By Ethel Mitty, Ed. D., R.N. and Mathy Mezey, Ed.D., R.N., F.A.A.N.

Caregivers and older adults should expect their physician and the physician's office staff to be sensitive to, and knowledgeable about, the care of older adults. It seems such a basic thing, but many physician’s offices are simply not elder-friendly.

Going to the doctor often brings on some anxiety: concern that special needs will be addressed, the anticipation of bad news, the challenge of getting to the office and home again, of getting undressed and dressed. Make it easier for yourself and your loved one by seeking out an "elder-friendly" physician's practice.

Elder-Friendly Appointments

Determining whether a physician’s office is elder-friendly is sometimes as simple as making a phone call. Office personnel will speak in a clear, unhurried voice. You will be given all the necessary information to prepare for the appointment and will be encouraged to write down information and questions.

Elder-Friendly Office

Elder-friendly offices are often visible from the street. The entrance to the building has a safe, accessible drop-off point, a ramp with a handrail on at least one side. Once inside, you’ll find elevators with easy-to-read floor indicators and doors that stay open long enough to exit safely. Office space and bathrooms easily accommodate a wheelchair or walker. Staff may offer to assist you or your loved one with undressing. The examining table is easily accessed and has a side rail to hold onto.

Elder-Friendly Doctor/Patient Consultation

An elder-friendly physician will convey that he/she expects that you lead an active and complex life and have concerns about your physical health and age changes, including memory; expect advice about preventing disability and promoting physical and mental health; weigh options and balance benefits and burdens of treatment outcomes; and consider cost  when discussing medications and other treatments.

At the end of your visit, an elder-friendly physician will ask if you and your loved one fully understand and agree to the treatment plan related to diagnoses and additional testing; new and ongoing medication and treatments; verbal and written instructions; health prevention options; age changes; and advance directives. They may ask you to write down what he/she discussed with you during the visit, and be sure you clearly understand everything. They will take the time with you to make sure you and your loved one are comfortable.

A free booklet from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) describes how you can communicate effectively with your doctor. Talking With Your Doctor. A Guide for Older People can be ordered by calling 800-222-2225 or via email at niaic@jbs1.com

The NIA also publishes Age Pages on topics such as depression, safe use of medications, accident prevention, and more.

To learn more about elder-friendly medical care, contact the John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University at www.hartfordign.org.

This article was created by The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing for North American Precis Syndicate (NAPS).

Permission to republish this article was given by North American Precis Syndicate.