Home Caregivers in Escondido Warn About Accepting Online Medical Advice

You don’t recognize a strange skin rash…you can’t pinpoint an allergic reaction…you can’t remember a drug’s side effects…is that stomachache the result of a bad meal or a virus? In years past, these were questions that prompted a phone call to the doctor, but today, some of us are more likely to power up the computer and search for the answers ourselves. Home caregivers in Escondido, though, want to caution that not all medical information online is completely reliable—especially when it comes to senior health.

The Dangers of Online Research

There are at least two dangers when it comes to researching a senior’s health issue online. First, there is simply a lot of wrong information out there. Someone with very little knowledge can sound like an expert on a website, and there is virtually no oversight to combat wrong information. Secondly, seniors have highly individualized, complex health needs, particularly if they are on a number of different prescriptions. A recommendation that might be solid for one senior may create serious danger for another.

Safe Practices

Stick to reliable websites even for general health information. Websites operated by the U.S. government and those that feature the approval of the Health on the Net Foundation are good sources. However, even when you find a suggestion or home treatment that you would like to try, always run it by your loved one’s personal doctor first. With knowledge of their unique health issues and prescriptions, he is in the best position to tell you whether your course of action is safe.

Home Caregivers in San Diego County are Available to Help

While most home caregivers in San Diego County can not offer professional medical services, they can take care of many areas that directly affect your loved one’s good health. Healthy cooking is an extremely important factor, and one that many seniors simply can’t keep up with on a regular basis. Keeping the house clean fends off disease, and removing obstacles and trip hazards goes a long way in avoiding falls.

Originally posted 2013-08-15 10:30:51.