Things to Know When Accompanying the Elderly to a Doctor Visit

Health and Wellness - Aging

By: ListMaker 07-Jan-2011

Introduction:

If you have an elderly loved one, you should be aware of some things to know when accompany the elderly to a doctor's visit. The below tips have been amassed over the past three years since I've become my 94 year old mother's caregiver. I hope they help other caregivers be prepared for doctor visits with their senior citizens.

Have a Computer Printout of the Elderly Person's Medical History

I'm not sure why there are so many computers in doctor offices yet we have to repeat my mom's medical history time and time again. Especially if your elderly friend is in the hospital, you'll learn to recite the medical history by heart. To make sure you don't forget anything as you might not be thinking very clearly yourself, it's best to carry copies of your elderly friend's medical history with you. Print out 5 copies and stuff them in your overnight bag if your elderly is being hospitalized.

Keep Business Cards With the Elderly Person's Prescriptions

Similar to the medical history, you might have to recite a large number of pills that the elderly take daily. I use a business card which I've printed on the computer; on the front, I have a list of the medications and the daily dosages and, on the back, I have the medications separated out by when my mom takes them (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). I always have a card in my wallet just in case.

Never Let the Elderly Be Admitted into the Hospital Alone

This tip came to me one time from a night nurse at the hospital where I was staying overnight with my mom. She told me that the patients who have caregivers with them fare much better, especially over night when night shift nurses are at a reduced staff. Additionally, the fact that I was there to tend to my mom overnight meant that the nurses didn't have to watch her so closely and could spend their valuable time on other duties. Your elderly friend will also get better care if you're there as the nurses are very appreciative.

Never Let the Elderly Go to a Doctor's Visit Alone

The elderly might not be able to easily remember their medical history, medications or relate the symptoms they've been experiencing. A family member should always go along to translate important information that the doctor may have and to ask pertinent questions about the elderly's health.

Get the First Appointment of the Day

Although this might not work for all elderly people (my mom moves s-l-o-w in the morning...), getting the first doctor appointment of the day means that your elderly friend won't be waiting long to be seen by the doctor. It's also better to not put your elderly in a waiting long where sick people may be sitting.

Final Thoughts

Please NEVER allow the elderly to go to a doctor visit alone. You might have a fight on your hand depending on the personality of your elderly friend but it's really important to their health that someone accompany them.

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Comments

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tracyann 4/9/2011
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Excellent list!
Vallain 1/19/2011
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You have very good points here. If they miss something that the doctor says or forget to tell the doctor about something, it can have serious consequences.
clewand550 1/7/2011
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Excellent list.
clewand550 1/7/2011
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Excellent list.
IzzyDuncan 1/7/2011
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Excellent recommendations--good for caregivers to know.
jseven 1/7/2011
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This is excellent and worthy of a front page. I was my mother's caregiver and would have liked to known some of these. High 5!
goodselfme 1/7/2011
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Such a great list of data and things to do and take care of with an elderly person.
ListingToTheLeft 1/7/2011
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Great tips, especially the first appointment of the day (if you're both morning people).
Ellie 1/7/2011
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Definitely good advice!
penelope7 1/7/2011
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Great list of guidelines on accompanying the elderly to a doctor's visit.