Most URBAN HOUSE CALLS are a waste of Medical talent. Can easily be done by a visiting DISTRICT NURSE: an important person in the UK NHS since 1947.
House Calls are useful in making sure that there are no safety hazards such as loose carpets. That there is food in a clean fridge. That there are Aids-to-Daily-Living in the bedroom, toilet and bath. That smoke and Carbon monoxide detectors work.
Urine dip-stick , and Diabetic blood tests can be done by a Nurse.As well as Blood pressure.and other vital signs.
Office visits are more CLINICALLY valuable as more equipment is available together with other paramedical services.
In most Ontario cities there are Wheel-Trans facilities that cost between $2-3 a journey. making a visit to the GP cheap and easy.
Stairs can be a problem Many GP offices have ramps and elevators. An OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
is valuable in advising Structural Alterations and various PERSONAL Aids.for dressing and cooking.
A visiting PHYSIOTHERAPIST can instruct DIY exercises and provide simple equipment.to maintain muscle strength
Relatives should learn FIRST AID. An OXYGEN CYLINDER (with a suction adaptor) is a good investment especially in Rural areas. Electronic personal emergency devices improve yearly. and are now inexpensive.
(Personal opinion)
