Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Eastern Connecticut Says Communicate Clearly with Your Doctor

Tips for Older Adults & Family Caregivers

More Important Than Ever

Many people think that today’s faster pace in health care leaves no time for asking questions–no time for just talking with your doctor or other provider. But the truth is, good communication is more important than ever before. Why? Because the focus today is on a team approach. You, as the patient, need to play an active role. The better you understand your options, the smarter your choices will be. The clearer you are about your wishes, the easier it is for your care team to give you the care you want.

Everyone Benefits

Have you heard about your right to give or refuse your informed consent to treatment? This just means your provider must give you the facts about your care first…and then let you decide what path to take. The “facts” include:

• What’s wrong with me?

• What’s the outlook for the future?

• What does my doctor recommend?

• What are the risks and benefits in doing that?

• What are the other options open to me and their risks and benefits?

And don’t forget: clear communication about your care helps everyone. You need the facts so you can decide what’s best for you. Your doctor and other providers need to know where you stand, so they can carry out your plan of care.

Getting Ready

Clear communication doesn’t just happen. It takes some time and effort. For example, here are some things you can do to get ready for your next doctor’s appointment or care conference:

• If you use a hearing aid, make sure you have it with you.

• Write down your questions or concerns ahead of time.

• If you have an advance directive or values statement your doctor doesn’t know about, be sure to take a copy with you.

• For an especially important appointment, think about asking a close relative or friend to go along. Two sets of ears are often better than one.

The Patient’s Role

If you’re like most people, talking about your own care can be hard. You might be more inclined to avoid the subject, or you might be worrying about what to do or what will happen. You probably can’t change that. But focusing on your role can help. Remember:

• Try to relax, listen, concentrate. Take in as much as you can of what your provider is telling you.

• Give yourself time. Don’t feel rushed to make a quick decision. You have the right to think things over, and to talk them over, before you choose which path is best for you.

• Ask questions. If you don’t understand something, say so. Getting answers to your questions helps everyone.

This will help you participate fully in your care-which is truly a “team effort.”

(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in New London, Norwich, Willimantic, Vernon, Putnam, Old Saybrook and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in New London County, Middlesex County, Tolland County, or Windham County, Connecticut, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0906.