Are Nhs Staff Told To Treat The Over-60S As Senile?

[naomi24]

Not sure where to put this, but here goes. In recent days two people in their 60s have told me that when attending NHS appointments at different medical establishments in different areas, they’ve been asked if they knew why they’re there. Well, of course they knew why they were there. They’re not stupid. In those circumstances I think I would feel just as miffed as they do. Is that approach the norm now - and if so, why?

[pixie374]

No, it isn't usual unless someone appears confused. It could also be to make sure they understand the treatment rather than stupidity or age.

[naomi24]

These people are far from confused.

[aelmpvw]

i've been asked that question when attending the doctors, i assumed it was because the nurse didn't know why i was there

[Baldric]

My Wife has been admitted to Hospital 4 times in last 6 months, and numerous trips to the Doctors. I always try to be with her as much as possible, at 72 she has to the best of my knowledge never been asked that.

[naomi24]

aelmpvw, Did she say 'Why are you here?' or 'Do you know why you're here?'. Big difference.

[pixie374]

I take many people, usually over 80- and they have never been asked, even when dementia is on their notes.

[naomi24]

Pixie, I must say I've never heard of it until this week - but it's odd that the same complaint has come at the same time from two people in different areas. I'm wondering if it's a new 'initiative'?

[MallyJ]

I am sure that a very large proportion of those people I have dealings with are absolutely certain that anyone over 60 is not firing on all cylinders mentally. It starts when people start to call you 'dear', 'darling', 'my love' and the like (which I find very inappropriate from a total stranger) and moves from there. I have wondered if, at 65, I am not worth full care for my health....I seem to have to follow up things myself.....oh just got it ...that is my test for dementia.....!

[pixie374]

Not as far as I've seen yet. There is no need, as it would quickly become clear anyway. Perhaps they were just checking that patients were understanding the processes. You don't need to be stupid to need clarification or reassurance.

[hc4361]

My FIL had his annual COPD review and the nurse asked him the standard questions to help diagnose dementia such as what year is it, who is the prime minister, say the months of the year in reverse order, remember the name and address given earlier...

He had no problems with the test but certainly wasn't expecting it or had any discussion about dementia

[youngmafbog]

Naomi, I ran this past my daughter (hospital doctor). Apparently you would be surprised how many people pitch up not really understanding why they are there even for operations. It doesn't mean they dont know an operation is needed but they tend often to not know (or want to know) more.
Generally it is a question asked one way or anther to everyone since the doctor who has just met you has no clue about you.
Hope that helps

[EcclesCake]

Only on one occasion can I recall being asked that question, and I didn't know as the appointment letter didn't specify the specialism of the Consultant I was seeing and I was at a loss to know why I was there.

I was put through the dementia test earlier this year, it swiftly ground do a halt when I butted in with 'Teresa May', the Dr smiled and confessed that was going to be his next question. I'm in my mid forties!

[Zacs-Master]

It's possibly a policy of the particular Trust your friends visited. It is a rather patronisingly phrased question I agree but it might have been generated by the amount of people who turn up without relevant paperwork / samples etc.

[bednobs]

I think it can be very useful to get the patient's perspective on their understanding of their medical problem at the outset, so that they can start on the same page

[EDDIE51]

I'm currently undergoing a course of dental treatment that will take several months and a lot of visits. When I arrive the receptionist always asks 'what are you here for today? or why are you here today ? I am 67 I don't find it strange. Same when I go to a clinic at the hospital , first question is what are you here for? I just hand over my appointment card now as it saves them asking.

[EDDIE51]

I will be upset the day I arrive at the clinic and the receptionist tells me '' Sorry, the mortuary is in the basement''

[Prudie]

^ If you read though, especially Naomi at 1200, that is not what is being asked here.

[fiction-factory]

I can see that some people might feel "what're you here for?" sounds a bit abrupt so they think a more polite alternative is to say "Hello, and do you know what you are here for?". If someone asked me the latter I wouldn't feel they were testing whether I had dementia, unless they said it in a particular patronising way.

[atalanta]

Pregnant women, too, seem to be treated as idiots. As soon as they lie down, they become half-wits

[Cloverjo]

I was asked that question by a nurse recently and I'm only in my 40s! Perhaps it's standard now.