Part VI in a Series
During the Doctor’s Visit
As in most endeavors adequate preparation is key to
good results. So too, preparing for the doctor’s visit
will help to ensure that the needs of the person with
dementia (PWD) and the caregiver are met.
To prepare, review your care logs (see the Spring 2006 Newsletter), and list the
concerns you want to discuss with the doctor. Include
any concerns you may have about changes in the
health, mood, memory or behavior exhibited by the
person with dementia. You will want to report too on
how medications and treatments are working. Jot down
any questions you want to ask the doctor.
Bring all medications or your medication log to the
doctor’s visit. Review the medications with the doctor
to be sure the doctor is aware of all the medications
(including over-the-counter medications) the PWD is
taking. This provides the opportunity to review dosages,
guard against potentially harmful interactions, etc.
Also bring pen and paper, and during the doctor’s
visit write down the answers to your questions. If you
don’t understand something, ask questions until you are
clear on the answer.
While the PWD is
being examined, if you
are comfortable and
able to be in the exam
room, you can assist as
needed by cueing and coaching the PWD, and offering
reassurance throughout the process. This is especially
important if the PWD has procedures such as blood
drawing or x-rays which may frighten the PWD
and/or which the PWD may misinterpret and react
negatively to. Have candy with you and during a
particularly disturbing part of the exam give the candy
to the PWD. The PWD will be distracted from the
stress of the exam or the procedure and will focus on
the pleasure of eating sweets.
Before leaving the doctor, summarize and review the
plans made during the visit. The plan should include
when the PWD is to return for a follow-up visit. If the
PWD’s health and situation are stable, a visit every six
months may be all that’s needed. Schedule the follow-up
appointment before leaving the doctor’s office.
Della Frazier-Rios, RN, MS
Vice President
Director of Education & Outreach
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