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Make the Most of Your Doctor Visits with this Handy Checklist [and Video!]

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Make the Most of Your Doctor Visits with this Handy Checklist [and Video!]

Doctor Visit Checklist

Preparing Seniors for Doctor Visits

Thanks again to our friends at ClearCare for sharing this post with us!
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. (Forbes) Given how common (and 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

Doctor Visit Checklist 1
For many seniors, doctor’s visits are stressful. Use this handy checklist to help ease anxiety! As the caregiver, you can go over this checklist before the senior leaves for their appointment to make sure that they have everything they need before they leave. Download the Doctor Visit Checklist to quickly complete before each doctor’s visit. This will help your loved one make the most of their appointment, even if you can’t go with them.

Preparing for the Doctor Appointment

  • Arrange transportation to and from appointments
  • 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
  • Medical records, if needed
  • Completed Doctor Visit Checklist with the following information:
  • Contact information for other doctors
  • List of current medications
  • List of allergies/medical conditions
  • 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

(Fit After Fifty) (Download printable checklist here)

Maximizing Your Doctor Visit (& Health!)

Here’s a helpful story from Albert, who is 91 years young. Watch what he does to prepare for his doctor visits! https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=180&v=3LpLvKBdgYw

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 (NIH)

What About Online Health Information?

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. Don’t forget to download the free Doctor Visit Checklist! Thanks again to our friends at ClearCare for sharing this post with us!    At Home Care provides expert services and peace of mind. Request a free consultation today.

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