{"id":1593,"date":"2023-06-28T09:00:49","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T09:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/107\/?p=1593"},"modified":"2023-06-21T01:51:51","modified_gmt":"2023-06-21T01:51:51","slug":"guidelines-for-communicating-with-an-older-parents-doctor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/107\/california\/danville\/blog\/guidelines-for-communicating-with-an-older-parents-doctor\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for Communicating with an Aging Parent\u2019s Physician"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you provide regular care for your senior parent, you may also drive or accompany your mom or dad to regular medical appointments. It’s also important to make sure you’re kept informed when it comes to your parent’s current health needs so you’ll know what to look out for and what additional steps you might need to take while providing care. Achieve this goal by keeping the following tips for communicating with your parent’s physician in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Take the Necessary Legal Steps First<\/b><\/h2>\n

Be aware of medical privacy regulations as you establish more direct communication with your parent’s physician. This may mean having your mom or dad sign a durable power of attorney for medical purposes or a similar legal document. Such documents allow your parent to officially give you permission to discuss his or her health-related matters. You and your loved one may also be asked to sign a consent form.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Determine Who Will Be Handling Medical Communication<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you’ll be the one primarily communicating with your parent’s doctor, let other family members know this to minimize potential issues with miscommunication or confusion, especially if siblings or other family members also provide assistance with care. It can also be helpful to determine how you’ll keep everyone on the same page. For instance, you might have monthly family meetings or send out group emails after each appointment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of <\/span>elderly home care<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Be Prepared for Appointments<\/b><\/h2>\n

Be more productive with how you communicate with your parent’s doctor by going to appointments together. When you do this, be prepared by sitting down with your parent a day or two before the appointment. This will give you a chance to make a list of questions or concerns that need to be brought up during the visit. Additionally, be prepared for appointments by:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n