This presentation is one of many available on senior topics to help families better understand the aging process and find resources to help their loved one remain safe and healthy in their home. To sign up for a workshop please contact our office. Note: Videos and manuals affiliated with this presentation are only available when attending the workshop. For more information go to www.homeinstead.com/650.

1. How to Communicate with
Healthcare Providers
Caring for your parents: Education for the Family Caregiver®
Serving Jefferson & Clallam Counties
Home Instead Senior Care®

2. OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY
During today’s workshop, you will:
• Understand why it is important for your parents to
have good communication with their healthcare
providers
• Learn about the legal forms and documents your
parents need to assure that their medical wishes will
be met
• Gain helpful tips for your parents to follow before,
during and after a visit with a healthcare provider

3. INTRODUCTION – VIDEO #1

4. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE GOOD
COMMUNICATION – VIDEO #2

5. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE
GOOD COMMUNICATION
Benefits include:
• Fewer repeat visits
• Avoidance of medical errors
• More engagement in the medical process
• Confidence to ask for more information
• Increased understanding of medical conditions
and treatment plans

6. LEGAL DOCUMENTATION AND
MEDICAL HISTORY – VIDEO #3

7. LEGAL DOCUMENTATION &
MEDICAL HISTORY
• A medical release form allows healthcare providers
to share medical information
• Other forms, called Advance Medical Directives,
include:
• A healthcare proxy
• A durable power of attorney, also known as a
power of attorney for health care, or
patient advocate designation
• A living will
Also consider a “do not resuscitate” (or DNR) order.

8. LEGAL DOCUMENTATION &
MEDICAL HISTORY
A medical history should include:
• Dates of health visits • Surgeries
• Sicknesses • Doctors names
• Treatments • Insurance information
• Immunizations • Other significant
• Childhood illnesses family medical issues
• Medications • Relevant lifestyle
• Allergies activities and work
• Hospitalizations history

9. TIPS FOR YOU AND THE
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

10. TIPS FOR YOU AND THE
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
Before the appointment:
• Get copies of medical records and test results
• Prepare a list of questions focusing on one subject or
issue per visit
• Call ahead to book extra time if necessary
At the appointment
• Sit face-to-face with the healthcare provider
• Take notes and summarize what they have heard
• Ask questions
• Request follow-up instructions in writing

11. TIPS FOR YOU AND THE
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
After the appointment, if dissatisfied with the
healthcare received:
• Speak with the manager at your parent’s healthcare
practice
• Consider filing a report with the state licensing board
• Get a referral to another practitioner if necessary

12. TO US, IT’S PERSONAL ®
Take action!
• What is the first thing I will do to
improve the communication
between my parents and their
healthcare providers?
• What resources do I need to search,
talk to, or meet with before the
next doctor appointment?
• What are the most important
questions for me to ask my parent’s
healthcare providers?

13. ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE –
LOCAL OFFICE
Personal Care Home Helper Services
• Bathing & Toileting • Provide Alzheimer’s care
• Dressing • Assist with laundry and ironing
• Grooming • Take out garbage
• Aid with morning and wake-up
Companionship Services • Arrange appointments
• Provide respite care • Aid with reading, walking
• Monitor diet and eating • Write letters and correspondence
• Check food expirations • Change linens
• Assist with evening and tuck-in • And more…
• Stimulate mental awareness
• Assist with entertaining
© Home Instead, Inc. 2010. This information is proprietary and confidential to Home Instead, Inc. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

14. Thank You!
For additional information about this presentation or Home
Instead Senior Care of the North Olympic Peninsula please
contact your local office.
Port Ludlow – (360) 437-9884
Port Townsend – (360) 385-6357
Sequim – (360) 681-2511
www.homeinstead.com/650
© Home Instead, Inc. 2010. This information is proprietary and confidential to Home Instead, Inc. Unauthorized use is prohibited.