Older adults see a doctor four times per year, on average. However, the number of medical visits may increase or decrease based on their individual health condition. Managing multiple medical appointments requires organization. Here are tips to manage the visits.
Even if a senior is healthy, they should visit a doctor at least once per year for a check-up. Blood and urine samples should be taken so that the physician can detect signs of disease early on. If problems are caught soon, treatment can be administered to delay their progress.
After the age of 65, the senior should undergo certain medical tests to maintain their health. Common tests include screenings for breast, prostate, and colon cancers, a bone density test, and a cholesterol test. Their vision and dental health should also be examined separately.
Family members who accompany their aging loved one to the doctor’s office play multiple roles: caregiver and medical advocate. They must learn how to navigate the process to ensure the senior receives the best care. Caregivers stay on track before, during, and after the visit with these 10 tips.
1. Ensure the medical provider can share information
Health privacy laws prevent medical providers from sharing the senior’s information. However, the senior should tell the doctor at the appointment that they agree to have the family member there. The older adult should also confirm that the office can share health information with the caregiver later.
2. Obtain legal permission to view medical records
Legal permission is required when a family caregiver wishes to review the senior’s medical records. HIPAA release forms are usually available at the doctor’s office. Ask the senior to provide the family caregiver’s name and contact information on the HIPAA form.
3. Understand the senior’s condition
Speaking knowledgeably to the doctor requires an understanding of the senior’s health. Discuss any past surgeries, current ailments, medications, or supplements and allergies with the senior to glean critical information. If the senior is unable to help, seek answers from relatives.
4. Bring health care information
Along with the senior’s medical insurance cards, bring a list of drugs they are taking. Such medications may include prescription medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Ensure the list includes the names of the drugs, the dosages, and medication schedules.
5. Ensure the office has the right notes
The senior may see a specialist for a particular health concern. When accompanying the older loved one to these appointments, make sure the office has notes from the referring physician. If electronic records are not shared, the caregiver can upload them to their online patient portal.
6. Take notes during the appointment
As the physician speaks to the senior, take notes on recommended treatments. Ask questions using a bullet-point list of concerns and symptoms, ideally prepared before the appointment. It is helpful if this list is supplied to the doctor a few days ahead of the visit.
7. Include the senior in the discussions
When the doctor asks questions, allow the senior to answer. Try to avoid getting into a two-way conversation with the physician and leaving the older patient out. It’s crucial to allow the senior to contribute to the discussions about their health care.
8. Respect the senior’s privacy
Especially when bringing up sensitive health issues, the senior may ask the caregiver to leave the exam room. When requested, exit the room to give the older adult the privacy they need to discuss sensitive topics or ask the doctor questions privately.
9. Ask about telemedicine
Telemedicine, or virtual doctors’ appointments, is a convenient way to get care when the senior is ill or challenged by mobility issues. Ask the medical staff if video or phone consultations can replace in-person visits. Ensure the senior’s insurance covers telemedicine.
10. Prepare for telehealth visits
If virtual visits are acceptable, prepare for them. Practice using tech tools, such as Zoom or other video-chat apps. Log in 10 minutes prior to the visit to resolve any technical difficulties. Have a thermometer, pulse oximeter, and blood pressure monitor ready if the doctor wants to record results.
Managing a senior’s medical appointments takes advanced planning. Family caregivers who take their aging loved one to the doctor should also ensure they are ready. For instance, give the senior time to use the bathroom, allow plenty of time to get to the appointment, and prepare for the unexpected.
Family caregivers are aware that managing the care of an elderly loved one can be unpredictable and emotionally taxing, especially without preparation. Be open to asking the health care team for assistance when situations become overwhelming or fail to go as planned.
While family caregivers handle the task of accompanying seniors to their medical appointments, they might delegate other aspects of their care to Assisting Hands Home Care. We are a nationally recognized home care agency that prioritizes the health and well-being of seniors in our care.
Professional caregivers are responsible for a comprehensive range of non-medical care duties. We respectfully help seniors with personal hygiene tasks, like bathing and dressing. Light housekeeping, grocery shopping and healthy meal preparation are also included in our typical home care tasks.
We provide transportation and escort to areas in the local community, such as the doctors’ office, pharmacy, or senior center. If the senior is prescribed medications, we give timely medication reminders. We’re also great companions who relieve loneliness and social isolation.
Elderly care is flexible and can be scheduled intermittently, such as with our respite care options, or long-term, such as with live-in care. Our professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured to give seniors and their families maximum peace of mind.
When elder care is right for your aging loved one, choose Assisting Hands Home Care, like so many satisfied families in Brevard County, Florida, do. Call us at (321) 455-5778 to schedule your complimentary in-home consultation today and learn how quality senior home care can enhance the daily life of older adults.
