People who have dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease need regular medical care to address a range of health and behavioral issues. If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you’ll likely have a lot of questions for the doctor and little time. To make the most of your loved one’s medical appointments, keep these seven tips in mind.
1. Plan well
Schedule medical appointments around the best time of day for your loved one and, if possible, when there will be fewer people in the doctor’s office. Bring food, water, and a portable activity your loved one enjoys.
If doctor visits have been a problem, wait until the day of the appointment to tell your loved one. If necessary, offer a reward after the appointment, such as grabbing ice cream on the way home.
2. Get ready
Make a list of issues you’d like to discuss with the doctor, such as concerns about medication side effects or aggressive behavior. Make a list of all medications your loved one takes, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, or bring the labeled bottles in a bag. If your loved one lives in a facility, list the medications your loved one takes there and mention any concerns staff members may have.
In the early stages of the illness, make sure your loved one signs a release of confidential information at the doctor’s office so that the doctor can speak freely with you about your loved one’s illness.
3. Be specific
Be prepared to answer questions about your loved one’s symptoms and behavior. Have you noticed any changes in their health, memory, mood, or behavior, and when did those changes begin?
Are you concerned about your loved one’s ability to drive or live independently? As the disease progresses, your judgments may be the key factor in determining what is best for your loved one.
If your loved one is prescribed medication by his or her doctor, find out specifically what time of day and how much to take it. Ask why the medication is being prescribed and how long it should take to see improvement. Also ask the doctor about possible side effects.
4. Take notes
Bring a notebook and pen to jot down information the doctor provides, or you can record the conversation so you can listen to it again later. Alternatively, bring a friend or other family member along to take notes or stay with your loved one while you take them. If you need help understanding something the doctor says, ask for clarification.
5. Consider the future
Ask your doctor to talk to you about what you can expect in the next year or two. You can ask about advance directives, long-term care, or nursing home placement. You can also talk about hospice or palliative care. Knowing what to expect can help you be prepared.
6. Ask for referrals or recommendations
If you need help, ask for it. Your doctor can refer you to various community resources, such as your local area agency on aging, food services, senior centers, respite services, and support groups.
7. Face conflicts without delay
If something bothers you about a particular medical appointment or a misunderstanding arises, discuss it with the doctor right away. Work as a team to resolve the problem, rather than rushing to change doctors. Making a change could be confusing for your loved one and detrimental to their long-term medical care.
