Adult children are increasingly stepping in to manage their fathers’ healthcare, with many claiming their dad is more likely to downplay, or joke about, symptoms than visit a healthcare professional, according to new research.
Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) said their father is likely to make a joke or light-hearted excuse when discussing aches, pains, stiffness or mobility issues. Common responses include claiming it’s “just old age” (42 per cent), saying “it’s nothing to worry about” (28 per cent) or insisting “I’ve overdone it a bit” (27 per cent) – and even quipping that their “joints need oiling” (12 per cent) or blaming the weather (19 per cent).
New OnePoll research of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by Practice Plus Group Hospitals ahead of Father’s Day (21st June), reveals a growing role reversal in family healthcare, with over half (57 per cent) saying they now play an active role in helping manage a parent’s healthcare.
“People want straightforward routes into healthcare, clear information about their options and confidence that there won’t be hidden surprises along the way.“
Ross Dowsett, CEO, Practice Plus Group Hospitals
The findings suggest fathers are significantly more likely than mothers to minimise potential health concerns, with 73 per cent of respondents saying their dad or father figure downplays pain or symptoms, compared with 59 per cent for mums.
As a result, six in 10 adult children worry their dad’s jokes and excuses may be masking more serious health or mobility issues, and two-thirds (66 per cent) believe their father has delayed seeking medical support at least once.
The burden is increasingly falling on adult children. Almost half (44 per cent) have encouraged a parent to book an appointment, over a quarter (29 per cent) have attended appointments with them, 27 per cent have helped make bookings and more than a fifth (23 per cent) have taken time off work or changed plans to provide support. Meanwhile, one in five (21 per cent) have helped parents navigate online healthcare systems and understand treatment options.
The research also highlights the growing impact of waiting lists on families. Nearly one-third (31 per cent) say their father is currently waiting for consultations, tests, treatment or surgery.
As a result, more than half (57 per cent) said they would be willing to support their father in accessing private healthcare appointments or surgery if NHS waiting times were affecting treatment, reflecting growing demand for faster access to care.
However, barriers remain even among those with private medical insurance (PMI). Almost a quarter (24 per cent) describe their father as reluctant to use their cover. The most common reasons include wanting to “save it” for something more serious (38 per cent), treating it as a last resort (36 per cent), concerns about hidden costs (33 per cent) and finding the claims process too complicated (28 per cent).
The findings suggest there is a growing opportunity for healthcare providers and insurers to simplify access to treatment and improve communication with families. Over eight in 10 people polled (83 per cent) said they would feel reassured if their father could access clearer, more straightforward healthcare support more quickly.
Commenting on the findings, Ross Dowsett Chief Executive of Practice Plus Group Hospitals, said:
“This research shows a concerning trend that many fathers continue to brush off symptoms that can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Mobility issues, joint pain and other ongoing health concerns shouldn’t simply be accepted as part of getting older and early intervention can transform patient’s lives.
“We agree with the findings which show a real need to make healthcare simpler, more accessible and more transparent for patients and their families. People want straightforward routes into healthcare, clear information about their options and confidence that there won’t be hidden surprises along the way.
“That’s why we’re continuing to streamline patient pathways and invest in technology that improves digital access to healthcare, while ensuring patients can still speak to a real person when they need guidance and reassurance.
“We’re also working closely with insurers to help simplify access to treatment, ensuring patients receive the right care, at the right time, through a process that is easy to understand and navigate.”
Chris’ teenage son helps get hip sorted
CASE STUDY: A dad who spent years putting off hip replacement surgery was spurred into action by his son – and the thought of enjoying sports together.
After living with hip pain caused by osteoarthritis since his late 20s, Chris Newberry, 59, from Truro, Cornwall spent years putting off the hip replacement surgery he knew he needed.
He said: “Over the years I’d make excuses because of the pain, or brush it off and kept delaying surgery, but it reached a point where I was missing out on too much.”
“My son was incredibly supportive throughout and even took time off work to drive me from Truro to Birmingham in his little Fiat.“
Chris Newberry, hip replacement patient, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
“Living in Cornwall, we love being outdoors, but my hip pain meant I couldn’t properly enjoy being active anymore.
“Even a round of golf had become difficult. I started to feel old before my time and realised I didn’t want to keep missing out on experiences we could be enjoying together.”
A major motivation for finally going ahead with surgery was Chris’s son, Harry, 18, alongside the news that he would soon lose his private medical insurance following redundancy ahead of early retirement.
Chris added: “I knew I couldn’t put it off any longer.
“The thought of being active again and making the most of retirement was a huge driving force.
“My son is a keen surfer and he’d often suggested I give it a go too. That spurred me into action.
“I wanted to get back to enjoying life properly again and spending quality time with my son.”
After reaching out through his insurer, AXA, Chris was referred the same day, and chose Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham to see consultant Mr Kenan Dehne, who specialises in hip replacements.
Chris said: “My son was incredibly supportive throughout and even took time off work to drive me from Truro to Birmingham in his little Fiat.
“It was a long journey, but having him there made a huge difference.”
It wasn’t just Chris who was impacted before the treatment though, as Harry said seeing his dad struggle for years had been difficult.
Harry said: “For years it’s been a source of excuses or reasons not to do things.
“I hated him struggling with the pain and knew we’d be able to do more together if he got the surgery.
“When he said he was having the surgery in Birmingham, I said I could help get him there.
“I’d have driven him anywhere, to be honest, to get rid of the pain.
“Since he’s had a hip replacement it’s been amazing. I really feel Dad is happier, more active and we can finally do the sports we both enjoy again.”
Now recovered, Chris is enjoying life free from pain again.
He said: “The surgery has completely transformed things for me.
“I’m back playing golf, feeling active again and most importantly looking forward to spending more quality time with my son – and maybe even finally giving surfing a try.
“I only wish I’d done it sooner. I’d spent so many years putting it off and adjusting my life around the pain, but having my new hip has given me a real second chance to be active again.”
