Did you know?
It is important for your loved one (and you!) to think through and communicate to family and health care providers what to do if medical decisions have to be made and he can’t communicate his wishes.
Learn more about advance directives.
The doctor is an important part of your loved one’s caregiving team. Depending on your situation, you may be an important advocate for your loved one.
To work as a team and make the best decisions, you and the doctor need to work together. Don't just wait for the doctor to tell you things. Bring information to the doctor and come prepared for every appointment with a prioritized list of questions and concerns.
Resources
The following resources offer some checklists and tips for working effectively with doctors.
- A Guide for Older People: Talking with Your Doctor from the National Institute on Aging.
- How To Talk To Your Doctor from AARP
- Choosing the Right Doctor (PDF) Questions to ask and steps to follow to choose the right health care provider.
- Team Up to Stay Healthy What you should know about your Medicare preventative benefits.