As a caregiver for an aging parent, you likely interact frequently with their doctors, nurses, home health aides, and other healthcare providers. Clear, open communication with your parent’s care team is essential for ensuring they receive the best care possible. However, it can be challenging when dealing with busy clinics or medical terminology.
I’m Penina Tuimaualuga with Pearl’s Placements for Seniors, and I want to offer some tips for communicating effectively with your loved one’s healthcare providers:
Prepare Questions in Advance
Before appointments, make a list of issues to discuss, symptoms you’ve noticed, medication concerns, or other topics. This helps you remember key points and not get flustered. Share your list at the start of visits so the doctor addresses all concerns.
Bring a Medication List
Maintain an up-to-date document listing all your parent’s prescription medications, dosages, prescribing doctors, and purposes. Reviewing this together allows the physician to assess interactions and adjustments needed.
Explain Caregiving Challenges
Don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re struggling with tasks like wound care, transferring your parent safely, or managing dementia behaviors. The care team can suggest techniques, equipment, or services to make your role more manageable.
Take Notes
During appointments or discussions with home health staff, take paper and pen to document instructions, medication changes, upcoming visits, specialist referrals, and other details. Request summaries of the visit as well. Accurate notes help you properly follow directions.
Learn Terminology
If the medical team uses unfamiliar jargon, don’t hesitate to ask what the terms mean. The staff wants you to fully understand your loved one’s health status, procedures being done, lab results, and more so you can provide informed care.
Stay Calm Yet Firm
If you feel your parent is receiving subpar care at any point, express concerns clearly and calmly to the doctor or facility manager. Explain specific issues you want to be addressed while maintaining composure. Your diplomatic advocacy helps improve care.
Communicating openly and frequently with your parent’s healthcare providers as a team ensures the best health outcomes. As your local senior living advisor, I’m here to help navigate these relationships. Holler if I can be helpful!
Penina
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