Give Information About Medications
It is possible for medicines to interact causing unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects. Your doctor needs to know about ALL of the medicines your parent takes, including over-the-counter (nonprescription) drugs and herbal remedies or supplements, so bring everything with you to your visit—don't forget about eye drops, vitamins, and laxatives. Tell the doctor how often your parent takes each. Describe any drug allergies or reactions your parent has had. Be sure your doctor has the phone number of the pharmacy you use.
Describe Daily Habits
To provide the best care, your doctor must understand your parent as a person and know what their life is like. The doctor may ask about where they live, what they eat, how they sleep, what you they each day, what activities they enjoy, and if they smoke or drink. Be open and honest with your doctor. It will help him or her to understand your parents' medical conditions fully and recommend the best treatment choices.
Voice Other Concerns
Your doctor may ask you how your parents' life is going. This isn't being impolite or nosy. Information about what's happening in your parents' life may be useful medically. Let the doctor know about any major changes or stresses, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one.
You don't have to go into detail; you may want to say something like: "It might be helpful for you to know that my mother's husband passed away since our last visit with you." or "My mother recently had to sell her home and move in with me."