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Planning for appointments and conversations with healthcare professionals

As you move into and through young adulthood, it can be difficult to talk with your caregivers and support people about your healthcare journey going forwards.

The following are some suggestions you may like to use when preparing for and having conversations about your healthcare with your caregivers and support people.

Remember also that this is likely to be an ongoing conversation as you may: 

 

Need to adjust your plan as things might change for you. 

 

Decide things are not working for you, or you need more support. 

 

Remind your caregivers if things slip and you don’t feel heard and in control.

Preparing for and having conversations with caregivers and support people about your needs and/or preferences: 

Think About Your Needs

Before the conversation, consider the help you need in your healthcare journey. Think about decision-making, emotional support, and your rights to privacy and independence. 

Acknowledge Challenges

Recognise that becoming more independent in your healthcare may be difficult, be kind to yourself if you need to try again.

Choose the Right Time

Don’t dwell on it for too long but do find a good time to talk when you can have a discussion without distractions.

Use “I” Statements

During the conversation, use “I” statements to share your feelings and preferences. For example, you can say, “I want to see my physiotherapist by myself”.

Using “I” statements is important because they help express your needs clearly and respectfully. When you say “I” instead of “you,” it shows what you feel without blaming others. This can help others understand your feelings better and can prevent misunderstandings. 

Communicating your needs is also important. It helps you feel comfortable and confident in your choices. If you don’t share how you feel, it can sometimes lead to shame for you or others. Open communication helps everyone understand each other and supports a positive environment. 

Be clear about your needs

Start by saying what you need. For example, “Can you help me schedule my appointment? But I want to talk to my doctor on my own about my treatment”.

Let your caregivers know that you are ready for this step and want their support.

Talk about independence

Explain what being independent in your healthcare means to you.

Let your caregivers and support people know you want to make choices and need their support, rather than want them to take over these decisions.

Communication

Describe to your caregivers and support people how you want to talk about your health with them.

You may be happy to share all information with them regularly, but also you may want to keep some information private.