Medical Appointments & Hospital Visits

Before the visit

Bring a current medicine and supplement list, your questions, and examples of changes. Ask about extra appointment time, communication support, or the person’s preferred time of day.

• Agree who will speak, who will take notes, and what needs to be discussed privately.
• Bring glasses, hearing aids, mobility equipment, and other items needed to participate.
• Ask what the proposed test or treatment is for, what alternatives exist, and what to watch for afterward.

Learn more: NIA: Taking a person with Alzheimer’s to the hospital ↗ · Alzheimer’s Association: Medication safety ↗

Prepare a hospital go-bag

An unfamiliar hospital setting can be difficult. Bring essential contact and health information, applicable care documents, and a familiar comfort item. Tell staff how the person communicates and what their usual abilities are.

• Use the emergency sheet and go-bag checklist instead of packing irreplaceable valuables.
• Tell staff promptly about a sudden change from the person’s usual alertness or behavior.
• Ask for help meeting communication and personal-care needs; follow hospital instructions for food, drinks, and medicines.

Learn more: NIA: Taking a person with Alzheimer’s to the hospital ↗

Before going home

Ask the discharge team to explain what will happen at home and who is responsible for each part. Be candid if the proposed plan requires care that cannot safely be provided.

• Request written medication changes, follow-up appointments, and contact numbers.
• Ask for a demonstration of unfamiliar care tasks and needed equipment.
• Confirm transport, supplies, and backup before discharge rather than assuming someone else has arranged them.

Learn more: NIA: Taking a person with Alzheimer’s to the hospital ↗

Questions worth keeping close

Use these prompts in your own words. You may want to choose only two or three for the next visit.

• “What should I keep doing for myself, and where would help make things safer?”
• “Which changes mean I should call you, and which mean I should seek emergency help?”
• “Can you write the plan down and tell me who can explain it again later?”