Make sure you can see and hear as well as possible. Many older adults use glasses and hearing aids. Remember to wear these on your visit and to let the providers know if you have a hard time seeing or hearing.

Consider bringing a family member or friend. Sometimes these visits can be stressful, so it is good to bring a family member or friend with you. This person can help by reminding you of what you want from the visit, remembering what the provider said, or can take notes for you.

Plan to update the doctor or nurse. It is important to let them know if anything has happened since your last visit, such as a visit to emergency, changes in appetite, weight, sleep, or energy level. Take time to make notes about symptoms you may have, and when they started, what time of day, how long they lasted, and how often. Also tell about any changes in medication or the effect it has on you.

Your provider may ask how life is going for you. Information on major changes or stresses in your life such as divorce or death of a loved one may be useful medically. There is no need to go into details but statements like “my sister died since my last visit” or “ I had to sell my home and move in with my daughter” are helpful.

Other tips that help with visits to medical providers are 1) be honest, 2) stick to the point, 3) ask questions, 4) share your point of view.

(Adapted from Talking with your Doctor: A Guide for Older People, Ageing International, Winter 2003, Vol.28, No.1, p.98-113.)