When it comes to your aging parent or loved one’s healthcare, every doctor visit is a critical opportunity to advocate, clarify, and plan. Whether it’s a routine checkup, follow-up after hospitalization, or a new concern, these moments are often brief—yet immensely important. For caregivers, being well-prepared for medical appointments can reduce stress, improve communication, and ensure better outcomes.
From in-person consultations to virtual telehealth sessions, here’s how to make every minute count.
1. Start with a Clear Goal for the Visit
Before the appointment, define what you hope to accomplish. Are you:
- Seeking answers to new or worsening symptoms?
- Reviewing lab results or diagnostic tests?
- Discussing medication side effects or changes?
- Planning post-hospitalization care?
- Evaluating treatment options for a chronic condition?
Clarifying the goal helps focus the conversation and ensures that everyone—caregiver, patient, and provider—is aligned. Don't assume the doctor will automatically prioritize the same concerns you have.
2. Prepare and Prioritize Questions
Medical appointments can feel rushed. That’s why it’s essential to:
- Write down all your questions in advance.
- Highlight the top 2–3 concerns in case time runs short.
- Use specific language like “What are the next steps if this treatment doesn’t work?” or “Could this symptom be a side effect of her medication?”
Having a clear, written list ensures your voice is heard—and helps your loved one feel empowered, too.
3. Understand Your Role in the Appointment
Caregivers often wear many hats. Consider these questions before the visit:
- Will you attend in person or join remotely via phone/video?
- Does your loved one want you to lead the conversation or simply listen and take notes?
- Are there sensitive issues that need to be discussed privately or delicately?
Establishing your role ahead of time helps avoid confusion or missed communication during the appointment.
4. Support Optimal Communication
Many older adults face challenges with hearing, vision, or memory. A few small adjustments can make a big difference:
- Ensure hearing aids and eyeglasses are available and functioning (bring extra batteries if needed).
- Bring a notepad or use your phone to jot down key points and next steps.
- Speak slowly and clearly when asking or relaying information.
You’re not just a companion—you’re a communication bridge between your loved one and their care provider.
5. Come Prepared with Information and Documentation
A well-prepared caregiver brings clarity to the doctor’s evaluation. Be sure to:
- Provide a detailed summary of any recent symptoms or behavioral changes. Note when they began, how frequently they occur, and any possible triggers.
- Bring a current list of all medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. If possible, place them all in a bag and bring it with you.
- Include allergy information, hospital discharge papers, or records from other specialists, if relevant.
A thorough overview gives the physician a more accurate picture—and leads to more personalized care.
6. Extra Tips for Telehealth Appointments
Telehealth can be a convenient option for seniors, but it requires a bit of technical preparation:
- Test the technology beforehand. Ensure your loved one’s computer or tablet has a stable internet connection, working audio/microphone, and a clear webcam.
- Choose a quiet, private setting. Avoid background noise (like TVs or conversations) and try to find a comfortable, well-lit space.
- Adjust the lighting so that it’s in front of your loved one, not behind—this helps avoid silhouette issues and glare on glasses.
- Gather medical tools ahead of time: a thermometer, blood pressure cuff, or blood sugar monitor may be needed for the visit.
- Have a phone ready in case the video call fails or you need to send a photo of a rash, wound, or medication label.
How Geriatric Care Managers Can Help
Navigating medical appointments can feel overwhelming—especially when juggling multiple specialists or complex health needs. A Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) acts as a trusted guide and advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s how they can help with doctor visits:
- Pre-visit planning: GCMs help define priorities and prepare essential information and questions.
- In-visit support: They can attend appointments (in-person or virtually), facilitate communication, and ensure the doctor understands the full context of your loved one’s condition.
- Follow-up coordination: After the visit, they help manage referrals, prescriptions, home health orders, or any recommended next steps.
- Continuity of care: With a holistic view of your loved one’s medical, emotional, and social needs, a GCM ensures that care stays coordinated—even across multiple providers.
Having a professional advocate can relieve the pressure on family caregivers while improving care quality for your loved one.
Stay Informed, Stay Supported: Partner with LiveWell Today
Make Doctor Visits Easier and More Effective for Your Loved One
You don’t have to navigate medical appointments alone. Whether it’s planning for a telehealth session or preparing for a critical follow-up, LiveWell’s compassionate geriatric care managers are here to help every step of the way.
📞 Contact LiveWell today to schedule a free initial consultation and discover how our experienced care managers can support you and your loved ones—during the holidays and beyond.
