Health changes to tell the doctor
Maybe your parent is more tired than usual, eating less, or a little unsteady. Small changes are easy to forget by the time you reach the doctor’s office.
Download the PDF
How to use it
- When you notice a change, call the clinic, then write down what changed and what they told you.
- The sheet has room for when it started, what your parent says, what you tried, who you spoke to and when to call again.
- Make the call first and fill in the page after.
- In an emergency, get help first.
Calling the clinic about a change
A problem can come up between visits. Before you call, ask your parent how they feel and bring the medicine list to the phone. If help is urgent, call first and write afterward.
Tell the clinic what changed, when it started, and what is usual for your parent. Give facts, not a guess at the cause, and share what your parent says makes it better or worse. Ask, “What needs help now? What can wait? What should we do if it gets worse?” Then read the answer back.
Write down who you spoke with, their advice, and when to call again. Sudden confusion can be an emergency: call 911, and stay with your parent if it is safe. Do not wait to reach the usual clinic.
