Managing your medical life

East Kildonan woman’s book helps seniors keep track of appointments

Between her numerous appointments with five different doctors, 69-year-old Rose Hiebert found she was having trouble remembering which doctor had said what to her.

Noticing her mother-in-law’s frustration, East Kildonan resident Betsy Hiebert began thinking of ways she could help.

The end result is now available for purchase at bookstores around the city.

Betsy created a journal for baby-boomers and their aging parents, entitled Personal Healthcare Journal (For Seniors). Its purpose is to help ease the stress of managing medical appointments, prescriptions and advice from doctors.

“With my in-laws, I was noticing after their numerous trips to the doctor, they’d say, ‘Oh, it was great.’ And when I asked what they were supposed to do, they’d forget,” Betsy said.

Betsy said one of the reasons she came up with the idea was to help seniors stay independent.

Rose said she has brought the book along with her to appointments to jot down notes and to use as a reference.

“When you go to the doctor, you’re not always feeling good, so you can’t think. With the book, I can go back and check it,” Rose said.

The book has six sections, with space for listing prescribed medications, directions on how to take them and also what they look like. There’s also space to list allergies, vaccinations and vitamins.

The book has 50 appointment spaces, so it should last patients a few years, depending on how often they visit their doctors.

Betsy, who has a background in marketing and communications, interviewed and received feedback from doctors, pharmacists, seniors and caregivers during her research.

“Unfortunately, sometimes when patients are referred on to other specialists the trail of information is not always available to the originating doctor in a timely manner,” said Dr. Fiona Crow, who reviewed Betsy’s book.

“It is most useful if your patient can tell you when and where the various tests and appointments were done.”

One of the pharmacists Betsy talked to said the book is a great idea.

“Having all that medication in one book is helpful and it helps professionals identify what medications they’re taking,” said Britt, a pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart on Henderson Highway.

During her focus testing, Betsy learned that when seniors go to see their doctors, they should remember three things: to come prepared, to ask questions and to voice their concerns.

Visits to the doctor are usually brief, so Betsy said patients shouldn’t be nervous to speak up.

“It’s your body, so you need to ask those questions,” Betsy said.

Betsy will be signing copies of the new seniors’ aid at McNally Robinson Booksellers, Polo Park, on April 17 at 7 p.m.

Personal Healthcare Journal (For Seniors) can be purchased online at www.mycarenecessities.com or at McNally Robinson Booksellers.