Accessible Diagnostic Imaging in Ajax for Seniors and Caregivers

For many older adults, the imaging test itself is the easy part. It is everything around it that takes energy: arranging a ride, finding parking, getting from the car to the front desk, remembering the requisition, managing a walker in a small change room, hearing instructions clearly, and keeping track of which test was for which doctor. For the adult children, spouses and friends who help, it can mean taking time off work and juggling several appointments in the same month.

This article is for seniors in Ajax and the people who support them, whether they live nearby in Pickering and Whitby or further afield. It covers the practical side of diagnostic imaging, with ideas for making each visit calmer and smoother. It does not replace advice from a health-care provider about which tests are needed; it focuses on getting to, through and past the appointment with as little stress as possible.

Start with the requisition, not the calendar

Before booking anything, gather the paperwork. Older adults are often referred for several tests by different providers, and it is easy for things to blur together.

A simple way to stay organized:

1. Put every requisition in one folder or envelope. Write on the outside which provider ordered each test and the date.
2. Note any preparation on each one. Some tests need fasting, a full bladder, or avoiding certain supplements on the day.
3. Check which tests are walk-in and which need booking. At Rossland Diagnostic Clinic, general X-ray is offered on a walk-in basis, while ultrasound and several other tests are scheduled.
4. Keep the health card with the folder so it travels to every visit.
5. Bring a current medication list, including vitamins and supplements. It is not always needed for imaging, but it is useful if questions come up.

If a requisition is unclear, call the clinic. The front desk can tell you what to expect and whether preparation is needed.

Getting there and getting in

Physical access is often the deciding factor in whether a visit feels manageable.

Parking and the entrance

Rossland Diagnostic Clinic is at Unit 102, 300 Rossland Road East in Ajax. Parking is free, and the clinic has ground-floor access, so there are no stairs or elevators to manage between the car and the front desk. For someone using a cane, walker, rollator or wheelchair, this can make a significant difference.

Some practical tips:

• Drop off at the door first if the person you are helping tires easily, then park.
• Bring the mobility aid they use every day, even if they think they can manage without it for a short visit. Imaging rooms involve some standing, turning and stepping.
• Allow extra time so nobody feels rushed walking in.

Choosing the right time of day

The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am to 3:30pm. Saturday hours can help caregivers who work during the week, including those who live outside Ajax and drive in to help a parent. Think about when the person you are helping is usually at their best. Some older adults are sharpest and steadiest in the morning; others need time to get moving.

For walk-in X-ray, call 905-426-3111 before leaving home. The X-ray department may close once daily capacity is reached, and hours can change, so a quick call helps you avoid an unnecessary trip.

Making the exam itself easier

Imaging staff work with older patients every day and are used to adapting. Letting them know about any needs at check-in helps them plan.

Mobility and positioning

Many X-rays and ultrasounds involve getting onto an exam table, lying in a particular position, or standing still for a moment. Tell the team if the patient:

• Has trouble getting on or off a table, or cannot lie flat
• Has had a joint replacement, recent surgery or a recent fall
• Experiences pain in certain positions
• Needs help changing into a gown

The technologist or sonographer can often adjust positioning, use supports, or take a little more time. Speaking up is not a bother; it helps the team get good images safely.

Hearing and vision

Instructions such as “hold your breath” or “turn slightly toward me” are important for a clear image. If the patient has hearing loss, make sure they wear their hearing aids, and mention it to staff so they can face the patient and speak clearly. If glasses need to be removed for an X-ray of the head or neck, a caregiver can hold them.

Memory changes and anxiety

For someone living with dementia or memory changes, a new environment can be unsettling. Some ideas that caregivers often find helpful:

• Explain the visit simply and calmly on the day, rather than days in advance if that tends to cause worry.
• Bring a familiar item, such as a sweater or a small object to hold.
• Let staff know at check-in so they can keep instructions short and allow extra time.
• Ask whether you can stay nearby during parts of the visit where that is possible.

If the patient has a substitute decision-maker or power of attorney for personal care, bring that information along, as it may be relevant for some procedures.

Clothing that helps

Comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing makes everything simpler. Elastic-waist pants without metal snaps, a top that opens at the front, and slip-on shoes with good grip are ideal. Leave jewellery at home where possible, since metal items near the area being examined may need to be removed.

Imaging tests older adults are often referred for

Every person’s needs are different, and only a health-care provider can decide which tests are appropriate. That said, these are some of the tests seniors and caregivers often encounter.

X-ray after a fall or for joint pain

X-ray is quick and widely used to look at bones and joints. After a fall, a provider may order an X-ray to check for a fracture. X-rays are also used to look at arthritis changes in the hips, knees, hands and spine. If a fall involved a head injury, confusion, a hip that cannot bear weight, or severe pain, go to the emergency department rather than a walk-in imaging clinic.

Bone mineral density

A bone mineral density test uses low-energy X-ray to estimate bone strength and can help a provider assess osteoporosis and fracture risk. A referral is required. On the day of the exam, the patient should not take calcium supplements or iron tablets until after the scan, and clothing without zippers or metal fasteners is best. Bring the health card and requisition.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation and is used to look at organs in the abdomen and pelvis, the thyroid, soft tissues and more. Preparation varies: some scans need fasting, and pelvic scans may require a full bladder, which can be challenging for some older adults. If that is a concern, call ahead and ask.

Vascular ultrasound

Vascular ultrasound looks at blood flow in arteries and veins. A provider may order it to check for clots or narrowing, and it can help assess stroke risk. Preparation is confirmed when the appointment is booked.

Mammography

Rossland Diagnostic Clinic is registered with the Ontario Breast Screening Program. Women aged 40 to 74 can book routine screening directly without a referral. Women 75 and older should talk with their health-care provider about whether continued screening is right for them.

Heart tests

The clinic’s cardiology team, Durham Cardiology, offers tests such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiograms and Holter monitors when a provider has requested them. Having imaging and heart testing at the same location can sometimes reduce the number of different places a caregiver needs to drive to, though each test is booked according to its own requirements.

Planning several tests at once

When a provider orders more than one test, it can be tempting to fit them all into one morning. Sometimes that works well. Other times, it can be tiring for an older adult, especially when tests have different preparation needs. A fasting ultrasound and a test that is easier after a meal, for example, may not pair well.

A few questions worth asking when you call:

• Can any of these tests be done on the same day?
• Does the preparation for one affect the other?
• How long should we expect to be at the clinic in total?
• Is there anywhere comfortable to wait?

The team can help you plan a schedule that makes sense.

After the visit: following up on results

Results from imaging tests are sent to the health-care provider who ordered them. The clinic does not give results or a diagnosis at the end of the exam. For urgent findings on X-ray, the clinic will promptly alert the physician.

For caregivers, follow-up is where things can slip through the cracks. A simple routine helps:

• Write down the date of each test and which provider ordered it.
• Ask each provider how they share results, whether by phone call, a follow-up visit, or only if something needs attention.
• Book the follow-up visit with the provider if one is recommended.
• Request images on CD if needed. If the patient is being referred to a specialist, the clinic can provide X-ray images on CD when required.

A calm visit is a good visit

Diagnostic imaging should be one of the more straightforward parts of an older adult’s care in Ajax or anywhere else. With the paperwork organized, a plan for getting in the door, and a quick word to the team about any needs, most visits go smoothly for both the patient and the person helping them.

If you are helping a parent, partner or friend and have questions about access, preparation or which tests can be done on the same day, call Rossland Diagnostic Clinic at 905-426-3111. To book a scheduled test such as an ultrasound, you can also request an appointment online.