House calls are becoming rarer. Most seniors haven't experienced one in decades. If you've scheduled a doctor house call in Calgary for your loved one, you might wonder: What happens during a house call? How is it different from a clinic visit? What should we prepare?
This article walks you through what to expect—and how to get the most out of the visit.
Why House Calls Matter for Seniors
A doctor's office visit requires your loved one to: - Travel (often difficult for those with mobility issues) - Navigate an unfamiliar environment - Wait in a waiting room - Sit in an exam chair - Compress health concerns into 15-20 minutes
A house call eliminates these barriers. The doctor comes to them, sees them in their home environment, and has time to understand the full picture of their health and life. It's medicine as it was practiced decades ago—and it works remarkably well.
Before the House Call: Preparation
1. Schedule a Good Time
Choose a time when your loved one is typically alert and rested (morning is often best). Avoid late afternoon when fatigue and confusion are more common.
2. Make a List
Prepare a list of health concerns, symptoms, recent changes, and questions. Don't rely on memory—have it written down. Include: - Recent falls or injuries - Medication side effects or concerns - Sleep quality - Appetite and digestion changes - Mood or cognitive changes - Functional changes (getting out of bed, bathing, etc.)
3. Gather Medical Information
Have available: - Current medications (bottles are great; a written list is acceptable) - Recent lab results or imaging reports - List of current doctors and specialists - Vaccination records - Any advance directives or healthcare wishes
4. Prepare the Environment
- Have a comfortable chair and good lighting for the exam
- Ensure privacy (other family members should be nearby but not hovering)
- Keep the area clear and accessible
- Have a quiet space if the doctor needs to discuss sensitive topics
5. Brief the Doctor
Before the visit, give a quick summary: - Why you sought the house call - Any urgent concerns - Changes you've noticed - Behavioral or functional shifts
This context helps the doctor come prepared.
During the House Call: What Happens
The visit typically follows this flow:
1. Introduction and History (10-15 minutes)
The doctor will greet your loved one, establish rapport, and ask detailed questions about: - Current health concerns - Medical history - Medications and supplements - Diet, exercise, sleep, mood - Functional abilities (Can they get out of bed? Bathe themselves? Manage medications?) - Fall risk and home safety - Social situation (living alone? support system?)
This is longer and more thorough than most clinic visits.
2. Physical Examination (10-15 minutes)
Standard exam elements include: - Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, breathing) - General observation (appearance, mobility, speech, cognition) - Heart and lung examination - Abdominal exam - Neurological assessment (balance, reflexes, mental clarity) - Orthostatic vital signs (blood pressure lying, sitting, and standing—important for fall risk)
For house calls, the doctor may also: - Observe how your loved one moves around the home - Assess home safety - Check medication adherence - Look at the kitchen (diet assessment)
3. Targeted Assessment (as needed)
Depending on concerns, the doctor might: - Test specific joint or muscle function - Assess wound healing - Evaluate skin for pressure ulcers - Listen more carefully to heart/lung sounds - Do a cognitive or mood screening
4. Discussion and Plan (10 minutes)
The doctor will explain findings, answer questions, and discuss next steps: - Whether new medications are needed - Whether current medications should be adjusted - Lifestyle changes or recommendations - Whether referrals to specialists are needed - Whether follow-up imaging or labs are needed
5. Coordination of Care
A good house call doctor will: - Communicate with other healthcare providers - Update the patient's medical record - Arrange follow-up care - Provide clear instructions in writing
After the House Call
1. Document the Visit
Write down what was discussed, what was recommended, and any new medications or changes.
2. Ask Questions
If anything was unclear, follow up with the doctor or their office.
3. Implement Recommendations
Start new medications or lifestyle changes as prescribed.
4. Schedule Follow-up
If the doctor recommended a follow-up visit, book it before they leave.
5. Monitor and Communicate
Watch for changes and communicate with the doctor's office if concerns arise.
What Makes a House Call Different
House calls offer advantages that clinic visits can't:
- Continuity: The same doctor builds relationships and understands your loved one deeply over time.
- Context: The doctor sees how your loved one actually lives, not just how they present in a sterile clinic.
- Accessibility: No transportation barriers; easier for those with severe mobility issues or cognitive decline.
- Time: House calls typically allow 45 minutes to an hour, vs. 15-20 minutes in a clinic.
- Comfort: Your loved one is in their own environment, more likely to relax and open up.
At Beyond Neighbours, our house calls are physician-led and comprehensive. We take time to understand the full picture of your loved one's health, home environment, and goals. Because sometimes, the best medicine happens at home.
If you're considering a house call for your loved one, don't hesitate. House calls bridge the gap between clinic care and home care in a way few other services can.
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