Helping Parents or Grandparents Book a Video Visit

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Helping Parents or Grandparents Book a Video Visit

Helping Parents or Grandparents Book a Video Visit

Estimated read time: 7 minutes

TL;DR: Get permission, choose a device, set up the account once, and use a simple checklist each time. You can join the visit as a helper, share a medication list, and handle prescriptions—even if you’re in a different city. Use in-person or emergency care for serious or sudden symptoms.

Step 1: Get permission & decide your role

Ask first. “Would you like me to help schedule and join your video visit?”
Choose access level:
- Coach on the phone only (they tap the link themselves), or
- Join the video as a guest/caregiver, or
- Proxy access (clinic adds you to their account so you can schedule and read instructions on their behalf).
Collect basics: full name, date of birth, email/phone to receive the link, preferred pharmacy, and home address.

Step 2: One-time device setup (5–10 minutes)

Pick the device: smartphone, tablet, or computer with camera + mic.
Internet: connect to home Wi-Fi; sit near the router if the signal is weak.
Create or open the patient account on the clinic’s website/app.
Allow camera & microphone permissions when prompted.
Update the device (system and browser/app).
Practice: make a 1-minute test call together or with clinic staff.
Pick a spot: quiet room, light in front of their face, device on a stand or propped at eye level, plugged in or fully charged.

Step 3: Book the visit (three easy ways)

A) Book online for them (with permission)

Log in to their portal or use your proxy login.
Choose Telehealth/Video Visit and the reason (e.g., “cough,” “refill,” “blood pressure check”).
Pick a time; add a reliable callback number.
Enter medications and allergies if asked.
Confirm the pharmacy.
Save the confirmation email/text and calendar invite.

B) Book while coaching them on the phone

Stay on speaker as they open the portal and tap Telehealth → pick time → confirm.
Ask them to forward the link to you if you’ll join.

C) Book by phone

Call the clinic; use this quick script: “Hi, I’m helping [Name, DOB] schedule a video visit for [reason]. Please send the link to [email/phone]. I’m [relationship] and will join as a caregiver if allowed.”

Step 4: Prepare a simple health packet (once, then update)

Medication list (name, dose, when taken) + allergies
Home readings if available: blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, oxygen level, temperature
Symptom timeline: when it started, what helps/worsens, any home tests done
Past care: recent hospital/ER visits, surgeries, major diagnoses
Pharmacy & insurance card photos in the phone’s gallery

Tip: Keep these in a shared note or printed sheet near the device.

Step 5: Join the visit like a pro

Open the link 5–10 minutes early.
Turn camera and microphone on.
Introduce yourself: “I’m [Name], [relationship]. I’m here to help with history and note-taking.”
Keep items within reach: glasses/hearing aids, medication bottles, thermometer, BP cuff.
Use speaker view and speak one at a time so the audio stays clear.

Step 6: If the video glitches

No audio? Check the mute icons; try headphones.
Frozen video? Hang up and rejoin; move closer to Wi-Fi; switch to audio if needed.
Link missing? Search email/text for the clinic’s name; check the portal’s Appointments tab.

Step 7: After the visit

Review the written instructions together (portal or text/email).
Confirm prescriptions went to the correct pharmacy.
Set reminders for meds, labs, or imaging.
Schedule any follow-up before ending the session.
If something is unclear, send a portal message or call the clinic.

Quick checklists

Pre-visit (caregiver)

Consent to help and role agreed
Device charged, camera/mic allowed, Wi-Fi strong
Medication list & allergies ready
Home readings noted (BP, glucose, weight, SpO₂, temp)
Top 2–3 questions written down
Pharmacy confirmed

During the visit

Introduce yourself and your role
Share symptoms + timeline briefly
Confirm plan: meds (name/dose/timing), tests, warning signs
Ask: “What should we do if things get worse?”
Note when to follow up

After the visit

Pick up meds / arrange delivery
Book labs/imaging if ordered
Set phone reminders
Update the health packet

Handling prescriptions & pharmacies

If traveling or a pharmacy is closed, request a transfer: “Please transfer [Medication, Strength] for [Name, DOB] from [Old Pharmacy, City] to your store.”
Ask about 90-day refills or delivery services to reduce trips.

Privacy & safety basics

Use only the clinic’s official website/app; ignore links from strangers.
Don’t share passwords or full Social Security numbers on calls.
Keep the device locked with a passcode.
Invite only trusted people into the room or video.

When telehealth is not enough

Go in-person for vaccines, blood tests, X-rays, ECGs, Pap tests, mammograms, colonoscopies, stitches, and any concern needing a hands-on exam.

Call emergency services for chest pain/pressure, severe shortness of breath, blue/gray lips or face, one-sided weakness or trouble speaking, heavy bleeding, new confusion, or any symptom that feels dangerous or rapidly worsening.

How SendClinic can help

Same-day video visits (you can join as caregiver)
Clear written plans after each visit
E-prescriptions to a nearby open pharmacy or delivery
Follow-ups so nothing falls through the cracks

Educational content only. This article is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow your clinician’s guidance and local emergency instructions.