Family Medicine | Geriatric Medicine Questions Geriatrician

How to manage health problems without asking for help?

I am a 74 year old female with some health problems, but I don't want to burden my family. How to manage health problems without asking for help?

3 Answers

This is a very broad question. What type of health issues? If you need hands on care and assistance with daily living activities, you might have to hire help if your family is not available
Please engage with your physician to address your needs. You would probably be surprised how much your family wants to help and Support you. Theresa M. Redling DO, FACP Chief, Geriatric Health Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Director, Maida Geriatric Institute Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School
Thanks for your question,

How do you know you are a burden for your family? Most health problems are manageable on your own, unless you have impaired gait, impaired balance, or impaired memory (unable to make your own decisions). Very long question to answer, but let's go back to the question I have asked - is this the burden that bothers you, or the loss of your independence? Most families that I deal with do not find it burdensome to take care of a loved one.

Thanks,

HH