As a caregiver, you have an important role in your loved one's health. You know the person well. You might be the first to notice changes in behavior or appearance. This information is useful to doctors and other health care providers. You can also help your loved one talk to the doctor about his or her health. At the appointment, you can take notes and ask questions. You can monitor whats working and whats not.
Preparing for Visits Keep all health care information in one place. Use a binder that holds a notebook and a folder for important papers. Here is the information to include:
Names, phone numbers and addresses of all health care providers, including dentist, eye doctor, pharmacy, home care agency and equipment vendors. A list of medications and dosages, including over-the-counter items like vitamins and any supplements. Health insurance information Copies of test results Notes when monitoring a health issue (blood pressure, temperature, etc. )
Name(s) and contact information for caregiver and next of kin. Between Visits Use the notebook to list questions for the next doctor visit. If your loved one is embarrassed to talk about certain problems, explain that doctors have heard these things before and want to help.
Before the appointment, sit down with your loved one and arrange the questions from most important to least. Also consider: Are there any concerns from previous visits that need to be raised again? Are there any new symptoms to ask the doctor about? Are there any questions about medications or treatment? Are there any tests that need to be done? Bring to the Appointment Help your loved one gather all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal remedies to bring to the appointment. Bring the binder. Share your list with the doctor so you can review it together. At the Appointment Share your list of concerns with the doctor. Take notes about what the doctor recommends. If possible, make sure your loved one understands what you are talking about and what the doctor recommends.
Ask if vaccines are up-to-date. Ask if it's time for any routine screenings (mammogram, PAP, prostate) At the end of the exam, review the next steps with the doctor: what he or she is going to do and what the patient is going to do. Schedule a follow-up appointment if needed. If you are caring for a parent or other adult and do not have power of attorney, you will need that persons written permission to talk to their doctor. If you cant be present at an appointment, the doctor might be able to call you to discuss your concernsif the patient has signed his or her consent. Talk to the health care provider if you have any questions.
Source The Prepared Caregiver. Doctor visits. Accessed August 8, 2008. Available at www.ohsu.edu/healthyaging/caregiving/tips_personal/doctor_visits_all_tips.html .
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