Can you have home psychological evaluations done on parents who refuse to go to the doctor?

You could contact your local Alzheimer's Association and see if someone can come out and evaluate her. Often, people will listen to a third party, so if this social worker comes out and sees your mother needs help, she may be able to get her to a doctor.

Good luck,
Carol

We had a similar issue with my FIL. While he did frequently visit his doctors - to get refills or to complain of a certain problem like itchy skin or edema.... he was not fully truthful about his decline. (The fact that none of his local kids went with him didn't help!) We arranged a home visit by a social worker and then a geriatrician. Once they evaluated him, we were able to set up several services and got the rest of the family more involved. Now, my FIL allows someone to accompany him to doctors visits.

A relative of mine refused to see any doctors or follow any instructions (like no more driving) and the one doctor who knew about her condition called in Adult Protective Services (the government) who sent an evaluator out. After the evaluation, the government told the Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) to get her into a facility or they were going to take her and her resources and do it. At that point, the DPOA took over, applied for and was granted guardianship and took care of business. All with the elder fighting every step. So Adult Protective Services will eventually take steps if no one else will. The DPOA took the relative to a facility just to 'look around' and pre-arranged to leave her there. It worked. Rough, but it was the best way given the circumstances facing them.

Hi Traci~I think that the refusal of your MIL to go to a doctor or to have a needed evaluation is quite normal for the most part. I think that either she does not want to hear the truth about a possible condition (denial)..or she wants to sheild you from the truth.

If your MIL is lucid--can you explain to her that making such an appointment is not for her benefit only, but for your peace of mind as well?

Not fully aware of the situation---it may be possible, if it is treatable, and to do this at an early stage--rather than later.

As carol has suggested--bringing someone to your MIL-and possibly evaluate her situation sounds like a very good alternative. If you think your MIL will be resistant to this--you may even have to trick her-and say that the person is just an old friend. In my case-having my mom finally accepting a doctor's visit---worked-as he was a professional person of authority.

Traci---I have been there as well-and between my own experiences, and from what I have read and learned-you need to do this sooner rather than later. Once some type of evaluation is made--you then will know what direction to turn.

If possible-Please let me as well as the others in the thread know how you are progressing. I am a big believer in support--so take as much support as you find.

Good luck to you.

Hap

she's 88 and refuse to go in the hospital when a emergency dr. told her that they see 2 large black mass in her colon how can her kids over ride her to get her the medical she needs

dksprinkle, You call an attorney tomorrow and pursue Guardianship. The court evaluator will visit her at home.

Drsprinkle, the other thing the kids can do is call a Hospice organization.

If she is competent and wants no treatment , that's really the most compassionate thing to do.