The doctor has recommended a neuropsychiatric evaluation for mother, but she doesn’t want to do any tests. How do I get her to agree to test?

She will probably listen to their instructions once she is there. Often times, they complain to us but when others ask them to comply they do.

Wishing you well.

Do you feel the test & results will be worth the effort? Be useful for her or you?

I have some LOs that I would be curious to the findings but as it wouldn't change their living arrangements or care arrangements - it's like.. why do it?

Does Mom live at home? Alone? How will test results be used?

Hi CAW - I think it may be easier just to tell your mother that it's a medicare requirement in order to continue receiving benefits...and this will help to see if there's anything else she needs...and then just go ahead and arrange it. I would just keep the subject really light and positive - like it's a benefit for her.
Hoping it's an easy process for you - all the best ~

We told my Dad he was participating in a study, and they could really use his help. As a retired educator he was thrilled with this fib. And so sure he aced the test. Unfortunately for him and us he was off the scale,, in the wrong direction. Good luck!

Can you blame her? 4-6 hours at a medical appointment can be too much for many people.

Are you POA?
Did the doc give you a referral number to make the appointment. Because that is who you should call, tell them you have the referral but your mom is currently so uncooperative that you cannot get her there. Ask for next steps.

If things are truly awful and you are POA it is an "opportunity" to get mom into the ER. Sometimes there has to be an admission to neuro-psyc unit for evaluation.

Sure wish you good luck! Hope you'll update us.

Could you piggyback the neuropsych evaluation onto another appointment? Tell a white lie that it’s an office policy that past age X, once a patient goes in for a physical/eye exam/whatever works , it needs to go in conjunction with a neuropsych eval?

I understand that getting two appointments on the same day is well nigh impossible, but you could say it’s the policy that the appointments have to be put on a schedule one after the other.

Since the doctor recommended the neuropsych evaluation, he might be on board with this therapeutic fib.

I’m not a fan of fibbing, but when it comes to genuine health needs, I’ve found it’s often necessary. In any case case, this is what I’d do with my mom, and have done similar to get important things done. Then when she complaints about it , I’m in cahoots with her complaining ( because honestly so much health care runaround is a time consuming nuisance ) and we actually sort of bond a little over the nuisance factor.

Good luck!!

I told my mother that it was really important to get a baseline measurement in case she developed any cognitive problems later on.

She said "well, if they tell me I'm crazy, I won't believe it".

I brought snacks, a sandwich and drinks. She was able to get up to use the restroom when she needed to.

When you make the appointment, ask how they handle uncooperative patients.