Just about anyone can get stressed out about seeing a new doctor and your elderly loved one may feel extremely nervous. Taking things slowly can help, as can some of these tips.

Don’t Take Over the Planning

As your loved one’s caregiver, it’s tempting to try to just take over the planning and make it all happen for your loved one. The problem is that can make her feel shoved aside and that’s not how you want her to feel. Hold back from taking over this process. Remember that you’re in this together and that the goal is to keep your loved one feeling prepared and comfortable.

Make a List of Questions and Concerns Together

You and your loved one likely have some questions and concerns that you’d like to bring up with her new doctor. Writing those down helps to ensure that everything gets covered during the appointment. Sit down with your loved one and talk about what each of you want to ask and discuss with her doctor. Keeping your loved one involved reassures her that you’re not taking over.

Talk Through the Plan

Some elderly loved ones feel better about going to a new appointment when they know exactly what to expect. This is why talking about the entire plan for the day and for the appointment can help her to focus. If your loved one is going to drive herself to the appointment, make sure that she knows exactly where she’s going. Those details can add to up a big comfort.

Ask Your Loved One if She Wants Company

You might assume that you’re going with your loved one to this appointment, but go ahead and ask anyway. If the appointment is at a time that you can’t go with her, ask if she’d like another family member or even a home health care provider to go along with her. Your loved one might feel relieved that she doesn’t have to ask you or someone else to go with her since you brought the subject up.

As your loved one becomes more confident about seeing her doctor, she may not need as much help with future appointments. Play it by ear so that you don’t try to take over too much.

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