How to navigate medical appointments for older adults

Written by: Ashley Cummings, Contributing B2B Content Writer
Published: October 16, 2024

When was the last time the older adult in your care had a routine medical appointment?

If you’re unsure, it might be time to schedule one—even if they’re in good health.

Regular medical appointments are more about prevention than treatment. Routine health screenings help doctors catch potential issues early, monitor medications, and improve quality of life.

However, staying on top of checkups can sometimes be challenging. This article will explore common barriers and offer tips to help your loved one remain on track with their medical appointments.

Challenges of navigating medical appointments

Here are some common dilemmas that can make it hard to keep up with routine care:

Transportation issues: Difficulty arranging rides, cost concerns, and limited accessibility options.
Scheduling conflicts: Managing multiple appointments and coordinating with other responsibilities.
Mobility limitations: Physical difficulties in getting to and from appointments.
Cognitive challenges: Forgetfulness or confusion about appointment details.
Financial concerns: The cost of appointments, transportation, or medications.

When you identify these challenges, it’s easier to plan ahead to overcome them so the older adult in your life receives the consistent care they need.

Getting your loved one to their appointment

Whether you’re worried about the time, stress, or cost of driving to appointments, the great news is that help is closer than you think. Fantastic services are ready to step in, making it easier for you to balance your obligations while getting your loved one to their appointments on time. Below are some convenient and cost-effective ideas.

Non-emergency medical transportation services

Every year, 6 million people in the US miss their medical appointments due to transportation issues. This widespread problem not only affects individual health outcomes but also contributes to a staggering $150 billion in economic losses annually.

Thankfully, there’s a solution right at your fingertips. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, like Uber Health, can make booking rides to and from appointments easier.

With Uber Health, you can arrange door-to-door rides tailored to your loved one’s needs. Whether they require ambulatory assistance, a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, or help getting from their doorstep to the doctor’s office, Uber Health connects them with credentialed drivers who provide the specific support they need.*

Uber Health offers real-time ride tracking and transparent billing, helping to streamline transportation to medical appointments and reduce potential stress or confusion for patients.

Volunteer programs

Community volunteer programs are another fantastic resource for older adults. Many programs give older adults free rides to and from medical appointments, and they can also help with transportation to social activities and grocery stores.

One example is the Road to Recovery program from the American Cancer Society. Although it's not specifically for seniors, this initiative provides free transportation to and from cancer-related medical appointments, showcasing how community programs can be a valuable source of support.

To find programs for older adults in your area, look into local nonprofits, church programs, and community centers. These organizations will have information on available volunteer services and can connect you with the support you need.

Friends and family

Don’t forget about the support that’s closest to home: friends and family. They’re often more than willing to lend a hand, and their help with getting to and from medical appointments can be invaluable.

Involving friends, family, and neighbors also allows loved ones to stay connected and show they care—which can be just as important as the appointment itself.

Tips for caregivers: navigating medical appointments

Getting transportation sorted for all the medical appointments is a huge win.

Now let’s focus on making sure the older adult in your care gets the most out of each visit. Below are some practical tips to help you navigate the process smoothly.

1. Before the appointment

Preparing for an appointment can make a world of difference. A little preparation can help you remember the questions and concerns you want to address and ensure that you have the necessary information for the doctor.

First, sort out all relevant medical documents before you get to the doctor’s office or hospital.

Common medical information

A list of current medications and their dosages
Recent test results or lab reports
Insurance cards and identification
Any referral forms or previous medical records
An advance directive or living will
Power of attorney documentation
Contact information for other healthcare providers involved in the care of your loved one
A summary of past medical history, including surgeries and chronic conditions

Keep all this documentation organized in a file at home, or wherever is most convenient. This way, you’ll have it easily accessible to bring to any appointment. Next, sit down with the person in your care and make a list of questions and concerns.

Potential questions to ask and concerns to address

What are the possible side effects of this medication?
Are there alternative treatments available?
How should we monitor symptoms at home?
What lifestyle changes would be beneficial?
How often should follow-up appointments or tests be scheduled?
What signs or symptoms should prompt us to seek immediate medical attention?
Are there any new medications or treatments on the horizon that we should be aware of?

2. During the appointment

When you’re in the doctor’s office, don’t hesitate to ask questions if something doesn’t make sense. It’s completely reasonable to ask for an explanation in simpler terms and to pause a moment to process what’s being said before responding.

Taking notes during the appointment can also be a good idea. Write down the doctor’s instructions, particularly about medications, treatments, or follow-up care. Ask the questions you prepared ahead of time. If anything is unclear, don’t be shy about asking the doctor to go over it again. This way, you’ll have a clear record of the advice given, which you can refer to later.

3. After the appointment

Sit down with the older adult in your care and make a plan to implement the doctor’s instructions. Did they suggest more exercise? More social visits? A particular medication?

If the doctor prescribes medications, fill those promptly and set reminders for when they need to be taken. Monitor any side effects or changes in symptoms, and report them to the doctor as needed.

Remember to schedule follow-up appointments and arrange transportation in advance. Consider using Uber Health, which makes booking rides easy and accepts health benefits cards to help you manage costs.

How Uber Health can help

Regular medical appointments play an important role in maintaining the health and well-being of older adults. These visits allow healthcare providers to review medications, monitor physical and mental health, and make recommendations that can enhance quality of life and longevity.

Uber Health is here to help by offering streamlined transportation for routine medical appointments. With door-to-door support, older adults can reach their healthcare providers with ease and affordability. To learn more about how Uber Health can help with transportation needs, visit Uber Health.

These articles are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by these articles. Neither Uber nor its employees, nor any contributor to these articles, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.

*Options and availability may differ by location.