Q: How can we make the most of everyone’s time during my elderly parent’s medical appointment?
A: If you go with your parent to see the doctor, here are a few tips that will help you be an ally and an advocate:
•Bring a list of questions, starting with what is most important to you and your parent, and take notes on what the doctor recommends.
•Before the appointment, ask your parent, the primary caregiver and your siblings if they have any questions or concerns they would like you to bring up.
•Bring a list of ALL medicines and dietary supplements your parent is taking, both prescription and over-the-counter, and include the dosage and schedule.
• When the doctor asks a question, let your parent answer unless you have been asked to do so.
•It’s easy to get into a two-way conversation between the doctor and yourself. Try not to do this. Always include both your parent and the doctor when you talk.
•Respect your parent’s privacy, and leave the room when necessary.
•Talk to the doctor about how you can keep up to date on your parent’s health if you live out of town.
•Ask the doctor to recommend helpful community resources.
•Larger medical practices, hospitals and nursing homes may have a social worker on staff. The social worker may have valuable suggestions about community resources and other information.
Source: National Institutes of Health
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, Nov 2017
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