A Post-Holiday Checklist for More Informed Doctor Visits

Cognition and Mood

• Memory Patterns: “I noticed they are repeating the same stories every 10 minutes,” or “They forgot how to use the microwave/oven.”
• Executive Function: “They seem overwhelmed by simple tasks, like deciding what to wear or following a recipe they’ve known for years.”
• Mood Shifts: “They seem unusually irritable, anxious, or have lost interest in hobbies they used to love.”

Mobility and Safety

• Gait and Balance: “I noticed ‘furniture walking’ (touching walls/chairs for support).”
• Fall History: “Are there any unexplained bruises? Have there been any ‘near-misses’ or stumbles lately?”
• Physical Activity: “They are struggling to get out of a deep sofa or are having trouble with stairs.”

Self-Care and Nutrition

• Hygiene: “There has been a noticeable decline in grooming or laundry habits.”
• Weight/Diet: “The fridge is empty or contains expired food. Have you noticed any significant weight loss or gain?”
• Sensory Issues: “They seem to be struggling to hear even with their hearing aids in, or they are squinting more than usual.”

Medical and Medication Management

• Medication Adherence: “I found skipped doses or confusion about which pill is for what condition.”
• Sleep Patterns: “They are napping most of the day or staying up very late and wandering.”
• Pain Management: “Are they taking more over-the-counter pain relief than they used to?”

Quick Tips for the Visit

1. Ask for a “Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment”: This is a specific type of evaluation that looks at the “whole person,” including their social support, environment, and physical health.
2. Review the “Polypharmacy”: Bring all their pill bottles (including vitamins and herbals) in a bag to the appointment. Ask the doctor: “Which of these are still absolutely necessary?”
3. Check the “Renal Buffer”: Ask for a blood test to check their eGFR (kidney function). As we learned, kidney function can drop even if other labs look normal, and this affects how they process their medicine.

A Sample Way to Start the Conversation:

“Doctor, while visiting for the holidays, I noticed that Dad is struggling with his balance and seems to be skipping his evening medications. I’m concerned his ‘homeostatic reserve’ is getting low. Can we look into these specific areas today?”

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Folsom, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aging Assistant today at (916) 897-4752

James Ozsvath

Aging Assistant is a locally owned and operated in-home senior care provider, we are dedicated to helping our clients to remain in the home they love for as long as they can. Our caregiving staff are all warm and compassionate professionals, experienced in taking care of seniors in various stages of health. We handle a wide range of services, such as help with shopping, housekeeping, attending doctor’s appointments, and preparing meals. We also provide our clients with limited mobility or more intensive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia with the higher level of personal care that they require. Call our team now if you need help with a loved one's care.

See Full Bio