The Silver Life - Online community and resource for active Silver Surfers

Online Community & Resource for Active Silver Surfers

The Silver Life

Online Community & Resource for Active Silver Surfers

Getting Older Doesn’t Mean We Can’t Handle the Basics

The IRS is Calling…Is It For Real This Time?The IRS is Calling…Is It For Real This Time?

I had a strange request. One of my clients asked if I would go to the doctor with her. I asked her why she would want me to go along. She explained that when she goes, she becomes tongue tied and can’t seem to focus. She leaves the doctor’s office not knowing what was said and her questions go unanswered.

So, she said, “Go with me. Tell me what was said and get my questions answered.”

I replied no, I don’t think so. I know that people bring family members or friends, sometimes, but I tell my clients when this peculiar issue appears, they should prepare for the visit.

Sounds basic, right? Prepare for the visit. A doctor is not your school principal. You’re not going to be scolded or reprimanded. I remind my client that the doctor is in a service-based business. Sure, he or she went to school for years and his or her training never seems to end, but so what? Doctors provide a service that you are paying for.

I explained that before going to the appointment, write down all of the questions. Think of what you may have forgotten the last time you talked and explain what it is that concerns you and why.

Always have with you a complete list of your medications. Keep a list of all of your physicians and their phone numbers, as well. You do this, not just for your use, but in case you want him to call another doctor.

Many times, especially, now, physician’s assistants are seeing patients in place of the doctor. That’s OK, because many of these professionals are well trained. But, if you need to ask a doctor a question, do ask to see the doctor.

The key, as I tell my clients, is to remember the doctor is not seeing you for free. He or she receives a considerable salary to spend a few minutes with you – and you are entitled to quality service.

We demand quality service when it comes to our auto repair and dry cleaning. The doctor is no exception. It just takes some quiet time to put your requests in writing.

Do I need to write a blog just for this? Yes. It’s important because I want my clients to remain independent. Getting older does not mean we cannot handle the basics. We don’t need help. We don’t need our kids to come with us; we don’t need a friend to come with us. We’ve done these tasks all our lives and we still can. Just prepare by thinking about what you need and writing it down.

Take my advice for what it is… It’s just, as I see it!

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About the Author: Leonard F. Baer

Leonard Baer's practice focuses on Elder Law, and Estate Planning. His previous experience was in the area of complex criminal litigation, serving as Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Division for The United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Florida. Mr. Baer was recognized by the Office of The Attorney General, as one of the top prosecutors in the country during his tenure. He has been included in North Carolina Top Rated Lawyers, a distinction awarded to those lawyers recognized by their colleagues as leaders in their field. He has also been recognized by the Florida Bar, for his efforts in representing seniors and their families, who are victims of scams and fraud. Mr. Baer is an AV rated lawyer listed in Martindale-Hubbell, and has been selected for inclusion in their Bar Registrar of Preeminent Lawyers, which for over 90 years, includes only those select law practices that have earned their highest rating. He has been designated by Martindale-Hubbell as preeminent in his field, and in the top 5% of all lawyers practicing in the United States. Mr. Baer has also been ranked by AVVO, an online Legal Directory of over 200,000 lawyers nationally, as Superb, their highest rating. He served as adjunct professor of Sports Law at The University of Miami, and is a frequent lecturer on the topics of Elder Law, Estate Planning, Asset Protection and Fraud Protection. He has been a columnist for several newspapers for over 13 years and currently has a nationally syndicated blog, “As I See It” with a readership of over 25,000. Leonard is a Guest Contributor of The Silver Life and has recently launched a new service called SuddenlySolo1 - https://www.legalbaer.com/services/suddenly-solo/

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