If your elderly family member has a cardiology appointment, you definitely want to make the most of it. These tips can help you to remember all the tiny details that can make a difference to your senior’s health and also make you feel more at ease about what you’ll learn while you’re there.
Stick to Any Pre-appointment Requirements
Depending on the type of appointment your senior is going for, she might have some requirements to stick to beforehand. Sometimes she might need to avoid food, including anything but water. In some cases, failing to stick to those prerequisites can mean that your elderly family member has to reschedule the appointment completely and that can be problematic for her.
Write Down Some Notes
It’s tempting to believe that you or your senior will remember every detail that needs to be discussed with her cardiologist. The pressure of the moment and the reality of being with the doctor and in the office can undo that certainty, though. It’s really important to write down any notes that you can about symptoms and issues so that you can make sure it gets addressed. Anything you’ve noticed with medication side effects is especially important.
List out all Supplements, Vitamins, and Medications
It’s also a good idea to take a complete list of all medications, vitamins, and other supplements that your elderly family member is taking. People often forget that they’re trying this vitamin or that supplement, but those small details matter a lot medically. Some may even interact with medications that your senior is taking right now or that her doctor wants to prescribe. Having a full list provides a wealth of information.
Bring a Notepad to the Appointment
So much happens during a doctor’s appointment. There’s always something that throws you off your stride and that one question that you got an answer to might just be the one detail you forget. If you’ve got a notepad handy, you’ll have a better chance of remembering what you wanted to ask because you can refer to your list of notes and questions. But you’ll also be more likely to write down important details you’ll need later.
As much as you might like going to every single medical appointment with your elderly family member, sometimes it just isn’t possible. If your senior needs a ride or simply a friendly face along with her when she goes to see her cardiologist, senior care providers can help.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Senior Care in Braselton, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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