Letter of the week: Avoid unnecessary tests that can stress out seniors and caregivers
I agree with the points in the Opinion piece discussing the challenges faced by seniors who are caregivers to other seniors (As seniors become caregivers to seniors, can doctors lighten their load? Sept 5). This is a reality many of us are grappling with, and it’s heartening to see this issue being highlighted.
Caring for a loved one, especially an elderly person, can be incredibly stressful. The emotional connection and sense of responsibility can make it hard for caregivers to step back and take care of themselves.
As our population ages, more and more seniors find themselves in the position of caring for their loved ones. While this is a noble responsibility, it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. The burden of caregiving, particularly for those who may already be dealing with their own health issues, is significant.
Doctors do play a crucial role in lightening this load.
Beyond just providing medical care, they can offer guidance on managing caregiving stress, refer patients to relevant support services and even advocate for policies that provide more comprehensive assistance to caregivers.
If patients do not present themselves with clinical pathologies that warrant further investigation, there may be no need to search for medical solutions that may not offer relief or improve their quality of life.
Pursuing extensive tests or treatments when there is no clear clinical indication can lead to unnecessary stress for both the patient and caregiver. It can also result in treatments that might be invasive or have side effects, without providing real benefits.
Both time and financial resources are often limited, especially for seniors. By avoiding unnecessary medical investigations, these resources can be conserved and directed towards interventions that truly matter, such as improving the patient’s daily experiences or supporting the caregiver.
This approach can also ease the caregivers’ burden, as it lets them concentrate on the aspects of care that truly make a difference.
By working together with doctors, we can ensure that senior caregivers are supported, and their burdens eased.
Gabriel Chia Sit Loke
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