âHi mom, how did it go at your doctorâs appointment today?â
âWell, they said that I needed a new medication to help me remember things.â
âWhat was the diagnosis that they were treating?â
âIâm not really sureâŠâ
It used to be that she took you to the doctor, sat in the vinyl chair next to the paper covered recliner, asked the doctor all the right questions and filled out all the forms.
Now itâs you in that vinyl chair and she is sitting on the paper covered recliner quietly, like she used up all her questions when she asked them on your behalfâall those years ago.
When did you start realizing that you wanted to attend doctorâs appointments together?
It may seem easier to go to appointments with your older adult so you can get the whole story. Although it can be a bit of a tightrope as you respect their independence and ask the tough questions.
Iâve learned a few things in that time. I’ve summarized it for you.
Six Ways to Be a Bold Medical Advocate
#1. You are the customer. There is something about a doctor title that can be intimidating, but it doesnât change the fact that they are there to make sure your needs are met. Also, you are paying for the care.
#2. Arrive with your questions written out and donât let the doctor leave the room until youâve taken the time you need to make sure all the questions were asked and the answers understood. That means even if the doctor is standing at the door waiting while you are reviewing your notes.
#4. If you arenât given the expertise, time and attention you need, find a new doctor. You donât need to tolerate care that doesnât meet your needs. Itâs even okay if itâs because the doctorâs attitude or demeanor isnât a fit.
#5. Ask for what you need. One time (to avoid embarrassing my family member) at check in I told the receptionist that I wanted to talk to the doctor privately at some point. Another time I asked the nurse to use the term âcoachâ instead of âhospiceâ in front of my dad. Many times I asked for a hallway conversation.
#5. Make sure you know how to contact the doctor for follow-up concerns or questions. Weekend? After hours? Text? Email? As information sinks in, more questions will likely arise.
#6. Donât hesitate to ask the doctor to use plain terms and simple explanations if they are using terminology that isnât easy to understand. Itâs okay that you (probably) didnât go to medical school. I have some training through Greyâs Anatomy, but it may not be complete.
Use the right tools
One of the tools I have always used is a portable medical planner. I tried keeping notes on my phone, but found that it took too long to bring it up and type in answers, etc. so I used all my experience at the doctorâs office and hospital to create what I believe people need. I even designed the cover and taught myself InDesign so I could do the layout. Then I added pockets for organizing all the things. Just today, we got this feedback which delighted meâŠ
âI received the GoKit yesterday and I was very impressed. Here are some of my first impressions:
- Loved the size. Easy to carry.
- I like that it doesnât look like a medical document planner. That was important for my family because my mom wanted to look at our homemade notebook and we had to disguise it.
- I like how the book reminds, encourages and speaks to the caregiver in the blue bubbles.
- It is great that the divider pages are color pages. Relaxation technique built in!
- If I had received this from my employer, I would have felt totally supported and cared about!â
Click here to download a page from the âDoctorâ section of the planner. Use it to help you prepare and navigate the next appointment for your older adult.
May you find joy in loving one another well.
Elizabeth Dameron-Drew is the Co-founder and President of Ways & Wane. She walked closely with her own father through his years of waning. She lives near Seattle with her two teenage sons, husband and two rescue dogs.