Empowering Conversations for Healthcare Choices
In today’s world, information is lighting fast and comes from a variety of sources. For seniors, this can create challenges to accessing reliable information about health care choices.Seniors often face various health questions such as what vitamin supplements are necessary or what new treatment options are best? Accessing safe and reliable sources of information empowers seniors to discuss their healthcare choices and questions with their healthcare providers.
The following are ways caregivers can help seniors be empowered to talk to their doctor about their individual health choices.
Look for information published from reliable healthcare sources such as the National Institutes of Health, hospital-based websites, or peer-reviewed journals. Information shared on social media or by personal sources should be verified by a trusted health information source.
Choosing a healthcare provider that is attentive to your unique needs is the first step to a positive relationship with your healthcare provider.Write down your questions to prepare for your conversation with your doctor. Take your notes with you to your appointment and write down the answers to each question to allow you to reflect on your conversation later.
It is essential to discuss any new changes with your doctor from each visit. Keeping track of small changes is an excellent way to help you and your doctor identify and make changes to your health care plan.At each visit, identify your top concerns to discuss with your health care provider. Take the time to have an in-depth conversation about your top concerns.
Caregivers can help seniors during healthcare visits by writing down the information shared and helping advocate for seniors.