Managing more than one health condition can mean keeping track of multiple appointments, medications, specialists, tests, and treatment recommendations. For older adults and their caregivers, having a system for organizing healthcare information can make it easier to stay informed and communicate with the people involved in their care.
Care coordination is about helping different parts of your healthcare work together. You and your healthcare team can play an important role in keeping information organized and making sure everyone understands your current care plan.
When you see multiple healthcare professionals, it can be helpful to keep an up-to-date record of your health information. Consider keeping a list that includes:
You can keep this information in a notebook, folder, smartphone, or another system that works for you. The important thing is keeping it current and easy to access when you have an appointment.
Taking several medications can make it difficult to remember what to take, when to take it, and why each medication was prescribed.
Try keeping an updated medication list and bringing it to healthcare appointments. Include prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
Ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist to review your medications with you, especially if you have recently started or stopped a medication. Do not stop taking a prescribed medication or change the dose without first talking with the healthcare professional who prescribed it.
If remembering medications is difficult, ask your healthcare team about tools that may help, such as pill organizers, medication lists, or reminders.
When managing several health conditions, appointments can cover a lot of information. Preparing a few questions ahead of time can help you make the most of your visit.
Before an appointment, consider writing down:
If a caregiver or trusted family member helps with your healthcare, ask whether they can join the appointment when appropriate. Having another person listen and take notes may make it easier to remember important information afterward.
Different healthcare professionals may each focus on a different part of your health. Your primary care professional may coordinate your overall care, while specialists may focus on specific conditions.
Make sure each healthcare professional knows about the other members of your healthcare team and the medications you are taking. When appropriate, ask whether test results, treatment plans, and other relevant health information have been shared.
You can also ask questions such as:
