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Who are you caring for?
Which best describes their mobility?
How well are they maintaining their hygiene?
How are they managing their medications?
Does their living environment pose any safety concerns?
Fall risks, spoiled food, or other threats to wellbeing
Are they experiencing any memory loss?
Which best describes your loved one's social life?
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By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington. Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services. APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid. We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour. APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment. You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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Mostly Independent
Your loved one may not require home care or assisted living services at this time. However, continue to monitor their condition for changes and consider occasional in-home care services for help as needed.
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Write down your concerns and symptoms beforehand. Make bullet points of questions you want to ask. When a doctor asks you what your concerns are, remember that you're not writing a novel. Tell her what the problem is, simply. I've been dizzy lately. Or, I'm sad all the time. Or, I'm having constant pain in my back. Be sure you tell them ALL the symptoms, but don't try to connect them.
Answer the doctor's questions honestly, but if you don't understand the question, say so! Don't make assumptions.
Make sure of your facts when you give your medical history.
And take another pair of ears with you to write down what the doctor says.
I keep a separate folder with pockets and the place to keep three punched papers for each person in the house. One side is pending referals the other receipts and medicine print outs. The center is where I keep all the labs from each doctor ( I ask for them) Then the pocket if for business cards. The labs are always filed with the newest on top. This way a doc can quickly look at what else has been ordered and if a test has been done before. It also saves FIL from multiple sticks for the same thing. I write down symptoms of concern the day before we go so I do not forget anything. If the doc is unclear to my satisfaction I ask them to explain again or ask the nurse. I have worked in healthcare a long time and know that it is all about time over target with the doc who probably has scheduled less than 10 min for that visit. With this system I can keep everyone straight as it is a lot to do the medical for several people. Each persons folder is color coded to the rings that Target puts on meds as well.
Write up your health history to give to each new provider and include close family that is blood relative, don't include your children or the grands. List any surgeries, childhood illnesses, vacinations. Add age of parents nad significant health problems ie stroke, cancer. Number of pregnancies and current ages of children. Obtain copies of your medical records from other recent providers and results of labs and other investigations. Provide approximate dates Clearly type if possible your list of current medications,dose and time taken. Write out the history of your current complaint and the names and current contact information of any other providers. Take copies of POA and Healthcare proxy and DNR if appropriate. As said above you are not writing a noved so keep it clear and consise so the Dr can skim through it and then ask questions and do his examination. If possible type and double space.
I suggest you be open and honest with them. Simply say everything you want to say, and ask what you want to ask, so that you are satisfied that you have been heard and all of your concerns have been addressed. If they want to convey something to you, listen carefully, and ask any questions or voice any concerns that you have. If you do not feel comfortable with someone at the office, ask to speak with someone else at the office. If that does not work, you can always switch doctors. Best of luck.
A article “Learning How to Communicate with Someone Living with Alzheimer's”{by Bob DeMarco at 10/21/2012 12:13:00 AM} got me to think about my conversation skills.
I am trying to make myself validate the person words and reply, “If I understand you correctly, (and repeat my statement and ask is that right)?”
Words of wisdom paraphrased on Retirees NewsBasket blog.is a model I am trying to work this in to my own speaking habits.
While the other person is talking Do not formulate your answer while the other person is talking.
People who don't listen decide how they are going to respond before you even stop talking. Don't be afraid to pause for five or ten seconds to consider the what the person is saying
Doing so demonstrates that you listened carefully and that you are giving them the courtesy of a thoughtful reply. If you actually give a thoughtful reply, no one will remember that it took you nine seconds to start talking
Validate what the person is saying before you answer
Try not to make the mistake of taking five minutes of a {person's} time answering a something s/he did not say. First, paraphrase the point by validating.
Allow the other person to clarify what they are saying.
Try to start your answer when you are 100% certain you understand what the person is saying.
As a retired nurse, but caring for my husband, the best way to communicate is probably to ask a lot of questions when you don't understand either medical terminology or directions, and be an advocate for both yourself and your loved one with dementia. Since you don't elaborate why you want to communicate with medical professionals, I can't say much more. Most of us are happy to answer questions and educate.
I agree strongly with writing down your concerns and questions. I would also suggest you pick only the top 3 questions or concerns to discuss at any one appointment. I believe you will get more complete answers if the list is not overwhelming for both you and the health care professional.. Make a follow up appointment in 2-3 weeks to further discuss other concerns. Make the appointment specifically for discussing concerns and questions and let the person scheduling the appointment know your main concern for example " to talk about problems I am having with depression, or concerns about my parents health care" I think the best thing is to not mix and appointment for a routine medication or blood pressure check with other concerns because it changes the focus and time scheduled for your appointment. (dont' take this as time being the most important part, a good health care professional will make the time to talk with you even if it is at follow up appointment) Best wishes
As a retired RN now caring for parents and husband, Veronica91 has the best way to start....as soon as you or someone you know is diagnosed with a chronic health problem that will require regular followups or referrals, PUT TOGETHER THIS HISTORY as she suggests! Make copies, and then when you must visit a new doctor or physical therapy etc....just grab a copy and take it. I am finding at age 70, that even I am becoming a poor historian who cannot remember what year this or that happened to me.....and my parents have totally lost their abilities to remember historical health issues. I also agree with Ferris and others above....write out your questions ahead of time. Try to ask no more than several questions about issues in a short appointment. If you need longer appts, tell the scheduler you do and ask for it! In my case, I am a long distance caregiver for parents and cannot drive 5 hrs to go to each doctor with them, so I put together a fax or email summary of my observations and concerns to send the day before the app't. Also, sometimes I ASK for a phone call to me during the app't, if a parent will be given instructions that need to be reinforced. Parents with dementia will not remember what is said at an appt. If I am on speaker phone I can hear the doctor's instructions and then be able to reinforce the plan later. Most of my parents doctors are very responsive to the help of the fax and the email option because it helps them during the app't time too.
You need to make sure you are authorized to have access to the medical records and you want to have good records of their medical situation. Nobody will care for your loved one as good as you so it's on you to be prepared. Here's a great article which includes several tools to help you stay organized: togetherinthis/memory-problems-6-ways-prepare-doctor-together/
What exactly do you mean? Is this for you or someone else. If for someone else, you need a Health Care Proxy along with permission from the person you are caring for.
If for yourself, you just talk to them. They're people like everyone else.
My brother and I are primary caregivers for my 87-year-old dad who had a stroke a year-and-a-half ago. My brother came up with the idea of using G-mail, which has a Google Drive and Calendar and a place to start documents. Since I am dad's health-care POA and handle all of his medical appointments, etc., I have documents in there that list all his meds (and mom's, too) as well as lists of all doctors with contact info; dad's medical history; pending appointments; past medical appointments with dates and what happened at those appointments; and a list of pending medical tasks and questions. If I need anything, I print it out and take it with me to the doctor's appointment. And since the Google drive is an extremely secure site, other family members with passwords have access to this info. When I started this journey a year-and-a-half ago with dad's care, I felt I was plunged into a new world and hit a steep learning curve. I am NOT a medical person and I found it overwhelming dealing with doctors. I had to ask questions over and over and took many notes so I wouldn't forget what was said. I am quiet by nature but had to quickly learn to be assertive and be a strong advocate for dad. I have learned doctors mean well but often, they don't speak in layperson's terms, nor do they always have the best solutions to a problem. Sometimes, it's best to take a breath, step back and allow yourself to reflect on various options. I hope this helps.
In addition to all these excellent posts: Behavioral issues are tricky. I got to where I would write the doctor a note and not discuss it in front of mom who would always deny any behavior problems. It was better than bickering with her at the office, where she managed to put on a show of sanity. I always have a current list of meds and history with me in my mom bag. They are golden when doctors, caregivers or hospitals are involved. By all means you must ask and investigate on your own via the internet. I could fill a library with everything the doctors haven't told me in the past 16 years.
It would indeed be helpful to know a few more details about your situation; are you talking about communicating with a PCP, or with clinicians in the hospital?
For primary care visits, there usually isn't a lot of time. As a former PCP doc, I suggest you send in a written list with all your concerns ahead of time,with the most important ones at the top. (Whether or not the doc will read it before the visit is another story; depends on the doc and on how the clinic is organized.)
Agree with the person who said aim to have 3 issues discussed during the visit. It's hard to address more than that, but I think it's in your interest to let the doctor know everything that's on your mind, and a written itemized list is a good way to do this.
Also, if you're a caregiver, even if you don't have permission to access your loved one's records, you can always send your observations and concerns in writing to the doctor...I've had it happen often, and it's usually good information for me to know.
these are great suggestions. i think it helps if you think of you and the doctor as a team. be pro active and research a bit info before you go in. Be specific. for example if you are asking about a new behavior, how often does it happen? is there a trigger? the doctor is the medical expert but YOU know what is "normal" for your parent. don't ask the doctor insurance questions. write down your questions ahead of time. current list of meds and medical history stored in a place like your cell phone is a HUGE help. if you are overwhelmed or don't understand, tell the doc. I used to work for patient accounts at a hospital as well as an insurance company and my dad's recent hospitalization was so complicated i could barely keep up. good luck and please keep us "posted" :)
Having worked in the medical field for 30 plus years..write down what your concerns are, write down suggestions, ideas.Then ask..they won't bite, we are happy and glad to answer questions and address concerns.We love "brains storming" if need be.Ask if required, for all involved to attend...that includes social workers, nurses,doctors and so forth.A little secret, medical staff enjoy sharing knowledge and insight.So get writing and ask. Good luck
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
Answer the doctor's questions honestly, but if you don't understand the question, say so! Don't make assumptions.
Make sure of your facts when you give your medical history.
And take another pair of ears with you to write down what the doctor says.
List any surgeries, childhood illnesses, vacinations.
Add age of parents nad significant health problems ie stroke, cancer.
Number of pregnancies and current ages of children.
Obtain copies of your medical records from other recent providers and results of labs and other investigations. Provide approximate dates
Clearly type if possible your list of current medications,dose and time taken.
Write out the history of your current complaint and the names and current contact information of any other providers.
Take copies of POA and Healthcare proxy and DNR if appropriate.
As said above you are not writing a noved so keep it clear and consise so the Dr can skim through it and then ask questions and do his examination. If possible type and double space.
I am trying to make myself validate the person words and reply, “If I understand you correctly, (and repeat my statement and ask is that right)?”
Words of wisdom paraphrased on Retirees NewsBasket blog.is a model I am trying to work this in to my own speaking habits.
While the other person is talking Do not formulate your answer while the other person is talking.
People who don't listen decide how they are going to respond before you even stop talking. Don't be afraid to pause for five or ten seconds to consider the what the person is saying
Doing so demonstrates that you listened carefully and that you are giving them the courtesy of a thoughtful reply. If you actually give a thoughtful reply, no one will remember that it took you nine seconds to start talking
Validate what the person is saying before you answer
Try not to make the mistake of taking five minutes of a {person's} time answering a something s/he did not say. First, paraphrase the point by validating.
Allow the other person to clarify what they are saying.
Try to start your answer when you are 100% certain you understand what the person is saying.
Here's a great article which includes several tools to help you stay organized: togetherinthis/memory-problems-6-ways-prepare-doctor-together/
If for yourself, you just talk to them. They're people like everyone else.
Behavioral issues are tricky. I got to where I would write the doctor a note and not discuss it in front of mom who would always deny any behavior problems. It was better than bickering with her at the office, where she managed to put on a show of sanity.
I always have a current list of meds and history with me in my mom bag. They are golden when doctors, caregivers or hospitals are involved.
By all means you must ask and investigate on your own via the internet. I could fill a library with everything the doctors haven't told me in the past 16 years.
For primary care visits, there usually isn't a lot of time. As a former PCP doc, I suggest you send in a written list with all your concerns ahead of time,with the most important ones at the top. (Whether or not the doc will read it before the visit is another story; depends on the doc and on how the clinic is organized.)
Agree with the person who said aim to have 3 issues discussed during the visit. It's hard to address more than that, but I think it's in your interest to let the doctor know everything that's on your mind, and a written itemized list is a good way to do this.
Also, if you're a caregiver, even if you don't have permission to access your loved one's records, you can always send your observations and concerns in writing to the doctor...I've had it happen often, and it's usually good information for me to know.
Good luck!