Physician & Health Care Visits 

For a patient, waiting in a doctor’s office can seem like an eternity.  When the patient has a dementia, these visits are very stressful on office staff, the patient and especially the caregiver.  A caring and concerned approach can speak volumes to an exhausted caregiver.  Having to “entertain” a patient for long periods of time is no fun and the doctor who keeps his/her schedule on time will make the caregiver’s job much less stressful.

Please remember to: 

• Bring a list of all prescribed and over the counter medications/vitamins
• Talk to the physician without your Loved One in the room if necessary
• Ask about the drug manufacturer’s Patient Assistance programs
• Ask doctor to sign papers for special transportation programs, adult day care, assisted living or nursing home placement
• Ask for referrals to support groups, VA, respite care, and community programs
• Keeping a diary of medication side-effects and behavior issues may also be helpful