The Savvy Senior
Taking Control of Your Health Care
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Your health is in your hands. There are many things you can do to take control of your health care.
First, write or type an information sheet with your name, address, phone number, insurance information and insurance number. Then list all your health conditions, medications (including supplements), surgeries, allergies, and all your doctors. You should also include information on your family medical history. Keep this with you when you visit any doctor, especially new ones. You should also keep a copy of your information on your refrigerator in case of an emergency.
Who is going to make your health care decisions for you in the event that you are too ill or injured and cannot make them for yourself? You should fill out a living will and appoint a health care proxy.
Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They provide a way for you to communicate your wishes to family, friends and health care professionals, and to avoid confusion later on.
A living will tells how you feel about care intended to sustain life. You can accept or refuse medical care. There are many issues to address, including
· The use of dialysis and breathing machines
· If you want to be resuscitated if breathing or heartbeat stops
· Insertion of a feeding tube
· Organ or tissue donation
A durable power of attorney for health care is a document that names your health care proxy. Your proxy is someone you trust to make health decisions if you are unable to do so. (Source: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/advancedirectives.html)
Advance directives are available at many doctor’s offices, hospitals, and online at www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes.php. (There is a charge for ordering through this website.) You should keep a copy of your health care advance directives and give a copy to a family member, your doctor, and your attorney (if you have one). If you have a Do Not Resuscitate Order, keep it on the refrigerator for emergency personnel to see.
When you visit your doctor bring a list of questions. Be sure you understand the answers before you leave the office. You should be clear about what medications you are being prescribed, the purpose of the medicine, and any side effects. The same applies to any medical procedures that are being recommended.
If you are diagnosed with a particular condition learn as much as you can about the disease or disability, prognosis, and any rehabilitation services that might be needed. If appropriate, ask about community services that relate to that condition, any aids and appliances or home modifications that might be needed.
The bottom line: Have all your medical information readily available to share with your health care professionals. Understand what your health care professional is saying to you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.