As many older adults begin to age, they may find it difficult to travel to necessary medical appointments on their own. Additionally, some of these adults might find themselves suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, which can make it near impossible for them to discuss their needs with their healthcare providers, remember necessary details regarding their health, or fully comprehend what is going on at their doctor’s visit.

Ensuring that a senior individual is prepared for an upcoming appointment is extremely important. By identifying ways to prepare them and preparing yourself as their medical advocate, a senior can travel to a medical visit with the confidence that comes from knowing they will be well taken care of and that the visit will be productive.

Steps to Take to Prepare for an Upcoming Medical Visit

Medical visits can be stressful for just about anyone, including the senior and you as their caregiver or loved one. By preparing both you and your loved one in advance, stress can be mitigated, and you can ensure all information regarding their health is adequately communicated.

Step One: Keep a Medical and Health File

The first step to take in preparing for doctor’s appointments with a senior loved one is to ensure you have a comprehensive file of all their medical and health information. These files can consist of a precise list of all medications currently being taken, the medication dosages, and when they are scheduled to take them, a concise rundown of their medical history, which should include any new changes in behavior, mood, or health, a summary of allergies or medication reactions, information for contacting their other medical providers, and previous hospital discharge reports, medical documents, or test results.

Step Two: Create a Summary of Medical Concerns and Questions

You will then want to sit down with your loved one and discuss any thoughts, concerns, or questions you or they might have regarding their health. Things to consider might include changes or new symptoms, changes in mood or behavior either of you have noticed, any new responses to medications, or concerns about disease progression.

Step Three: Make Arrangements for the Visit

There will be physical logistics and requirements to attend to when preparing for an out-of-the-home medical visit. This can include the timing of the appointment, as morning appointments might be better for certain aging-in-place individuals, the transportation of the senior to the appointment, and their comfort during the visit and the ride to and from the hospital or doctor’s office.

Step Four: Prepare for Certain Reactions

Visits to medical facilities can be extremely stressful, especially for senior individuals who face memory-altering conditions or conditions afflicting the mind. It is important that you prepare yourself for any emotional reactions to offer comfort and reassurance. This can be speaking to them in a calm tone, offering optimism and physical forms of reassurance, such as rubbing their shoulder, holding their hand, and helping move their mind to other things, such as topics that are familiar with.

Step Five: Schedule Follow-Up Care

After a successful appointment, it is important that you understand the next steps needed in the medical care of your senior loved one. This can include scheduling any necessary follow-up care, filling or adjusting prescriptions, and learning and using new care routines or techniques once your loved one returns home.

Let Us Help in Supporting and Caring for Your Senior Loved One in the Upper Peninsula

When choosing to age safely at home, medical visits can be extremely stressful as they will call for a senior individual to leave their space of comfort and familiarity. If you are a senior individual or have a senior family member currently aging in place, Marquette Home Care is here to offer robust in-home care services for clients across the Marquette area, including Ishpeming, Negaunee, Harvey, Skandia, and Gwinn. If you have questions about how to help your loved one prepare for an upcoming medical visit, contact us today at 906-361-8022.