Partners in Care
As a caregiver, you are an important partner on the health care team. Establishing good relationships with health care providers will mean better care for your relative and less stress for you. Health care providers are a good resource for information about medical conditions. They can also help you and your family member understand his or her current health status and what to expect in the future.
There are many types of health care providers, some with similar sounding titles. Understand the role of each health care provider and how he or she will help with your relative’s care. Know when and who to call if questions or concerns come up.
- Ask questions if you don’t understand medical terms or technical language. Write down medications, treatments, or procedures that are unfamiliar to you.
- To make the most of appointments, have written questions ready for the health care provider.
- Ask health care providers to suggest the best time to call, when they might be free to answer questions. When calling, have important health information and records available.
- To avoid miscommunications, select one family member as the main contact for healthcare providers.