Respect and Dignty for the Eldderly

[Samaled]

  I have spent the last several years wondering why the aging community is  thought of not having minds and the ability to think for themselves!
Yes, it is OK to have someone help you understand what a doctor is saying.  My sadness is thee MD's stare into the advocate eyes and forget the patient they are discussing to you is sitting in the chair. 
My beleif is it is ok to assist the elderly, but give them dignity and respect.  Look into their eyes, speak diredtly to them.  An advocate is a "listner" take needed notes, but they are not the patient.  This patient is respectfully due the right for eye contact and explanation about their health.
I guess this has gotten to me over my 40 years of healthcare.  I constantly find the physicians talking to whomever is around the patient (remember, patient rights is the law unless the patient allows an advocate) If you are an advocate, please do not be afraid to respectfully inform the MD, him or her the patient brought ou for ears not eyes.  They deserve dignity and respect, especially at time when they are losing dear loved ones.  The only thing they have to hold onto to is their well due respect and dignity from us all! Thanks

[girlswin2]

I agree with you totally.  I care for my father and he is slowly going down hill fast and a doctor visit is sometimes  a trying thing.  But its isn't only with just doctors its every were.  There is just no respect anymore for the elderly.  They are basicly tossed to the side.  I make sure to show my respect everywhere no matter what the age is.  People don't realize its going to happen to them one day. 

[sudeepa]

good thought samled, new generation needs to be told such things once in a while.
its the same treatment that we are going to get sooner or later

[ButterflyWings]

I totally agree my grandfather was treated as if he was a idiot in his old age and it drove me nuts..They deserve respect and to be treated with dignity!

[scarroll452]

I agree, the elderly should be respected. When my mother was sick (she was only 62 and very sharp) the doctor would try to tell me what was wrong with her and what needed to be done. I would ignore him say nothing and look at my mother. They usually got the hint and started talking t her.