How to Make the Most of Your Senior’s Doctor’s Appointments
Elderly Care in Old Bridge NJ: How to Make the Most of Your Senior’s Doctor’s Appointments
Your elderly family member’s appointments with her doctor can solve issues and ensure that she’s in good health. But they can also be a source of frustration for both of you. Here’s what you can do to make the most of that time.
Brainstorm Some Questions and Concerns
You know what your senior needs and what you need to know, but in the middle of the chaos of a doctor visit, you might find yourself forgetting. That’s perfectly normal and it’s all a part of the hustle and bustle. Start making a list a few days in advance of what you and your senior need to know and what has been giving either of you trouble.
Gather up Any Paperwork or Test Results You’ve Got
If you’ve got any test results, paperwork, or other documents that your senior’s doctor needs to see, make sure that you gather those before the appointment. Bring them with you and make sure that you keep a copy for yourself. This helps to ensure that her doctor has everything.
Get There a Little Bit Early
There’s always something to be filled out or verified at the doctor’s office. If you can get in the habit of getting there a little bit early, you can deal with those extra bits and pieces without having to worry about being late. The best part is that if you don’t have to deal with any extra paperwork on that visit, you might even get to go back a little bit earlier.
Ask about Taking Notes
Even at a regular appointment there’s a lot of adrenaline and other stuff going on. Consider taking some thorough notes during the visit so that you can jog your memory about what was said later. You might even want to take the time to flesh out those notes more thoroughly once you get home so you don’t forget anything vital.
Follow up Afterward if Anything Changes
Depending on the reason for the appointment, you might need to make sure you mention afterward if something changes for your senior. There might be new medications or changes to medication dosages that can make a big difference for your senior. Don’t be afraid to follow up if something changes for her.
If your elderly family member has mobility issues or you always end up feeling frazzled between getting her and you to the appointment at all, much less on time, there are options. Consider hiring elderly care providers to help you both to get there and to get back home again afterward. They can make that process so much easier.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Old Bridge, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care Serving Somerset and Middlesex/Union Counties today. Call (732) 607-8870.
The Care Street mission is straightforward and compelling: to provide a comprehensive range of the highest quality home health services in a professional and efficient manner that will enhance our clients' quality of life and empower families to keep their loved one at home.
Care Street has earned a reputation of excellence among hundreds of families, and is recommended by medical professionals and hospital discharge planners throughout the State.
- Maintaining Dignity and Respect with Personal Care at Home - November 22, 2024
- How Does Nutrition Affect Outcomes for Seniors? - November 15, 2024
- How Does Companion Care at Home Enhance Quality of Life for Seniors? - November 8, 2024