Remembering your doctor’s instructions is as crucial as following them. But what if your memory is not as good as it should be?
As a provider of home health services in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, we give you the following tips to remember what your doctor instructed you to do:
- Write notes
Some doctors provide printed instructions for you to peruse. They go through each instruction first to ensure that you’re not missing anything. However, some instructions may not be clear to you. It helps to write notes on portions that you don’t understand. Write your own annotations on the printed sheet. If your physician did not provide printed instructions, you can take notes yourself. If you can’t write notes, an aide providing nursing care can accompany you and write these notes for you.
- Record what your doctor said
Most mobile phones today have voice recorders. It’s a good idea to record what they say. Remember to get their permission first. This way, you can go over their instructions as many times as you want.
- Research
You can also search the Web for explanations on your doctor’s instructions. For instance, if they talked about smoking and high blood pressure, and you weren’t able to catch what they said, you can research the topic online. There are plenty of resources available on the Web.
- Get a hold of the healthcare team
Your doctor is just one part of your healthcare team. Depending on your specific condition, you still have your nurses, therapists, and even pharmacists. You can talk to them about some concerns with the doctor’s instructions so that you can remember them correctly and follow them appropriately. It’s also great to have a way to contact your doctor so they can immediately answer your questions.
- Get some outside help
If remembering things is hard for you, don’t hesitate to request help from a home health agency in Illinois. They have licensed home health aides who can accompany you on these important appointments.
At Dependable Nursing Home Health Services, Inc., we provide you with experienced home health aides who can assist you in complying with your doctor’s instructions. You can have peace of mind in knowing that you haven’t missed an instruction.
Share this with a loved one who is scheduled to visit their doctor soon.
