You care deeply for your older loved one and expect the best from those who provide them with medical care. Sadly, not all health care providers act carelessly and end up misdiagnosing older adults with a condition they don’t have. These mistakes can have a devastating impact on their health and well-being as the issues they’re struggling with get worse. Or they start to develop different ailments due to improper treatment.
While looking for this type of negligence and mistreatment is good, these errors aren’t often easy to spot. Plus, your loved one’s doctor doesn’t always have the incentive to come forward and tell you directly that they made a mistake. Because of this, it’s crucial to have a thorough understanding of what misdiagnosing an older adult looks like and how you can seek justice if it happens to your older loved one.
Misdiagnoses can be pretty common
Sadly, health care professionals misdiagnose older patients all the time. This is because the health conditions in older adults can be overly complex, and symptoms from different conditions can overlap. According to a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, age-related physiological changes and multiple coexisting health issues can obscure diagnoses. Cognitive impairments in older adults can also make these matters worse, as they may struggle to describe the issues they’re having or remember what they are.
Staffing shortages in health care facilities can also exacerbate these issues, as care providers juggling multiple patients can mix up cases.
No matter the reason, however, misdiagnoses are still serious, and those responsible should be held accountable for their recklessness.
Recognize the signs of a misdiagnosis
If you suspect your loved one received a misdiagnosis, remaining vigilant is crucial. Look out for things like
- Symptoms that persist despite treatment
- Worsening conditions
- New symptoms that arise without explanation
All of these should raise red flags. If your loved one’s condition does not improve as expected, or if their provider’s explanation of their progress seems questionable or inconsistent, it may be time to seek accountability.
What to do if there is a misdiagnosis
If you suspect that your older loved one is a victim of a misdiagnosis, it is important to take decisive action. You can do so by following these steps:
- Gather all relevant medical records and document any changes in symptoms or treatment.
- Seek a second opinion from an independent health care provider who can offer a different perspective and either confirm or deny an accurate diagnosis.
- Contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can seek the justice you and your loved one deserve.
Also, consider contacting patient advocacy groups or professional organizations that can provide guidance and support.
Your loved one deserves appropriate care
The last thing you want is for your older loved one to suffer from a condition that isn’t receiving adequate treatment. If you discover their doctor or health care provider isn’t upholding their duty of care, you have the right to pursue legal action against them and get your loved one to a place where they can be safe and cared for – they deserve better.