10 Tips for Caregivers: Making Doctor Visits Easier for Aging Parents

For caregivers, helping an aging parent navigate medical appointments can feel overwhelming. Doctor visits are essential for managing health conditions and monitoring changes, but they can also be stressful for both the caregiver and the care recipient. At Mass Care Link, we understand the challenges of caregiving and aim to support caregivers with practical advice to make medical visits easier and more productive. Here are 10 helpful tips to make doctor visits smoother for you and your loved one.

1. Prepare Questions and Concerns in Advance

Before the appointment, write down a list of questions and concerns related to your parent’s health. These may include symptoms, medication side effects, or changes in behavior. Having a list prepared helps ensure that you don’t forget important topics during the visit. Also prapare any paperwork ahead of time, if possible. Instead of filling out a lengthy questionnaire upon arrival, the Harvard Medical School suggests you “Ask if paperwork can be mailed or downloaded. Then complete the paperwork before appointment time.”

Pro Tip: Bring a notebook to jot down answers and advice from the doctor so you can reference it later.

2. Organize Health Information

Gather any relevant medical documents, such as recent test results, medication lists, and health histories, before the appointment. As the Harvard Medical School notes, “You’ll need to know their medical history to speak knowledgeably with the doctor and office staff.”  Keeping this information organized will help the doctor understand your parent’s full health picture and make informed decisions.

Tip for Caregivers: Use a folder or digital app to keep medical records easily accessible for every appointment.

3. Encourage Your Parent to Speak Up

Allow your parent to express their concerns and questions directly to the doctor whenever possible.  “When the doctor asks a question, let the older adult answer unless you have been asked to do so,” recommends the National Institute on Aging. Empowering them to voice their issues ensures the doctor understands their perspective. “Help your parent retain their dignity,” advises Dr. Solomon of the Harvard Medical School. “Don’t treat your parent like a child and don’t criticize your parent, especially in front of the doctor.”

Remember: Even if you’re there to help, your parent’s voice should be at the center of the conversation. 

4. Keep Track of Medications

Knowing the details of your parent’s medications, including dosages and potential side effects, is essential for managing their health. Create an up-to-date medication list to share with the doctor and ask about possible interactions with new prescriptions. Don’t forget to include vitamins, supplements and other over-the-counter medications.

Caregiver Tip: Use a medication management app or a simple chart to keep track of medications, making it easy to update before each visit.

5. Be Mindful of Appointment Fatigue

Doctors’ appointments can be tiring, especially for older adults. Scheduling appointments early in the day or at a time when your parent has the most energy can help reduce stress and fatigue. Try to schedule multiple appointments over a longer span of time to allow space between. According to CURE magazine for cancer survivors, “It helps to have balance in your life. Getting the proper rest and a nutritious diet are only the starting points in attacking appointment fatigue.”

Pro Tip: Plan breaks before and after the appointment if it involves significant travel, especially if the visit includes multiple tests or procedures.

6. Bring Up Advanced Care Planning

If your parent hasn’t created advance directives or discussed end-of-life care preferences, consider bringing up this topic during the visit. According to Dr. David Murphy, a Geriatrician at Baylor Scott & White Health and specializes in taking care of older adults., “Sometimes their opinions may differ from yours as a child. For example, a 90-something-year-old may not want to go through diagnostic tests and treatments, believing the burden of potential treatment exceeds the benefit. They may prefer to work with their doctor to live their life with quality, hopefully pain-free, without pursuing everything that might be expected if someone was 30 or 40 years younger.” It can be a sensitive subject, but the doctor’s guidance can help initiate the conversation and ensure that all involved parties understand your parent’s wishes.

Note: Advance care planning can provide peace of mind and ensure your parent’s preferences are respected.

7. Act as a Patient Advocate

Medical information can be complex and confusing, particularly for aging patients. Acting as an advocate during the appointment can help ensure that the doctor’s instructions are understood. Ask for clarification if anything is unclear, and summarize key points for your parent afterward. Language barriers can create increased complexity in caregiver communication. According to National Institute on Aging, “If the doctor doesn’t speak the person’s language, ask the office staff to provide an interpreter. Call the doctor’s office ahead of time because they may need to plan for an interpreter from the same area or country to be available.” 

Helpful Hint: Use simplified language when discussing medical information with your parent to ensure they feel comfortable and informed.

8. Manage Expectations

Sometimes, caregivers expect immediate answers or solutions, but health conditions can be complex and require time to address. Manage your expectations and remember that chronic conditions may involve gradual adjustments rather than immediate solutions.

Patience is Key: Realize that some questions might require follow-up appointments or additional testing.

9. Make Use of Patient Portals and Online Resources

Many healthcare providers offer online portals where you can access test results, communicate with doctors, and view appointment summaries. If your parent’s healthcare provider offers this, make sure to set up an account and learn how to navigate the platform. “Ask your parent if you can manage their patient portal account to communicate with the doctor,” recommends Harvard Medical School. “This may be more efficient than trying to talk by phone (remember to identify yourself as the adult child).”

Tech Tip: Use the portal to track follow-up recommendations and lab results, and set reminders for future appointments.

10. Plan for After the Appointment

Following up after the appointment is essential to implement the doctor’s recommendations, schedule necessary tests, and monitor any changes in health. Take some time to review any changes to medications or routines with your parent to ensure they understand the new plan.

Post-Visit Tip: Consider a brief recap with your parent to discuss what the doctor advised and address any remaining concerns.

Final Thoughts: Supporting Your Parent’s Health and Well-Being

Navigating the healthcare system can be complex, especially when caring for an aging parent. At Mass Care Link, we believe that caregivers deserve support and practical resources to make caregiving smoother. By preparing for appointments, being an advocate, and taking steps to manage post-appointment care, caregivers can ensure their loved ones receive the best possible support.

Visit Mass Care Link’s online resources  for more caregiver tips, resources, and guidance to help you provide the best care for your family.