Working with your loved one's health care team
As a caregiver, you are an essential partner on your loved one's health care team. Establishing good relationships with health care providers will mean better care for your loved one, and less stress for you.
The people who take care of your relative are a first-line resource for information about his or her medical condition. They can also help you and your loved one understand their current health situation, and what to expect down the road. It's important to get to know all the people who work with your loved one, and how each will be involved with your relative's care. Know when and who to call if questions or concerns come up.
Health care is full of medical terms or technical language. If you don't understand a term or a recommendation, ask questions. Bring a pencil and pad to appointments. Write down medications, treatments, or procedures that are unfamiliar to you.
To make the most of appointments, write your questions down before you get there. If you have more questions, ask when you can call. Be sure when you call to have handy any health information and records they might ask for. It often helps to designate one family member as the main contact for healthcare providers.