GP appointments are short, and it’s easy to leave feeling that something important went unsaid. For older people, who may have several health conditions, take multiple medications or find it hard to explain symptoms, a little preparation can make a big difference.
This checklist is for older people attending appointments themselves, and for family members, friends or carers who want to help. It covers what to do before, during and after the appointment, so you leave with answers and a clear plan.
Before the Appointment
1. Write down what you want to discuss
It sounds obvious, but it’s the single most useful thing you can do. Appointments often feel rushed, and worries can slip your mind the moment you sit down.
- List your concerns in order of importance, with the most pressing at the top
- Aim for two or three main issues, since longer lists are hard to cover in one appointment
- If there’s more to discuss, say so when booking, so the surgery can allow extra time or arrange a second appointment
2. Describe symptoms clearly
GPs find specific details much more helpful than general descriptions. Try to note:
- What the symptom is, and where it is
- When it started, and whether it’s getting better, worse or staying the same
- How often it happens, and whether anything triggers it or eases it
- How it affects daily life, such as sleeping, eating, walking, washing or dressing
- Any changes in mood, memory, appetite, weight or continence, even if they seem unrelated
A simple diary kept for a week or two can be very revealing, particularly for things like dizziness, pain, falls, bladder problems or changes in confusion.
3. Gather your medication information
Medication is one of the most important areas to get right, especially if several different medicines are involved.
- Bring all medicines, or an up-to-date list, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter remedies, vitamins and herbal supplements
- Include doses and when they’re taken
- Note any side effects you’ve noticed, or any doses being missed or struggled with
- Tell the GP if you’ve stopped or changed anything, or if you’ve had medication from anyone else, such as a hospital or pharmacy
4. Think about what’s changed
Small changes can signal bigger issues, and families are often best placed to spot them. Consider whether there have been changes in:
- Memory, confusion or concentration
- Mood, motivation or sleep
- Appetite, thirst or weight
- Mobility, balance or falls
- Continence
- Ability to manage everyday tasks
5. Sort out the practicalities
- Confirm the appointment time and whether it’s in person, by phone or by video
- Plan transport, and allow plenty of time so you’re not flustered
- Bring glasses, hearing aids and walking aids
- Wear clothes that are easy to remove if you may need to be examined
- Bring a note of your NHS number if you have it, and a list of other professionals you see, such as specialists or district nurses
6. Decide who’s going with you
Having a family member or friend along can help, particularly to remember what was said. If someone is attending on your behalf, or with you, agree in advance:
- What you want them to say or ask
- Whether you’re happy for them to be involved in the conversation, and how much
- Who will take notes
If you’re supporting someone who finds it hard to speak up for themselves, it may be worth asking the GP practice about arrangements that allow a trusted person to help manage appointments and information. Practices have their own processes for this, and you’ll normally need the person’s consent.
During the Appointment
Start with the most important thing
Say upfront what you most want to talk about. “The main thing I’m worried about today is…” helps the GP prioritise.
Be honest, even if it’s embarrassing
GPs have heard it all. Whether it’s about continence, low mood, sleep, alcohol or sex, honest information leads to better care. If you find something difficult to say, you could write it down and hand it over.
Ask for things to be explained
If you don’t understand something, say so. Useful ways to ask include:
- “Can you explain that in simpler terms?”
- “Could you write that down for me?”
- “What should I be looking out for?”
Questions worth asking
- What do you think is causing this?
- Are any tests or referrals needed, and what will they involve?
- What are my options, including doing nothing or waiting?
- What are the benefits and risks of any new treatment?
- Will this new medicine interact with what I’m already taking?
- What should I do if things get worse, and who should I contact?
- When should I come back, and what should I expect by then?
Check the plan before you leave
Before the appointment ends, quickly summarise what you’ve understood. “So I’m going to start this tablet, have a blood test, and come back in two weeks. Is that right?” This catches misunderstandings early.
After the Appointment
- Write things down straight away, while it’s fresh, or compare notes with whoever attended with you
- Book any follow-up appointments or tests you’ve been asked to arrange
- Update your medication list and make sure everyone involved in your care, including carers and family, knows about any changes
- Pick up prescriptions and ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about how to take them
- Keep an eye on how things go, and contact the surgery if symptoms change or you’re unsure
When Not to Wait for a GP Appointment
Some situations need urgent help, not a routine booking:
- Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, such as signs of a stroke or heart attack, severe breathing difficulty, serious injury, or sudden collapse
- Use NHS 111 (online or by phone) when you need medical help or advice urgently but it isn’t a 999 emergency
- Speak to a pharmacist for advice on minor ailments and medicines, often without needing an appointment
If you’re ever unsure, it’s better to ask for advice than to wait.
Supporting an Older Person Who Doesn’t Want to Go
It’s common for older people to put off seeing a GP. They may not want to be a bother, may fear bad news, or may feel their symptoms are “just age”. If you’re concerned about someone:
- Choose a calm moment to raise your concerns, and keep it gentle and specific (“I’ve noticed you’ve been very tired lately”)
- Focus on their wellbeing and independence rather than on what’s “wrong”
- Offer practical help, such as booking the appointment, arranging transport and going along
- Respect that, if they have the capacity to decide, the choice is theirs
How Home Care Can Help
Getting to and from appointments, remembering what was said and making sure changes are followed through can be a lot to manage alone. Our team can help with all of it.
At AshwellCare, our care includes contacting GP surgeries, pharmacists, district nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists on your behalf. Our carers can also accompany clients to appointments, by car or on public transport, and are well placed to notice and report small changes in health between appointments, so they can be raised early.
Visits are recorded and monitored through our family app, so families can stay informed and involved without having to be there in person.
If you’d like to find out how we could support you or a loved one, call us on 01684 778 750 or book a free consultation. You can also read more about our health care advice service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I take to a GP appointment? Bring a list of your concerns, an up-to-date list of medicines (or the medicines themselves), details of your symptoms, your glasses, hearing aids and any walking aids. It’s also worth bringing a pen and paper so you can make notes.
Can a family member come to a GP appointment with an older person? Yes, with the person’s agreement. A family member can help explain symptoms, remember what’s said and follow up on any actions. It’s worth agreeing beforehand what role they’ll play.
How can I make sure I have enough time with the GP? Mention when booking that you have several issues to discuss, or that you may need extra time. Prioritise your concerns and start with the most important.
What if I find it hard to explain my symptoms? Write them down beforehand, or keep a short diary. You can hand your notes to the GP or ask a family member or carer to help explain.
What if I don’t understand what the GP says? Ask them to explain it again in simpler terms, or to write it down. You can also ask a pharmacist about medicines, or call the surgery afterwards.
Should I tell the GP about every medicine I take? Yes. This includes over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements, since these can sometimes interact with prescribed medicines.
Can a carer take someone to the GP? Yes. Care providers can accompany people to appointments, and, with consent, help share information and follow up on advice. Ask your provider what they offer.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you’re worried about your health or a loved one’s, please speak to your GP, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.