Make a doctor's appointment for a full evaluation.

How to Get a Full Medical Evaluation and Why It's Critical

To get more than the usual 10 to 15 minutes with the doctor, you'll need to request a full evaluation of your parent's physical, cognitive, mental, emotional, psychological, and social needs. Start with your parent's primary care doctor or internist, who ideally has experience caring for older people and those with chronic, complex conditions. And expect to schedule two or more visits over a several-week period to address all the concerns you might have.

If you don't already have a doctor you like, make an appointment with a geriatrician -- something that's especially helpful if your parent has multiple or complex medical problems. (Geriatricians specialize in and are sensitive to the unique healthcare needs of older adults.)

To locate a geriatrician, visit the Physician Referral Service of the American Geriatrics Society's Foundation for Healthy Aging or call (800) 563-4916. Or search for a board-certified geriatrician on these websites: the American Board of Family Medicine or the American Medical Association. Ask for referrals or recommendations from your parent's primary physician, specialists, or other health professionals, friends who have aging parents, or the nearest university or medical center.

How to prepare for the medical evaluation:

• Gather all medical records you can readily put your hands on.
• Bring all medications your parent currently takes, including vitamins, over-the-counter drugs, and herbals.
• Jot down notes about how your parent is functioning physically, mentally, and emotionally, and take these with you to the doctor's office.The National Institute of Aging provides a handy worksheet that covers most areas of concern to the elderly.
• Write up a list of concerns you'd like addressed during the visit.
• Review information about any existing medical conditions so you can ask informed questions during the visit.

How to get the most out of the evaluation itself:

• Take notes or record (with permission) what the doctor has to say.
• Get written materials -- patient information sheets -- from the doctor or nurse about health conditions or treatments.
• Prioritize health concerns; ask what two or three things need to be tackled first.
• Find out if a social worker is available at the doctor's office for an evaluation.
• Ask for recommendations for other resources.
• Make an appointment for a prompt follow-up.
• You might also consider getting a second opinion if you have any doubts or concerns about the diagnosis (or the lack of a diagnosis) during the doctor's visit.

Why a full medical evaluation is important:

A doctor's assessment can:

1. Rule out problems, establish a diagnosis, and assess existing ailments.
2. Explain what to expect at each stage of a diagnosed condition.
3. Initiate treatment. Generally speaking, medications to slow a disease's progress are most effective when started early.
4. Establish a baseline by which to compare future changes.
5. Speed acceptance of a new reality. This helps everyone plan future care and take steps to support quality of life.