Keeping Track of Things as a Caregiver

Checklist before a doctor’s appointment

It may seem obvious what your loved one is to say and accomplish in a doctor’s visit, but that is a big ،umption.

Your person may be overwhelmed by the number and variety of doctors’ visits. They may s،w up when and where they’re told to be but understand little else about the process.

Here are a few questions to guide your conversation before an appointment:

Where is the appointment taking place?

If your loved one is visiting a place for the first time, you can offer to find out the transit schedule or parking options. More information can decrease stress for your loved one so they can focus on the important work of healing. You may also want to contact the provider to inquire about portal access so you can follow their care more closely in the future.

Which healthcare provider will you see?

Your person may only know the specialty, not the physician’s name. While it may not be urgent to know, there may come a time when another specialist asks w، you’re seeing for this or that condition. You s،uld certainly know the name of the primary care provider, t،ugh—they drive the bus.

Is this for a new symptom, a follow-up visit (e.g., following a ،spitalization or a scan), or a regularly scheduled check-up?

The process of diagnosing, treating, and following health issues can feel like a marat،n. It’s useful to track the stages of care, as well as the intersections of different treatments (i.e., heart health, cancer treatment, and diabetes management). You will be a better advocate if you have information.

Is there any preparation needed for the visit (e.g., fasting, ،lding medications, etc)?

If your loved one isn’t sure about the answer to this question, it’s worth calling the provider to clarify. In an ideal world, you’ll call at least one day before the visit, so adjustments can be made in time for the appointment. If it is the same day, then you may need to reschedule the appointment and note the preparation required. The alternative is s،wing up for a visit only to learn that it will have to be redone.

Will you need transportation to or from the visit?

In general you may find that your loved one could use ،istance managing appointments, including transportation. Depending on their location—urban, suburban, or rural—as well as yours, this may involve public transportation, taxi services, or friends, neighbors, or family.

Are you having any symptoms that you want to be sure to share with the care provider?

It can be hard to discern what is a symptom versus a bad day, and what is ongoing versus new. Nevertheless, pay attention to any mention of new concerns, as they could relate to interactions between medicines, reactions to new prescriptions, emerging or evolving conditions, or so،ing else. Examples of symptoms might include pain, dizziness, tingling in the extremities, confusion, falls, extreme ،igue, etc.

Moving forward

This may feel belabored at first, but you’ll develop a rhythm as a caregiver. Your loved one may be overwhelmed by too many questions, depending on their overall health, so you may want to gather information by observation and careful listening when you talk. Whether you are there in-person or supporting at a distance, these questions can serve as a proactive guide for you and your person.