A Guide to Advocating for Seniors During Doctor Visits
The doctor-patient relationship can be complicated, especially between seniors and their primary care physicians. Relaying personal and sometimes intimate concerns can evoke many emotions in seniors, so having a spouse, family member, or friend there to advocate can help overcome those challenges. The guide below includes advice on advocating for seniors to make the next doctor’s visit a better experience.
Why It’s Important to Advocate For Seniors
Seniors can face several challenges when visiting with their doctor. They may struggle to feel heard or have trouble relaying their concerns. On the other hand, they may want to keep information from their physician or downplay any issues they’re experiencing. We’re all human, and sometimes, the emotions surrounding sharing those details can cause us to put our health second.
Advocating for seniors can help bridge the gap between patients and doctors in a welcoming and accepting manner. Through advocates, seniors can relay the complete picture of their health so doctors can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Advocating for seniors as a loved one or family member can add a new (and sometimes scary) facet to the relationship, but understanding the support and encouragement advocates provide can help ease those fears.
How to Advocate For Seniors During a Doctor’s Visit
Advocating for seniors in doctor appointments doesn’t require a huge shift. Instead, seniors and their advocates can open lines of communication with a physician to optimize their time together. Here are a few ways advocates can help seniors during their doctor’s visit:
- Clarify next steps, such as follow-up appointments or specialist referrals
- Ask questions to clarify a senior’s concerns or questions about treatment
- Request a demonstration of tasks a senior or their caregiver may need to perform
- Inquire about additional resources to help seniors tackle their health concerns or support their health goals
Seniors may also wish to discuss with their advocate how they’ll communicate with their doctor. If seniors don’t feel comfortable or confident relaying their concerns, their advocate can speak for them. It may also be helpful to notify the doctor that the advocate will attend the appointment, as regulations may require signing forms that allow advocates access to sensitive health information.
Additional Tips for Advocating For Your Loved One
Visiting the doctor with a senior loved one can be challenging, even if you’re not actively advocating for their health. Here are additional tips spouses and family members can use to make the most of the next doctor’s visit:
- Before attending the appointment, write out a list of the top three concerns the senior wants to focus on
- Email this list of concerns to the doctor ahead of time so they can also prioritize these concerns
- Designate one advocate for a senior loved one to attend doctor’s visits and inform other family members of any updates
- Keep an updated list of medications to share with the doctor
Taking notes while at the appointment can also help seniors and their advocates refer to what was said later. Seniors may also wish to schedule their appointments at a time of day that best fits their schedule. Having reliable transportation can also minimize rescheduling that may occur if seniors are late for their appointments.
Advocating with Families for Pikesville’s Best Senior Care
Visiting Angels of Pikesville/Owings Mills caregivers take every opportunity to advocate for the seniors we serve, as well as work alongside family advocates. Our compassion and care extend to ensuring the safety and well-being of Pikesville seniors, from trips to the doctor’s office to their homes and nearly any place in between. Contact us to learn more about our senior home care services and schedule a free consultation.