"As baby boomers increase in age, the face of the American population will change dramatically. By the year 2030, a projected 71 million Americans will be age 65 or older, an increase of more than 200 percent from the year 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It's estimated that some 6,000 people turn age 65 every day and, by 2012, 10,000 people will turn age 65 every day."
This is the opening paragraph of an article in the Family Practice Management journal, Sept. 2006. As you and/or your parents age, you might be getting less face time with your doctor. The article suggests tips for the doctors, but it also alerts us patients to the problems.
Here's the summary, but stop and read the whole article.
1. Allow extra time for older patients.
2. Minimize visual and auditory distractions.
3. Sit face to face with the patient.
4. Don't underestimate the power of eye contact.
5. Listen without interrupting the patient.
6. Speak slowly, clearly and loudly.
7. Use short, simple words and sentences.
8. Stick to one topic at a time.
9. Simplify and write down your instructions.
10. Use charts, models and pictures to illustrate your message.
11. Frequently summarize the most important points.
12. Give the patient a chance to ask questions.
13. Schedule older patients earlier in the day.
14. Greet them as they arrive at the practice.
15. Seat them in a quiet, comfortable area.
16. Make signs, forms and brochures easy to read.
17. Be prepared to escort elderly patients from room to room.
18. Check on them if they've been waiting in the exam room.
19. Use touch to keep the patient relaxed and focused.
20. Say goodbye, to end the visit on a positive note.
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