Tips for Successful Appointments with the Elderly
If you are taking your elderly loved one to the doctor, there are some tips for having successful appointments. Before learning more about these tips, you should know that not every elderly person responds to appointments the same way. For instance, if your elderly loved one has dementia, this might make their doctor’s appointments more difficult. With this being said, it might be helpful to work with their doctor and homecare providers to find the best way to handle their appointments.
Arriving Early to the Appointments
You or the homecare provider that is taking your elderly loved one to the appointments should always arrive early. It is best to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. This way, if there is any paperwork that needs to be done, you will have time to fill it out. In addition, you may want to plan for extra time if you know there are difficulties with getting your elderly loved one ready for the appointments.
Checking In for the Appointments
When it comes to checking in for your elderly loved one’s appointments, you need to sign in at the front desk (unless the doctor’s office has other guidelines for this). When checking in for the appointments, be sure the office staff has your elderly loved one’s medical insurance information. This way there won’t be any surprises with bills or co-pays later on.
Be Ready to Wait with Your Elderly Loved One
It is important to remember that doctor’s offices are usually quite busy. They see patients all day long. Sometimes appointments run over the allotted time. This is why you should be ready to wait with your elderly loved one. The doctor might be on time and ready for the appointment. However, it is likely that the appointment will not start at the expected time. You or the homecare provider can bring your elderly loved one a crossword puzzle to do or a book to read. You can come ready with conversation topics to keep your elderly loved one occupied, as well.
Have Questions Ready and Know the Plan Before Leaving
When you get into the appointment with your elderly loved one, make sure you know what the doctor’s plan is. For instance, if the doctor wants your elderly loved one to go get bloodwork or be scheduled for a test, make sure you know these things. You should also be sure to ask any questions that you have while you are in the appointment. This can clear up any discrepancies or issues later on. There is no question that is too small. If you don’t know something, be sure to ask.
These are some of the tips for having successful appointments with your elderly loved one. Sometimes, appointments aren’t going to happen as planned. Your elderly loved one might be having a bad day. However, if you follow the tips here today, you can ensure that more of the appointments that you loved one has, happen as they should.
Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/doctors-appointments-tips-caregivers
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