Preparing Seniors for Doctor Visits
Getting to a doctor visit, as well as understanding and implementing medical advice, can be a challenge for seniors.
Home Care Hyde Park OH – Preparing Seniors for Doctor Visits
Aging involves changes in health, physical ability, and medical risks. On average, older adults in the US tend to be in a healthcare setting about 17 days a year. Given how common (and often necessary) it is for seniors to interact with doctors, it is important to help seniors navigate doctor visits well.
(Forbes)
A Start-to-Finish Doctor Visit Checklist
For many seniors, doctor’s visits are stressful. Use this checklist to help ease anxiety.
1. Arrange transportation to and from appointments
2. Check if the appointment or associated tests require seniors to contact their insurance company ahead of time for pre-certification or other purposes
3. Pack everything needed for a successful appointment:
- Insurance cards
- Photo ID
- Payment for co-pays or other charges
- Contact information for other doctors
- List of current medications
- List of allergies/medical conditions
- Medical records, if needed
- A list of questions for the doctor
- A notepad or device for note-taking
Verify at checkout after the appointment:
• If further testing or labs are required
• When new prescriptions should be picked up
• If there are instructions or treatment notes seniors can take home with them
• When follow-up appointments are scheduled
• If any payment is due
How to Help Seniors Advocate for Themselves
Often, seniors feel nervous or powerless when in healthcare settings. Encourage seniors to attend their appointments confidently and to speak up for themselves. Remind seniors to:
• Bring glasses or hearing aids if necessary to support effective communication
• Prepare to share what has been going on in their lives and to ask questions
• Ask for directions, diagnoses, and notes about the appointment in writing
• Get a second opinion if they are uncomfortable or unsure of something a doctor says
• Take a family member or close friend for support if self-advocacy is challenging for them
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Home Care Services in Hyde Park OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
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