Caregiver
CIRCLE
Make Doctor Visits Easier
BY AMANDA BE AM
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“You need a good bedside manner with doctors, or you will get nowhere.”
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— American novelist William S. Burroughs
There’s an APP for that! An apple’s ability to keep a doctor away is common knowledge. But with new appointment reminder apps now available for download on certain smart phones, an Apple device might actually help more people see their doctors at the correctly scheduled time.
Bug Me! Stickies Ink Notepad with alarm for iPhone or iPod by Electric Pocket • Price: $1.99
The Bug Me! app allows users to turn their phone’s home screen into their own virtual message board. Each yellow reminder can be set to an alarm programmed to sound at any time. Notices can also be sent to your phone’s wallpaper as visual reminders.
Doctors Appointment Reminder by iHealth Ventures, LLC • Price: $1.99
Similar to the Bug Me! app, the Doctors Appointment Reminder also records dates and times of physicians’ visits right in the palm of your hand. In addition to basic appointment-keeping and alerts, the app provides a customized field that can store essential medical information as well as a feature to jot down electronic notes. A voice memo function can also remind patients what was discussed at previous appointments.
18 todaystransitions.com | Summer 2013
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hen taking a loved one to visit a physician, caregivers can feel the stress of readying an elderly person for a checkup. Cindy Boone, program director of the nonprofit ElderServe Home Care in Louisville, offers some advice to help doctor appointments take a turn for the better. First, Boone suggests timing the visit just right. Generally, midmorning between 9:30 and 10:30 is the best period for a senior to see a physician. This gives time for the caregiver to help the patient get ready. In addition, the earlier time will allow routine lunch and nap times to remain undisturbed. Transportation to the appointment might also be a concern for the caregiver, especially if the senior has difficulty walking. Doctors’ offices normally have wheelchairs nearby for those who need extra assistance. Usually, drivers can pull up to the door and get the patient inside before parking. It’s best to consult your medical provider before the visit to see what they can offer. Organizations such as Tarc3 Paratransit Service offer handicap-accessible transportation between home and the doctor for those confined to a wheelchair or who are unable to travel by car. Boone says to schedule these types of pickups well in advance of the upcoming appointment. Upon arrival, caregivers can ease worry about the visit just by talking to the patient. “If there is someone who can actually sit with the senior in the waiting room and talk to them, keep them calm, have
conversation with them and just don’t leave them sitting there alone, that’s going to make them feel more comfortable, and it’s going to keep them from getting nervous,” Boone says. You might need to help your loved one with filling out paperwork, such as by having your name added to the HIPAA form as someone the doctor can speak with about medical matters with your patient’s permission. And, since longerthan-anticipat- 21 MINUTES: ed stays in the The average waiting room time nationwide can occur, a patient bring any medi- spends waiting for a doctor’s cine, snacks, appointment. or drinks your — vitals.com loved one might need while she waits. As for time with the doctor, some seniors might not want to tell medical personnel about their health history. Some might fear their difficulties will prevent them from remaining in the home independently. Here, the caregiver can step in and keep the physician up to date on concerns or questions. Taking notes at the appointment can be helpful to make sure the patient has a written record of what transpired. Things to note include weight fluctuations, blood pressure readings, sugar levels, and medication changes. While medical visits can sometimes be hard pills to swallow, following these steps should make life a little easier for all involved. PAGE 20 >>