Working with doctors and other healthcare professionals can be an important part of being a caregiver. Some things caregivers may find especially helpful to discuss are: What to expect in the future, sources of information and support, community services, and ways they can maintain their own well-being.
When you and your loved one go to see his or her doctor, here are a few tips that will help you be an ally and an advocate.
• Bringalistof questions, starting with what is most important to you and your loved one, and take notes on what the doctor recommends. Ask your loved one in advance how you can be most helpful during the visit. Both the questions and the notes you write down can be helpful later, either to give information to another caregiver or family member, or to remind your loved one of what the doctor said.
• Before the appointment, ask your loved one and the other caregivers if they have any questions or concerns, they would like you to bring up.
• Bring a list of ALL medicines and dietary supplements your loved one is taking, both prescription and over the counter, and include the dosage and schedule. If he or she sees several different doctors, one may not necessarily know what another has prescribed.
• When the doctor asks a question, let your loved one answer unless you have been asked to do so. It’s easy to get into a twoway conversation between the doctor and yourself-try not to do this. Always include your loved one when you talk.
• Respect your loved one’s privacy and leave the room when necessary
• If you live out of town, talk to the doctor about how you can keep up to date on your loved one’s health.
• Ask the doctor to recommend helpful community resources.
• Larger medical practices, hospitals, and nursing homes may have a social worker on staff. The social worker may have valuable suggestions about community resources and other information.
If you are worried that your loved one might be depressed, you might want to discuss this with the doctor before the appointment. Depression is not a normal part of aging. Emotions like sadness, grief, and temporary blue moods are normal, but continuing depression that interferes with daily living is not okay. Make sure the doctor is taking action in response to your concerns.
If you are a family caregiver and would like information on services that may be available to you contact Twila Doucet, Caregiver Coordinator, at 580-2347475 or tdoucet@ltcaenid.org