Your New Role
Transitioning from a family member (wife, husband, daughter, son) to someone’s Alzheimer's Caregiver can be awkward – even for doctors. Some doctors are reluctant to include a family caregiver in the conversation during an appointment. Unfortunately, that leaves you without a voice. Since you’re in charge of someone else’s health now, you need to be front and center during any doctor visits.
Things You Can Do Before Your Visit
1. Contact The Doctor’s Office
Contact the doctor’s office before your visit. If you can’t speak to the doctor directly, leave a message with the office. Be succinct. Let them know your loved one is experiencing memory issues/cognitive impairment, that you are their primary caregiver, and that you need to be involved in the conversation about their health during the appointment. If you have any pressing concerns, include those. Be brief.
2. Make A List
Make a list of the things that need to be discussed with them during the appointment. It’s common for people to forget specific complaints they’ve had in the past during a doctor’s visit. “How are you?” often gets the automatic response, “I’m fine.” Bringing a list will help you ensure everything that’s anything that’s been bothering them is addressed with the doctor in person.
Things You Can Do During Your Visit
3. Get What You Came For
If something isn’t addressed by the doctor, bring it up before you leave. You might have to ask more than once. All your concerns need to be covered. All your questions need to be answered. You need to understand everything. You are in charge. Ask for a printed visit summary before you leave.
Things You Can Do After Your Visit
4. Keep Notes
After your appointment, (while it’s still fresh in your mind) take a few minutes to jot down any notable things from the visit. Keeping track of relevant health information or changes will help you maintain stability.
5. Prepare For Next Time
Add your next appointment to the calendar. Repeat steps 1-3 before your next visit, and step 4 after.
Make the most of your next doctor visit.
Download the AlzReady DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT PREP PACK.
It includes:
- Aches & Pains Tracker
- Medications Review
- Alzheimer’s Signs Tracker
- Independence Tracker
- Appointment Summary
Click here to download. It's free.
