First geriatric visit checklist

Why this checklist helps

A first visit with a geriatric care clinic often covers many topics at once. You may talk about daily life, memory, movement, safety, and what kind of support your loved one may need now or later.

When families are stressed, it is easy to forget papers, questions, or small details that matter. A written checklist can help you stay organized and make the most of the appointment.

This page is general information only. It is not medical advice. For care decisions, talk with a licensed clinician.

What to bring to the first visit

Bring basic items that help the clinic understand your loved one’s current situation. If you do not have everything, that is okay. Bring what you can.

Try to bring a photo ID, a list of current doctors, any recent visit summaries you already have, and the name and phone number of a family contact. If your loved one uses glasses, hearing aids, a cane, walker, or other daily aids, bring those too.

It can also help to bring a simple written note about daily concerns. Keep it short. For example: changes in walking, memory, sleep, eating, mood, or managing daily tasks. You do not need to create a perfect report. Just note what you have noticed.

If you are still looking for care, we can help you find a geriatric care clinic near you at no cost.

• Photo ID and contact information
• Names of current doctors and clinics
• Recent visit summaries or discharge papers, if you have them
• Glasses, hearing aids, mobility aids, and hearing device batteries if needed
• A short written list of your main concerns and questions
• A notebook or phone to take notes during the visit

Questions you may want to ask

You do not need to ask everything in one visit. Pick the questions that matter most right now. A good first visit often focuses on the biggest day-to-day concerns.

You may want to ask what the clinic will look at during the first appointment, what follow-up may be needed, and who to call if you have non-urgent questions later. You can also ask how the clinic works with family caregivers and how the older adult’s preferences will be respected.

If you are worried about memory, falls, medications, eating, sleep, or staying safe at home, it is okay to say that clearly. The clinician can explain next steps. Ask the clinic directly about costs and coverage, since details vary by clinic, state, and community.

• What will happen during this first visit?
• What are the main concerns you want us to watch at home?
• What follow-up visits or evaluations might be needed?
• How does your clinic include family caregivers in care planning?
• Who should we contact if we have questions after the visit?
• Are there community resources or support services we should ask about?

What to write down after the appointment

After the visit, take a few minutes to write down the main points while they are still fresh. This can help if multiple family members are involved or if English is not your first language.

Write down the clinician’s main concerns, any next steps, names of tests or services mentioned, and when the next visit should happen. If something was unclear, call the clinic and ask them to explain it again in plain language.

You may also want to keep a folder for future visits. One place for notes, papers, and contact information can reduce stress over time. You can find more family-friendly information in our guides and learn more about geriatric care.

If you have not found a clinic yet

Finding the right geriatric care clinic can feel hard, especially if you are helping a parent for the first time or trying to understand care in a new system. You do not have to figure it out alone.

Everwell Geriatrics is a free matching service. We help families in the US connect with geriatric care clinics near them. We are not a medical provider, clinic, doctor, insurance agency, or government program.

When you reach out, we only ask for contact details and a short care description so we can help you find options. We do not ask for full medical history, diagnoses, medications, or insurance account numbers.