If you accompany an older adult to medical appointments, you can help, with their permission, to ensure effective communication with the health care professional to make the most of the visits. Following are some general tips:
Come prepared. Educate yourself about your loved one’s disease or disability. Make a list of questions, with the most pressing need at the top. Bring a record of your loved one’s medical history, including illnesses, injuries, medical conditions, surgeries, and any recent symptoms. Bring a list of all medications taken, with dosages and times administered, and include over-the-counter remedies, herbs and supplements. Be sure to arrive early enough to fill out forms.
Communicate effectively. Explain the reason for the visit quickly and concisely, try not to ramble. Provide updates since the last visit, and honestly answer the doctor’s questions. Empower yourself: take a deep breath, make eye contact, sit up straight. Take notes and ask questions; never leave the office confused. If the doctor wants to order a test, ask what the test is for, why it’s important, and how long it will take to get results. If the doctor makes a diagnosis, ask for the name of the condition and an explanation of how s/he arrived at the diagnosis. Ask about treatment suggestions and any non-medical interventions. Feel free to request a second opinion. When the doctor prescribes a medication, make sure you know the name of the drug and understand why it has been prescribed, how and when to take it, and possible side effects or interactions with other drugs.
Both you and your loved one should be part of the health care team: you can help to ensure that you are.
Emily Cooper is Information and Assistance Specialist for Caregiver Programs with Boulder County Area Agency on Aging. Info: 303- 678-6116 or InfoCaregiver@boulder county.org