Advice on caring for someone who refuses to visit any doctors

[MamaChocoholic]

I would welcome any advice please.

My mother in law had a stroke about 10 years ago. She has been on medication since then, and is now 78. She has only minimal use of one side of her body, but is agoraphobic, lives alone, and will not leave the house, nor does she trust doctors. She has been on the same medication (repeat prescriptions, collected by a friend) for years, and is now feeling quite unwell, sick and shaking.

I think she needs to consult a doctor, even if only by phone, to see if her medication needs adjusting or whether she needs a personal consultation. I am inclined to phone the doctors and ask them to call her, although I know this will make her cross.

Does anyone have experience dealing with someone who obviously needs help but won't accept it?

To be honest, at least half the posts on elderly parents concern parents who refuse help, at least initially. It is not helped by the fact that health services may be initially suspicious or unable to engage with a patient's child, if that patient has not given consent. When i initially approached my Dad's GP surgery, the receptionist gave me short shrift. But after I had attended once with dad and he'd given consent for me to be kept informed, they couldn't have been more helpful.
In your case maybe the best thing would be to ask for a telephone consultation with your mum's GP/ a GP at the practice, explain the situation and your concerns, and they may be willing to do a home visit. It sounds like she may currently have an infection. Good luck.

Thanks whatabout, that's a good suggestion.