you are comfortable and able to live your life to the fullest, even when dealing with a serious illness. So if you think it might be right for you, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about it. They will be able to help you get the care you need and deserve.

What is a Palliative Care House Call

Palliative care house calls are a unique and wonderful way to provide care for patients with terminal illnesses. These visits allow patients to receive the best possible care in the comfort of their own homes. Palliative care house call also provides families with an opportunity to spend time with their loved ones during what can be a difficult and emotionally draining time. If you are considering palliative care for a loved one, reach out to a local provider to learn more about this wonderful option.

Benefits Of Palliative Care House Calls

Palliative care house calls are a great way to get the care you need without leaving home. These types of visits are becoming more popular as people realize their benefits. Here are a few things that you should know about palliative care house calls.

Convenience

One of the best things about palliative care house calls is that they are very convenient. If you are someone who has a busy schedule, this can be a great option for you. You can schedule these visits around your work or other commitments. This means you can get the care and support you need without missing out on important things in your life.

Palliative care house calls can also be a great option if you live in a rural area. This is because it can be difficult to access specialist palliative care services in these areas. Having a palliative care professional come to your home can make a big difference.

Talk to your GP or palliative care team if you are interested in palliative care house calls. They will be able to give you more information and help you decide if this is the right option for you.

Reduces Expensive Hospitalizations

Health care expenditure in the United States is largely expected to reach 20 % of GDP. And 50% of all healthcare costs go toward the 5% of patient populations who are most costly to treat. These patients often have chronic health conditions and are weak and old. In addition, most of them have unaddressed medical and psychiatric concerns.

According to research, a home care program that featured house visits reduced 30-day readmissions by 25%. Medication change was the most prevalent intervention during home calls. Moreover, palliative care that is readily available and regular may minimize trips to the emergency department. 

Offers More Personalized Care

According to studies, house calls may provide practitioners with crucial patient information. For instance, doctors may ensure that patients take their prescriptions properly, eat nutritious meals, and are not at an elevated risk of accidents and injuries by observing them perform routine daily chores in their most comfortable environments.

A palliative care house call is more personalized than what most people get in a hospital or doctor’s office. Doctors and specialists see up to twenty patients every day, with each appointment lasting little more than a few minutes. Hence, significantly more individualized treatment is provided to the patient in their own home through house calls. Moreover, each patient’s care is personalized to their unique medical needs.

Provides Patient Security

As the population ages, 70 million Americans will be over 65 by 2030. In addition, a sizable percentage of this group is confined to their homes. More than a third of those aged 75 to 85 have difficulty walking a yard.

Moreover, the health of critically ill individuals might worsen at any moment. They may need rapid medical attention and care to avoid potentially life-threatening complications. Here’s where house-call healthcare professionals come in.

Palliative patients who are about to go to the hospital or do not have access to transportation may find house calls to be a very handy and secure choice. In addition, house calls help practitioners check on patients with restricted mobility to ensure they take their prescriptions regularly.

Cuts Down on Waiting Time

How often have you shown up early for a doctor’s appointment just to be told to wait? Imagine how it would feel to see your doctor without having to queue in a crowded waiting room. Moreover, sitting a lengthy wait to visit a professional may also worsen or raise stress levels, making it harder to correctly interpret some tests, like blood pressure or pulse. 

Scheduling a palliative care home call eliminates this waiting period and provides the superior treatment. Furthermore, you’re more likely to experience ease and be able to correctly explain your symptoms, allowing for a comprehensive diagnosis.

The reality is that going to the doctor’s office is something very few of us look forward to. With Covid-19, many of us are naturally concerned about coming into contact with anyone who may carry the virus or other diseases, like the flu.

Bottom Line

In the end, there is no question that patients may benefit from palliative house calls. This service can help minimize long waits, save money by avoiding costly and time-consuming hospitals, and provide more patient-centered care. 

Moreover, many on-demand medical house call providers now integrate cutting-edge technology to provide more thorough and accessible medical care and assistance. These technologies are on top of the benefits already stated.

EG Healthcare is dedicated to delivering the best possible healthcare to all our patients. Our healthcare practitioners offer complete services in the patient’s residence. Moreover, helping people find their way through the healthcare system is one of the many services our staff provides. 

Because of this, patients and their families can reap the benefits of the reassurance that comes from knowing that high-quality medical treatment is only a call away. Visit our website or get in touch right now to schedule an appointment with a caring practitioner.

It’s no secret that the world is getting older. According to a study by the World Health Organization, the number of people over 60 years old will be around 2.1 billion by 2050. This presents an interesting challenge for society – and the healthcare industry in particular. One potential solution to this challenge is house call services for seniors. This blog post will discuss the seven undeniable advantages of using a house call service for your elderly loved ones!

Why Do Elderly People Need House Calls

In the next two decades, the number of individuals 65 and older in the United States is expected to double, making them the fastest-growing group of the country’s population. Moreover, as the older population grows, so does the average time they stay in the hospital being treated for various chronic illnesses, such as stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over two-thirds of healthcare expenditure in the United States is devoted to treating chronic illnesses. Aside from being costly, the present hospital-based approach to treating chronic illnesses in the elderly is inefficient.

Now, healthcare providers are rediscovering that geriatric house calls and treatments may minimize hospitalizations and optimize the diagnosis and management of conditions.

The Reemergence of House Calls in America

Once upon a time, house calls were a fixture of American life. It was normal practice for practitioners to provide preventative medicine and treatment to people in their homes. Until the 1940s, nearly 40% of medical appointments were in the patient’s house. 

Physicians started to move their practices from the house to the clinic after World War II because it was no longer economically feasible to see patients at home. But house calls, which had largely fallen out of favor, are again regaining popularity.

In fact, a study by the American Board of Family Medicine found that the frequency of doctor visits to patients’ homes increased between 2000 and 2006. Over 5,000 primary care practitioners in the United States made more than 1.7 million home visits to clients of Medicare in 2013 alone.

How Does House Calls Work

A trip to the doctor for an older family member might be difficult, if not impossible. Whether they are frail, unable to walk on their own, or suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, leaving the house is challenging for both of you. In addition, elders may be exposed to diseases or bad weather when they visit the clinic. Here’s where house calls come in.

A house call is similar to a doctor’s office visit. However, in this case, it is provided by a nurse practitioner in a patient’s home. Moreover, house calls are intended to provide elders with access to necessary healthcare in the safety and convenience of their own residences.

So how does it work? In most cases, you’ll simply need to call your doctor’s office and let them know you’d like to schedule a house call. They’ll then work with you to figure out a time that works for both of you. 

During the appointment, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms and health history to make a diagnosis. They may also order tests or prescribe medication. 

And that’s it! No need to worry about fighting traffic or finding a parking spot. House calls are a convenient way to get the care you need, when and where you need it.

In addition, every house calls provider complies with strict guidelines to ensure patient safety and offers proper care, diagnosis, and treatment in patients’ homes. However, home visits are not intended for emergencies (call 911 instead). Essentially, they resemble a standard clinic visit.

Benefits Of House Call For Senior

Medical house calls are on the rise as more people look for ways to improve their health. There are many benefits to having a doctor come to your home, including: 

Convenience For The Elderly

There are several reasons why elderly patients may choose a house call practitioner. Primarily, it is convenient. Regardless of the patient’s age, the convenience element of house call providers cannot be overstated. 

For most capable individuals, visiting a clinic presents no challenges. However, that’s not the reality for some elderly patients who likely consider the nursing home alternative. In fact, among the main reasons elderly people don’t seek medical care is because they can’t go to the doctor’s clinic.

As people get older, their physical abilities, mental function, and reflexes continue to deteriorate. All of these functions are necessary for driving a vehicle, which is the primary mode of transportation for many individuals. For instance, elderly patients with chronic diseases may be less ambulatory, making clinic visits more difficult and exhausting. Moreso, if they are confined to a wheelchair, they may need the assistance of family members to leave home. 

Fortunately, house calls for the elderly eliminate the need to travel to a clinic to get medical care. The premise that a house call practitioner visits your home eliminates the need for transportation and makes treatment possible. Simply pick up the phone and schedule an appointment with one of EG Health’s registered nurse practitioners if you have an elderly relative who is sick or simply needs an annual exam.

Individualized Medical Care

House calls greatly enhance the patient-carer experience, making it more tailored to your individual requirements. In addition, house calls tend to be less rushed and more thorough. This gives healthcare practitioners a greater opportunity to speak with patients, analyze their symptoms, carry out a full examination, and develop a therapy if necessary.

Additionally, another degree of care may be offered at home that can’t be provided in an emergency department or even after years of physicians’ visits. When a house call practitioner visits a patient, they can assess their house for any evident issues contributing to the patient’s condition. 

In addition, patients are involved in decision-making during house calls. This element enhances the likelihood of patients complying with their treatment plan. For example, a patient is more inclined to participate in therapy if they are knowledgeable about wellness management. High levels of involvement build a favorable connection between healthcare practitioners and their patients, which enables them to accomplish their goals.

Reduce the Risk of Infections

As we become older, our bodies create fewer T cells that fight disease-causing cells, so our immune systems may not be as robust as they once were. Inadequate immune cells mean it takes longer for hazardous pathogens to be eliminated. Hence, seniors are at risk of developing new diseases, which might lengthen their recovery period.

In addition, since they lack a strong immune system, they are more vulnerable to organisms that might harm their health. Other than that, older people may have health problems that make them more likely to get sick from bacteria. Thus, the risk of infection is increased when other patients and healthcare workers are involved.

Since the elder patient doesn’t have natural defenses, they are more susceptible to infection. So, there’s a chance that patients pick up other illnesses as a result of their condition. House calls, on the other hand, allow patients to avoid direct contact with medical professionals, so decreasing their exposure to other infections.

Moreover, during house calls, patients may keep an eye on their doctors’ personal hygiene, such as hand washing. This can help avoid the transmission of infections that can lead to life-threatening consequences. 

Involvement of the Family

Most elderly people would prefer house calls since they can be surrounded by relatives during their consultation. They will have a sense of security and a support system in their families, which has a favorable effect on their overall well-being. Moreover, elderly people who are more connected with their families may avoid the isolation which may lead to sadness and a decline in health.

Lonely seniors may develop a low sense of self-worth because they may question why their friends and relatives would not like to spend some time with them. When they are among their family during house calls, they are reminded of how much everyone loves and cares for them. This may boost the senior’s cognitive abilities. 

Moreover, seniors who keep strong social ties with family may have reduced blood pressure, improved immunity, and better inflammation levels. Seniors’ well-being will also be improved if they are actively involved in their household. Thus, having their family around is vital in enhancing their health and wellness.

Autonomy

Having an appointment in the patient’s house gives seniors a greater sense of control over their care. As people become older, they tend to lose some of their freedom. The loss of autonomy causes feelings of melancholy and frustration, which may impair their social skills, well‐being, cognitive abilities, and physical abilities.

A house call can provide a much-needed sense of autonomy for seniors, especially those who may not be able to get out and about as much as they used to. No need to rely on family or friends to take you to the doctor – the doctor can come to you! 

Another major reason that can keep older people from going to the doctor is the fear of being seen. Some individuals are afraid to accept that they’re becoming older and needing medical treatment. A house call practitioner eliminates this fear and guarantees that the visit is as private as possible. 

Early detection and management of health concerns

Home calls from health care professionals can play an important role in the early detection and management of health concerns. They provide an opportunity to closely monitor a person’s health, identify potential problems early on, and offer tailored guidance and support. Home visits can also help build trust and rapport between patients and their care providers, which can encourage more open communication about sensitive health issues.

In addition to detecting and managing health concerns, home visits can also provide other important benefits. They can promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles, provide social and emotional support, and connect people to community resources. Home visits can also help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Saves Time And Money

Healthcare for the elderly may be costly, and compounds when the patient has more chronic conditions. Most seniors often visit emergency rooms, which may result in additional charges for ambulance transportation on top of laboratory tests, prescriptions, and X-rays.

Moreover, seniors often spend too much time in the ER and the waiting area merely to see a specialist. Plus, the trip alone to and from the hospital is exhausting for the patient and their caretakers. They most likely had to put up with the unpleasant medical atmosphere while incurring the high costs that came with it. House calls, on the other hand, allow patients to avoid needless hospitalizations since they get treatment at home.  

Analyzing the cost of healthcare for the elderly may lead you to believe that home call physicians are not viable. Still, in certain instances, they may be the most cost-effective alternative. Rather than paying for the transportation costs of a homebound elderly patient, which might cost as much as S$100, or the care of chronic illnesses, a house call practitioner would be a cheaper alternative.

Bottom Line

There’s an old saying, “There’s no place like home,” yet it couldn’t be more true. Receiving all necessary treatment at home is a great advantage to a patient’s ease, comfort, and ability to focus only on getting well, given the frightening circumstance that led to the need for urgent care. It is time to give the elderly a rest.

If you want the finest, safest, and most personalized treatment possible for your elderly loved one, you should consider house calls for seniors. The benefits are numerous, from the security and convenience of your home to the savings in both money and time.

EG Healthcare can help if you need a health professional to come to your home to help the elderly or anyone else in your family. To schedule an appointment, give us a call or click here. We’re here to help you get back on the road to health.