When it comes to promoting healthy aging, one of the most important aspects of maintaining good health is keeping up with regular physician visits. With age comes the possibility that an individual might have to visit various specialists, such as audiologists, cardiologists, urologists, etc., due to age-related changes.
As a result, it’s important to maximize each of your physician visits, no matter what your health circumstances might be, in order to discuss new symptoms and potential concerns.
At Brickmont Assisted Living, our senior living communities throughout Atlanta know that consistent physician visits can significantly impact a person’s health and well-being. Our team is sharing these tips to help you make the most of your physician visits and stay productive when it comes to maintaining good health!
Communication
Communication is the solution for many of life’s problems, and healthcare is certainly no different. For older adults who visit multiple specialists, clear communication can make a world of difference as they navigate different health concerns. Communication also can help things run smoothly and ensure the best health outcomes, even for those who only see their primary doctor.
Ensure you stay actively involved in your healthcare journey by addressing all concerns during your physician visits and asking plenty of questions during your appointments. If you’re prescribed any medications or other treatment plans, utilize communication to understand exactly what these plans or treatments entail and ensure you are comfortable with the process.
Keep a Journal
Journals and planners can help any individual stay organized. Whether you use a journal to collect your thoughts and helpful information or write down important dates, journaling is a great way to stay organized and create one place where you can reference past appointments and other important information.
When tracking your health between physician visits, a journal can allow you to monitor any changes to your health and keep up your progress with any diets, exercise programs, medication schedules, and appointment dates. Having a health journal can also make it easier for you to have notes and detailed information to share with your doctor during your visits, rather than trying to remember a variety of information off the top of your head.
Create a Medical File
Aside from a health journal, a medical file can be incredibly beneficial to have on hand during physician visits. A medical file should contain all of your health information, including lists of medications that you’re currently taking or have taken in the past, results of any medical tests, and your general medical history.
Keep in mind that doctors and physicians have electronic files of their patient’s records, which they can update at every visit and appointment. However, these electronic files can take lots of time to update, especially if you have multiple specialists that you see regularly for different reasons. Having your own medical file with all of your information in one physical place can save you plenty of time in the long run and keep your visits convenient, as you have your own records with you.
Prepare Questions
Coming up with a list of questions might seem like it should go without saying, but it’s a vital task that should be done before a visit with a doctor. No matter if you have a health condition or you’re simply visiting your doctor for a regular checkup, try to come up with at least one or two questions regarding your personal health journey before your appointment.
Having a list of questions to ask your physician can also help you feel less rushed or intimidated during your visit, especially if your appointment is short on time. Being prepared can allow you to discuss any main points that you have regarding your health and make the most out of your appointment.
At Brickmont Assisted Living, we want to ensure that residents and individuals have the resources they need to maintain excellent health during their aging journey, especially when it comes to physician visits. By following these tips each time you see your doctor, you can make the most out of each appointment and keep up with your wellness.
To schedule a tour at Brickmont Assisted Living, we invite you to contact our team today!
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