Keeping up with doctor’s appointments is essential to managing health and staying informed, but it can often feel overwhelming. From scheduling and transportation to understanding medical advice and ensuring proper follow-up, there are many details to manage. This is where Understood Care can help. Our advocates serve as trusted guides, working alongside you or your loved one to make the process easier, more organized, and more comfortable.
Personalized Support Before and After Every Appointment
Understood Care advocates provide hands-on help with all aspects of medical visits. We help you schedule appointments, confirm provider information, and prepare for the visit itself. This might include reviewing your questions ahead of time, making sure prescriptions are current, or gathering any medical records needed. After the appointment, we help you understand the doctor’s recommendations and take the right steps to follow through on care instructions, referrals, or additional tests.
A Partner to Help You Understand Your Care
Medical visits can involve unfamiliar language, new diagnoses, or complex treatment plans. Your advocate is there to help translate this information into clear, understandable terms. We make sure you feel confident about what was discussed during the visit and that you know what actions to take next. If something is unclear or left unanswered, your advocate can follow up with your provider to get the information you need.
Coordination Across Your Care Team
Many people receive care from more than one doctor. Your advocate helps ensure that your care is well coordinated across primary care providers, specialists, and other professionals. We help share information between offices, keep records consistent, and make sure appointments align with your overall care goals. This reduces confusion and helps prevent important details from being overlooked.
Support for Getting to and From the Appointment
Transportation should never be the reason you miss a doctor’s visit. Your advocate helps you arrange reliable ways to get to and from appointments. Whether that means booking a ride service, coordinating with a caregiver, or finding community transportation resources, we make sure you have safe and timely access to care. We also consider mobility needs, language assistance, and other accessibility factors to support your comfort and safety.
Emotional and Practical Support Throughout
Doctor’s visits can bring up feelings of stress, uncertainty, or fatigue, especially when managing long-term conditions or complex health needs. Understood Care advocates are here to offer steady support throughout the experience. We are here to listen, provide encouragement, and help you make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
Confidence in Every Step of the Journey
With Understood Care, you are never alone in managing your medical appointments. From the moment you schedule your visit to the follow-up that comes afterward, your advocate is there to help you stay organized, prepared, and empowered. We make it easier to stay connected to the care you need and to move forward with confidence.
What this guide covers
You want practical steps that work. This article turns expert guidance into simple actions you can start today. It also weaves in the video script so you can follow along. If you prefer personal help, an Understood Care advocate can coordinate appointments, set reminders, connect you to local programs, and take the legwork off your plate.
Quick start checklist from the video
From the video script, translated into action
- Keep annual wellness visits on your calendar, and follow your clinician’s schedule for regular checkups. Many people with chronic conditions see their care team every three to six months. Medicare covers a yearly wellness visit that reviews risks and preventive needs.
- Eat a proper diet that fits your health needs. Ask your clinician about referrals to a registered dietitian if you live with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease.
- Get regular exercise that includes aerobic, strength, and balance activities. Programs at community centers can make moving more fun.
- Guard your sleep. Keep a consistent schedule and wind down with a calm routine.
- Use community support. Senior centers, local groups, and faith communities can help you stay active and connected.
Where an advocate fits in
An Understood Care advocate can help you keep appointments on track https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments and coordinate chronic condition follow ups https://understoodcare.com/care-types/chronic-care. They can also search local exercise options and support groups and set reminders so the plan actually happens.
Eating for strength and independence
Why it matters
As you age, food is fuel for balance, muscle, and immune health. Choosing nutrient dense meals supports independence and lowers risk from chronic conditions.
What to do
- Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy oils
- Aim for enough protein across the day for muscle repair
- Choose fiber rich foods for digestion and heart health
- Drink water regularly and limit sugary drinks
- If money or appetite are barriers, ask about meal programs or smaller more frequent meals
These steps reflect trusted guidance for older adults from the National Institute on Aging.
Advocate help
Ask an advocate to find in network nutrition counseling and set up referrals. If costs are a concern, your advocate can also explore benefits and applications with you https://understoodcare.com/care-types/application-help.
Move more safely
Why it matters
Regular activity helps you stay independent, reduce fall risk, protect the heart and brain, and keep joints working.
What to do
- Build up to at least 150 minutes each week of moderate activity like brisk walking
- Add muscle strengthening on two or more days each week
- Practice balance several days a week with simple moves like standing on one foot near a counter
- Start low and go slow if you are just getting back to movement
- Use a walker or cane if your clinician recommends it and learn safe use
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends aerobic, muscle strengthening, and balance training for adults sixty five and older, with a target of at least one hundred fifty minutes of moderate activity weekly. The National Institute on Aging outlines practical ways to combine all three types.
Advocate help
If you need mobility equipment, an advocate can coordinate evaluations, documentation, and delivery so you can move with confidence https://understoodcare.com/care-types/mobility-equipment. They can also help you schedule starter classes through your community center.
Sleep that restores
Why it matters
Most older adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep. Good sleep supports mood, memory, balance, and immunity.
What to do
- Keep a consistent sleep and wake time
- Create a relaxing wind down routine and keep screens out of the bedroom
- Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime
- Stay active during the day but avoid vigorous exercise late at night
- Talk with your clinician if you snore loudly, stop breathing during sleep, or feel very sleepy during the day
These strategies come from expert guidance on sleep for older adults.
Advocate help
An advocate can prepare questions for your next visit, book a sleep evaluation if needed, and share updates with your care team https://understoodcare.com/care-types/communication.
Preventive care and checkups
Vaccines to ask about
Vaccines lower the risk of severe illness. Talk with your clinician or pharmacist about what fits your age and health.
- Influenza every season
- Updated COVID recommendations
- Pneumococcal options for adults fifty and older and for all adults sixty five and older
- Recombinant shingles vaccine for adults fifty and older
- Tdap booster if due
See the current adult immunization schedule and notes from the CDC for details.
Screening tests to discuss
- Colorectal cancer screening for adults forty five to seventy five, and individual decisions beyond seventy five
- Osteoporosis screening with DXA for women sixty five and older, and for some younger postmenopausal women with risk factors
These recommendations come from the US Preventive Services Task Force and CDC summary pages. Your personal plan may differ based on your history.
Advocate help
Your advocate can find in network providers, gather records, and book visits with reminders so you stay on track https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments. If transportation is a barrier, they can arrange reliable rides to clinics and pharmacies https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help.
Medications made simpler and more affordable
Safer medication routines
As medicines add up, so can risks. Helpful steps include keeping an updated list, using pill organizers, reviewing all medicines with your clinician or pharmacist, and asking about lower risk or fewer pill options when appropriate. Deprescribing is a formal way clinicians reduce unnecessary or risky medicines.
Lowering costs
If prices are hard to manage, ask about Medicare Part D Extra Help and plan reviews. Extra Help can eliminate premiums and deductibles for many people and cap costs once you reach set limits.
Advocate help
Your advocate can review coverage, compare pharmacies, explore savings programs, and coordinate refills so you never run out https://understoodcare.com/care-types/lower-costs-of-medication. They can also review confusing bills with you https://understoodcare.com/care-types/analyze-bills.
Build your support team and social connections
Why it matters
Social connection supports mood, memory, and overall health. Isolation raises health risks.
What to do
- Plan regular check ins with family, friends, and neighbors
- Join a class, walking group, or volunteer activity
- Ask your clinician about local or virtual support groups for your health conditions
For practical ways to stay connected, see tips from the National Institute on Aging.
Advocate help
An advocate can locate senior centers and community groups and help you enroll so you can stay active and supported https://understoodcare.com/care-types/social-support.
Safer homes and confident mobility
Make your space safer
Small changes prevent big injuries. Clear clutter and cords, secure or remove loose rugs, improve lighting, add grab bars, and consider threshold ramps where needed. Regular exercise, vision checks, and footwear checks also cut fall risk. These steps come from CDC STEADI and NIA fall prevention resources.
Advocate help
If you need home care, an advocate can help you compare covered options and schedule support at home https://understoodcare.com/care-types/home-care. If equipment would help you stay safe, they can coordinate evaluations and delivery https://understoodcare.com/care-types/mobility-equipment.
Transportation that keeps you connected
Transportation keeps you independent. Ask your advocate to arrange rides for appointments, pharmacy runs, and community events so you never miss care or connection https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help.
When to consider a second opinion
A second opinion can confirm a diagnosis, clarify options, and sometimes prevent unnecessary procedures. Consider one for major new diagnoses, surgery decisions, or when your goals are not being met. Cleveland Clinic
Your advocate can gather records, find in network specialists, and schedule visits for you https://understoodcare.com/care-types/second-opinion.
Put it all together with a weekly routine
A simple template you can customize
- One or two short walks on most days
- Two short strength sessions using light weights or resistance bands
- Three quick balance practices during kitchen counter time
- A produce rich meal plan for the week and a water bottle by your chair
- A fixed bedtime and wind down routine
- A reminder list for medicines and a weekly refill check
- One social touchpoint like a call, class, or visit
- One task toward preventive care such as booking vaccines or screenings
An advocate can set up a shared plan, coordinate appointments, and text you gentle reminders so the plan becomes a habit https://understoodcare.com/care-types/communication and https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments.
How Understood Care advocates make this easier
- Book visits, set reminders, and keep you on schedule https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments
- Coordinate your care team and share updates so everyone stays aligned https://understoodcare.com/care-types/communication
- Help lower medication costs and prevent refills from slipping https://understoodcare.com/care-types/lower-costs-of-medication
- Arrange safe transportation and help you stay engaged in your community https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help
- Set up in home support and equipment for safety and independence https://understoodcare.com/care-types/home-care and https://understoodcare.com/care-types/mobility-equipment
- Support long term condition management with regular check ins and specialist referrals https://understoodcare.com/care-types/chronic-care and https://understoodcare.com/care-types/second-opinion
- Guide you through applications and help you understand bills and coverage https://understoodcare.com/care-types/application-help and https://understoodcare.com/care-types/analyze-bills
Frequently asked questions
How often should I see my clinician
Most people benefit from a yearly wellness visit, and many with chronic conditions have follow ups every three to six months as directed by their clinician. If you live with diabetes, A1C testing is often done every three months if treatment changed or goals are not met, and every six months when stable.
I am overwhelmed by my medicines. Where do I start
Bring all prescription and over the counter medicines and supplements to your next visit. Ask your clinician or pharmacist to review each item, what it is for, and whether anything can be simplified. Deprescribing is a safe, stepwise process your clinician can lead.
Which vaccines should I ask about at my next visit
Ask about influenza, COVID updates, shingles, and pneumococcal options, plus any boosters you may need. Your plan depends on age and health conditions.
Can someone help me find local classes or support groups
Yes. An Understood Care advocate can do the searching and sign ups for you and can connect you to senior centers, disease specific groups, and social programs https://understoodcare.com/care-types/social-support.
References
- National Institute on Aging. Exercise and physical activity for older adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity
- National Institute on Aging. Tips for getting and staying active as you age. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/tips-getting-and-staying-active-you-age
- National Institute on Aging. Three types of exercise can improve your health and physical ability. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/three-types-exercise-can-improve-your-health-and-physical
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical activity guidelines for older adults. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/older-adults.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adding activity for older adults. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/adding-older-adults/index.html
- National Institute on Aging. Healthy eating, nutrition, and diet. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-eating-nutrition-and-diet
- National Institute on Aging. Healthy meal planning tips for older adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-eating-nutrition-and-diet/healthy-meal-planning-tips-older-adults
- National Institute on Aging. Sleep and older adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/sleep-and-older-adults
- National Institute on Aging. Six healthy sleep habits for older adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/6-healthy-sleep-habits-older-adult
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended adult immunization schedule 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html and PDF https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/downloads/adult/adult-combined-schedule.pdf
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles vaccine recommendations. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html and patient page https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/vaccines/index.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal vaccines for adults. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/adults.html and timing job aid PDF https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/downloads/Vaccine-Timing-Adults-JobAid.pdf
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Colorectal cancer screening. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening and CDC summary https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/screening/index.html
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Osteoporosis screening 2025. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/osteoporosis-screening and JAMA recommendation statement https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2829238
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STEADI patient resources and home fall prevention checklist PDF. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/patient-resources/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/steadi-brochure-checkforsafety-508.pdf and brochure https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Brochure-WhatYouCanDo-508.pdf
- National Institute on Aging. Preventing falls at home. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/preventing-falls-home-room-room
- National Institute on Aging. Social isolation and loneliness in older people. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks and tips to stay connected https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected
- Medicare.gov. Yearly wellness visits. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/yearly-wellness-visits and Welcome to
- Medicare visit. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/welcome-to-medicare-preventive-visit and Preventive services. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services
- NIDDK. The A1C test and diabetes. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/a1c-test and
- CDC care schedule. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/treatment/your-diabetes-care-schedule.html
NIA. Taking medicines safely as you age. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medicines-and-medication-management/taking-medicines-safely-you-age - MedlinePlus. Keeping your medicines organized. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000600.htm and Taking
- multiple medicines safely. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000883.htm
- AHRQ Patient Safety Network. Deprescribing as a patient safety strategy. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/deprescribing-patient-safety-strategy and
- Polypharmacy topic page. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/issue/polypharmacy
- Medicare. Help with drug costs and Extra Help information. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs and https://www.medicare.gov/publications/12203-medicare-extra-help-program.pdf and https://www.medicare.gov/publications/12212-manage-your-monthly-drug-costs.pdf and application portal https://go.medicare.gov/ExtraHelp
This article is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the plan you and your clinician decide is right for you.
Deborah Hall
- About: Deborah Hall’s primary specialty is other healthcare benefits access. She helps people apply for coverage, clears questions, and connects them to programs fast.
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