August 13, 2020
Getting to a doctor visit, as well as understanding and implementing medical advice, can be a challenge for seniors. 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.
A Start-to-Finish Doctor Visit Checklist
For many seniors, doctor’s visits are stressful. Use this checklist to help ease anxiety.
Arrange transportation to and from appointments.
Identify whether or not a companion is necessary for the visit.
Check if the appointment or associated tests require seniors to contact their insurance company ahead of time for pre-certification or other purposes.
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.
Tips to See the Doctor Less Often
Following doctor’s instructions and taking care of oneself are great ways for seniors to reduce the number of appointments they attend. There are also alternatives to traditional doctor visits that seniors can benefit from, such as:
Web-based medical services
Virtual or over-the-phone appointments
Retail clinics, especially for flu shots or common, minor illnesses
Urgent care centers
Cyclical Reasons Seniors Should See The Doctor
One of the reasons aging adults tend to see doctors often is for cyclical treatments, check-ups, or preventative care. For instance, seniors should plan on:
Annual check-ups
A colonoscopy every decade
Annual vaccinations
Regular eye exams
Dental exams twice a year
Screenings for cancer, thyroid disorders, etc.
Home Care Tip
Help seniors who are active online to understand that the Web does not have a medical degree. While medical information can be helpful to reference and understand more about health, only professionals with education and training should make diagnoses and prescribe treatments.
Source: ClearCare Online
At EPAGA Home Care, our caregivers are thoroughly trained in providing care to seniors and those with disabilities, including making trips to the doctor’s office effortless.
For more information on how we can assist you or your loved one with services like doctor visit assistance, please visit our services page at the link below.