Your tips: dealing with professionals

[HarrietD]

Hi all,

Our magazine wants to include more real life experiences, and this time we're asking for your tips on how to get the best results when dealing with health and social care professionals.

If you've been diagnosed with dementia, or you are caring for someone who's living with the condition, you're likely to see a variety of health professionals at different points.

Do you have any advice about the best way to deal with health and social care professionals to get the result that you need, either for yourself or the person you're caring for?

Please add your comments below, and they may be featured in the next issue of the magazine.

This thread will be closed on Monday 5 March.

Thanks everyone

 

[Careroncoffee]

Use a diary to log everything. Get full name and work pattern. Find out whether the professional is moving post in the near future, if they are ask for someone else.

 

[karaokePete]

Make notes of ALL symptoms and concerns that you may have before any appointment and take your notes with you to help ensure that nothing is missed.

Take a notebook and pen with you so that you can note what is said. This is very important if bad news is a possibility as once such news is given nothing more that is said may sink in and be remembered

 

[nae sporran]

Nothing special really. I just find the obvious approach of asking loads of questions, and writing things down helps. Of course, a sense of humour and the ability to accept teasing helps cover any embarrassment my OH has at me taking over doctor's appointments. Learning when to shut up and trust her to answer for herself is a work in progress as her dementia progresses. With Social care professionals especially care agencies sending emails always helps to create a paper trail otherwise their internal communication lines can be a little lax sometimes.
Hope any of that helps.

 

[Beate]

Chase, chase and chase again. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. The squeaky door gets oiled first etc. If you don't stay on the ball, there is a high chance it will be dropped and things delayed. Write down when you spoke to someone so you don't forget outstanding matters.

Whenever you speak to someone, be firm but polite. Don't swear, shout or be otherwise rude, even if you are angry about delays. Professionals are people too and will not bust a gut to help you if you don't stay civilised. Crying on the phone is acceptable though!

 

[HarrietD]

Thanks everyone for your comments so far - those are really useful tips. We'll be closing this thread next Monday, so if anyone has anything they'd like to add, there is still plenty of time.