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Getting the Most Out of Appointments (for Care Partners)

If the person with diabetes wants you to attend a medical appointment, try to go to a primary care appointment. You can get to know their healthcare team and feel comfortable reaching out to them in between appointments. 

Patients who are accompanied to medical visits by a Care Partner often communicate better with their healthcare team. They can get more of their questions answered and remember more of the information they hear.

TIPS FOR CARE PARTNERS ATTENDING MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS

  • Educate yourself about your loved one's condition. Ask healthcare professionals which websites they respect.

  • Write it down. Have everything that's on your mind written down before you talk with the healthcare professional. 

  • Let the person with diabetes take the lead when possible. Prompt them to use the question list that the two of you prepared before your appointment.

  • Ask questions at the beginning of the appointment. Talk about the most important concerns first. Be brief and stick to the point.

  • After the person with diabetes is finished describing a problem or concern, fill in extra details. Ask any questions you have, too.

  • Point out disagreement in a neutral and specific way. For example, “Hmmm. He used to check his sugar three times per day, but when I look at his sugar log, I only see numbers written down once per day.” Don’t overgeneralize or make accusations. (NOT “He is so lazy. He never tries to take care of his health.”).

  • If a healthcare professional gives recommendations, make sure you both understand. Ask questions if instructions are not clear. 

  • Help the healthcare team understand your role. Make sure the healthcare professional tells you all the information related to what you do. Ask them to keep you informed even when you can’t come to medical visits.

  • Appoint one family member as the main family contact with healthcare professionals when possible. This will avoid confusion and save time for everyone.

  • Ask about other resources. Healthcare staff can often point you to health programs or resources that might help the person with diabetes.