My medical information:
Consider Bringing a Family Member or Friend
Sometimes it is helpful to bring a family member or close friend with you. Let that person know in advance what you want from your visit. Your companion can remind you what you planned to discuss with the doctor if you forget. He or she can also take notes for you and help you remember what the doctor said.
If a relative or friend helps with your care at home, bringing that person with you to your doctor visit may be useful. In addition to the questions you have, your caregiver may have concerns he or she wants to discuss with the doctor. Caregivers may find it especially helpful to discuss what to expect in the future, sources of information and support, community services, and ways they can maintain their own well-being.
Be Sure You Can See and Hear as Well as Possible
Many older adults use glasses or need aids for hearing. Remember to take your eyeglasses to the doctor’ s visit. If you have a hearing aid, make sure that it is working well and wear it. Let the doctor and staff know if you have a hard time seeing or hearing. For example, you may want to say:
My hearing makes it hard to understand everything you’ re saying. It helps a lot when you speak slowly.
My concerns:
My medical information:
Changes since my last visit:
Talking With Your Doctor 7