Routine doctor visits are extremely important for seniors to ensure overall health and reduce the risk of advanced conditions in the future. In addition to attending scheduled appointments, it’s important for seniors to do everything they can to get the most out of their visits. Here’s a list of the top things all seniors should bring with them to doctor’s appointments.
1. Trusted Companion
Going to the doctor, even if only for a routine checkup, can sometimes be nerve-wracking for a senior. Bringing a trusted companion can alleviate fears and concerns, and the person can also record important information the doctor provides.
If your aging loved one feels uncomfortable going with a friend or family member, a professional caregiver is a great option. Experienced and compassionate by nature, caregivers are also trained in how to appropriately communicate with medical professionals and others involved in seniors’ care.
If you’re unable to take your parent to the doctor yourself, a home caregiver can be a great resource. Elderly home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. List of Concerns & Questions
If you’re accompanying your parent to the doctor, make a list of things your loved one wants to discuss, whether it’s a new symptom you’re concerned about or a question your loved one has about the newest flu shot. After you’ve compiled a list of questions, prioritize them in order of importance. This way, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you won’t forget the questions.
With a written and prioritized list in hand, you’ll also be able to get the things that are really on your mind addressed immediately. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your loved one’s doctor is a resource who’s there to provide whatever assistance your loved one needs.
Home caregivers can help families maintain detailed records of their loved ones’ daily routines and note any issues their doctors should know about. Senior care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. Personal Calendar
It’s common for doctors to request follow-up appointments. While your loved one may be given a reminder card after scheduling the next visit, it’s also good to write it down in a personal calendar. If you’re a family caregiver, this is especially important, as your schedule is likely filled with a huge number of things, from carpool schedules to your next work meeting. Being able to have something in writing helps you stay organized and increases the chances of making sure your loved one attends a future appointment.
If your loved one is visiting a doctor or specialist for the first time, he or she should also bring his or her insurance card, any records of lab or test results that might be of importance, and a list of the current medications he or she is taking in case something else needs to be prescribed during the appointment. This will ensure the doctor prescribes medications that won’t have adverse interactions with ones your loved one is currently taking.
A professional home caregiver can help you keep track of any new symptoms or changes in your parent’s health that may require seeing a doctor. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Oakville families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (905) 337-1200 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.