Seasons’ recent article entitled “How do I help an older adult switch doctors after a move?” advises that breaking the process into manageable pieces will help you make sure you don’t miss any details.
First, check mom’s insurance because Medicare options are different when moving states. Check with Medicare to determine the process based on your mom’s existing coverage. Then you can find new health care providers.
Caregivers should have at least one dedicated three-ring notebook with dividers specifically for their loved one’s important information. Two is even better: one for financial information and one for medical information. Separate notebooks allow you to take the one with medical information to appointments without having sensitive financial information out and about at appointments.
Place some blank calendar pages in the front of the medical notebook. You’ll be able to organize your mom’s appointments in one place, as well as have a record of past appointments.
If you also use an online calendar like Google Calendar or iCalendar, create a color specifically for your mom’s appointments, so you can easily see the dates and times of her appointments.
Try using the paper option even if you also use an online calendar because this makes certain the information is easily accessible in case you need to share information with another person who helps with the caregiving.
Having all of your loved one’s medical information in one place that’s easily accessible will be invaluable when going to appointments at different doctors’ offices. You’ll have all of the info ready to share with different medical providers.
Once you get a system started to keep your mom’s information in an easily accessible place, it will be a pretty simple process to keep doctor appointments and medical information organized.
Reference: Seasons (Nov. 28, 2022) “How do I help an older adult switch doctors after a move?”
