Need to have someone with you at appt

[Orangesandlemons77]

I've got a follow up appt at the memory clinic and my husband can't make it due to work. But it says they recommend you have someone with you.

I do have a friend who may be able to come but it would mean them taking a day off work as they don't live close by and also I feel it is a bit personal and I think I would prefer to go on my own.

Is this a problem I wonder? Unsure whether to ask friend to go or not.

I think the reason they suggest that someone accompany you is that many patients seen in the memory clinic are unreliable informants. Someone who is educated and well-spoken may say they are fine and look good to the examiner who will have no idea of what is going on in the background.

From your other posts, I have a feeling you will be a reliable informant as you are aware and insightful. Maybe talk to the memory clinic staff and clarify.
Good luck @Orangesandlemons77

Thanks Shrubrose it is a follow up and they saw DH at the first one so thinking this one might be OK. I have seen the results of the scans anyway (PET scan OK it seems) so it will be to discuss the results, I can take some notes to remind me if needed.

Yes, v. good idea to take notes. Jot down any questions and/or concerns beforehand and take notes on what they tell you. Good luck.

I think I will just go it alone. I don't really want anyone knowing all my private medical stuff, anyway. there is quite a bossy receptionist so I will avoid asking her and just go. Thanks

Make notes - take a pen & paper
See if the Dr would be ok with you recording the appt?

They will write it all up in the letter anyway so don't think that will be needed.

You can take a list of questions, take notes or ask if you can record the consultation on your phone. Alternatively you could ask if someone near to you could go with you, perhaps a neighbour

It does say a close relative or close friend so don't think a neighbour would be good and don't want a stranger involved tbh, thanks though.

My mother had a couple of memory clinic appointments and they asked her to have someone with her.

Part of the reason is that some (many?) people who attend these appointments would by definition not remember to go and/or be unable to navigate there. That was the case for my mother, who had dementia. And also of course the person may be upset by what the doctor says and need support afterwards.

When we got there, I did not go into the appointment with her, I stayed in the waiting room and she told me afterwards what the doctor said (the bits she remembered). But as you say they do send a letter too.

It sounds like none of that applies to you, in which case no need for a companion.