5 questions to ask at an in-home health assessment
You’ll have up to an hour during your visit. That’s plenty of time to get answers to these important questions.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor.
There’s not always enough time at an annual wellness visit to address all your health concerns. That’s why a yearly at-home health and wellness assessment is so valuable. During this visit, you’ll have up to an hour with a Matrix Medical Network clinician. That’s plenty of time to get answers to your pressing health questions — in the comfort of your own home.
This assessment is a complete check of your physical and mental health that touches on nutrition, the medications you take, your mood, and much more. You can learn more about this easy and convenient visit here.
To take advantage of this valuable one-on-one time, you may want to prepare a list of questions in advance. Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Am I taking my medications correctly?
The Matrix clinician will conduct a thorough review of all the medications you’re currently taking. They can also take a look at the supplements you take, if any, since supplements can sometimes interact with medications.
Be sure to have all your medications and supplements out before the clinician arrives. They’ll review your dosages and be able to discuss any potential side effects.
If you’re having concerns about your medications — or question whether you should still be taking them — be sure to write these questions down so you can discuss them with the clinician. For example, if a particular medication makes you feel lethargic or dizzy, be sure to jot this down before your visit.
Some other medication details you may want to confirm at your visit:
- When’s the best time to take this medication?
- Should I be taking this with food or on an empty stomach?
- Should I be taking these medications at the same time?
2. Could my moodiness be depression?
Everyone experiences changes in mood. But if your mood swings are becoming more frequent — or you’re experiencing them for longer periods of time — it may be something more serious, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is something you can talk about with the clinician.
Older adults often experience depression and other mental health issues that may go unnoticed, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). During a Matrix in-home health assessment, you’ll have a chance to talk with the clinician about how you’re feeling — and get recommendations on next steps.
Before the clinician gets to your home, however, be sure to consider how you’re feeling — and write those thoughts down.
Here are some things you may want to think about before your visit:
- Have you been feeling extra tired?
- Have you been uninterested in typical daily activities, such as getting dressed?
- Have you had less interest in seeing friends and family?
- Do you find yourself sleeping more during the day?
Loneliness can often mimic symptoms of depression, notes the NIA. If you’re feeling lonely, be sure to talk with your clinician about this. They’ll be able to talk through what you’re feeling and offer resources to help.
3. Am I eating the right foods to help keep me healthy?
Knowing what to eat — and how much — for better health is something that’s confusing for many people. You’ll have a chance to discuss nutritional questions with the clinician at your visit. What’s even better: If you choose, the clinician can take a look at your pantry and refrigerator to offer simple healthy eating swaps or suggestions for better health.
Some things to think about: Getting enough of the right nutrients, such as protein and vitamin B, is a concern as people age. Dehydration is also common. These questions may help clarify what you need to be getting in your daily diet:
- How much protein should I be eating with every meal — and every day?
- What are good sources of vitamin B? Would taking a supplement help me get enough?
- How much water should I drink every day? Do tea and soup, or fruits and vegetables, count toward my daily goal?
- Do I always have to buy fresh fruits and vegetable? Can I buy frozen or canned items?
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4. Are there any fall risks in my home?
Fall risk statistics for adults are nothing to ignore. According to the CDC, millions of people ages 65 and older fall every year. Older adults are prone to falls for many reasons, including declining physical strength and balance as well as worsening eyesight.
Your home environment can also play a role. It’s easy to miss fall hazards on our own. This is where the clinician can help.
“It’s good to have a fresh pair of eyes at your home, to look for hidden hazards,” says Jennifer L. FitzPatrick, MSW. She’s the founder of Jenerations Health Education in Baltimore and a former gerontology instructor at Johns Hopkins University’s Certificate on Aging program.
Your Matrix clinician may be able to help you spot dangerous throw rugs or uneven stairs, for example, both of which could increase your risk of falling. Then they can discuss solutions with you to help keep you safe.
Something else to consider: Are you having any trouble getting to, and using, your bathroom? If so, jot this down and your in-home clinician can discuss assistive devices that may be able to help.
5. Are there any health screenings that I should have?
During your in-home visit, you may be eligible to receive some basic health screenings, such as heart rate and blood pressure checks. You may also be able to get additional recommended health screenings.
These screening results may help you — and your primary care physician — spot any potential problems with your health, so you can treat them early on.
The clinician may also perform simple blood or urine tests to check for chronic conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol. You may also be able to get screenings for colon cancer and chronic kidney disease.
An in-home health assessment can help keep your physical and mental health on track. It can also give you — and your primary care provider — an idea of how you’re doing midyear.
The best part, however, is the one-on-one attention you’ll get with the clinician, for up to an hour, in the privacy of your own home at no extra cost to you. That’s why having a list of questions handy can help you make the most out of your visit.
Sources:
Measuring primary care exam length: Medical Care
Taking medications safely as you age: National Institutes on Aging
Depression is not a normal part of growing older: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Depression and older adults: National Institute on Aging
Dietary guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025: USDA
Facts about falls: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Falls and fractures in older adults: National Institute on Aging
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