Q: I’ve been going with my elderly mother to her doctor’s appointments. What questions should I be asking her doctor?
A: To ensure quality follow up care, doctors appreciate their elderly patients being accompanied to appointments by their caregivers. Maximize your time on each visit by keeping a notebook with your questions, observations on any mental or physical changes from the last visit, list of medications and follow up care for your elderly parent. This alleviates any confusion afterwards.
Questions and areas to consider for a primary care appointment are:
- What physical conditions should I be aware of? What changes should I be reporting?
- What blood work should be done today? (A CBC (complete blood count) is very important to determine the various levels – especially, cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid, B-12, iron.)
- If a new medication is prescribed, what are the possible side effects? Have the doctor review the medications your mother is currently taking and explain the reason. Be proactive in removing meds that are not providing real benefits and may be contributing to a cognitive decline or inability to function.
Be sure your mother has signed a HIPPA form, allowing you to receive medical information on her behalf in person and over the phone. Along with any health care directives, be sure your mother has appointed a health care proxy and the signed form is placed in her medical file.
Gail M. Samaha is the founder of GMS Associates, and created an elder care planning division for elders and caregivers.
Read her full biography