Best Ways to Interact with Care Team Members Across Different Mediums
Dec 12, 2024
Things change. Effective care for seniors often requires adapting to modern communication tools and methods. Families play a crucial role in encouraging technology adoption and empowering older adults to engage with their care teams more effectively. By fostering patience, understanding, and collaboration, families can help bridge the gap between seniors and their healthcare providers.
Effective communication with your care team is essential for ensuring high-quality, personalized healthcare. However, for seniors, adapting to these mediums often requires a shift in mindset—not just for them but also for their families. Modern tools can empower older adults to stay connected with their care teams, but they must be adopted thoughtfully and with support. Here are the key takeaways, along with examples to illustrate each approach.
1. In-Person Visit (Alone)
When you’re attending a healthcare appointment on your own, preparation is key. This medium is ideal for addressing personal concerns, discussing sensitive health topics, or reviewing treatment plans in detail.
Tips:
Write down your questions and concerns beforehand.
Bring a list of your current medications and any recent medical records.
Take notes during the conversation to remember key points and next steps.
Example: During her annual check-up, Maria was concerned about her fatigue and memory issues. She brought a written list of symptoms and questions, which helped her stay organized during the appointment. By sharing detailed notes on her daily routine and concerns, her doctor was able to suggest targeted tests and potential medication adjustments.
2. In-Person Visit (With Someone Else)
Bringing a companion to an in-person visit can be beneficial, especially for complex medical discussions or when memory or comprehension may be a challenge. A family member, caregiver, or trusted friend can provide support and another perspective. Patients can also have someone dial in remotely to their phone on speaker!! Someone in person with you - virtually.
Tips:
If virtual, plan for the call.
Decide beforehand who will take notes or ask questions.
Introduce your companion and explain their role to the care team.
Debrief with your companion after the appointment to ensure nothing was missed.
Example: John brought his daughter to an appointment to discuss his newly diagnosed diabetes. While John shared his symptoms and concerns, his daughter asked about the long-term management plan and took notes on dietary recommendations and medication schedules. Her presence helped ensure that all instructions were understood and followed. She was there on the phone.
3. Email
Email is an excellent medium for non-urgent communication, such as a follow-up question, medication updates, or sharing relevant documents. It allows for clear, documented exchanges that you can refer back to later. Email is not ideal for conversational topics since most doctors are not compensated for email time. Particularly if you're on Medicare, a telehealth visit is likely a more reliable way to get what you need from a provider. Short topics are best.
Tips:
Be concise and structured in your email.
Use bullet points for clarity.
Request acknowledgment of receipt and a suggested timeline for a response.
Expect a short back and forth.
Example: After a recent appointment, Linda emailed her care team to clarify whether she should adjust the dosage of a new medication. She included her current dosage, the date of her next appointment, and a specific question about potential side effects. Her concise and well-organized email made it easy for the care team to respond promptly with clear guidance.
4. Telehealth Visit
Telehealth is a convenient option for addressing minor health issues, medication management, or follow-ups without the need to visit a clinic. However, it may be impractical for some seniors due to technology barriers, hearing or vision challenges, or lack of reliable internet access. When telehealth is feasible, it can be an excellent tool for maintaining continuity of care.
Tips:
Ensure your technology is set up and working before the appointment.
Find a quiet, private space for the call.
Have your medication list and any relevant documents handy.
Speak clearly and take notes during the visit.
Example: During a telehealth appointment, Dhruv discussed his ongoing back pain with his physician. Before the call, he prepared by setting up his laptop in a quiet room and compiling a list of questions about physical therapy options. By describing his symptoms clearly and sharing recent exercise routines, he received actionable advice without leaving home. For seniors like Dhruv who are comfortable with technology, telehealth can save time and effort. However, for others, an in-person visit may still be the better option.
Conclusion
Each communication medium has its strengths and is suited to specific types of interactions. Whether you’re meeting your care team in person, virtually, or through written communication, preparation, clarity, and follow-through are crucial.
As family members, our roles are evolving. We must lean into these changes to ensure the best possible outcomes for everyone involved. Supporting seniors in adopting new communication tools, advocating for their needs, and staying engaged in their healthcare journey can make a significant difference in their quality of care. By stepping up and working collaboratively with care teams, families can help create a stronger, more connected healthcare experience.
Which of these methods has worked best for you? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below. Share your stories with podcast@pamastay.com