Research indicates that 95% of patients traveling out of their country for medical care go with a friend, family member or escort. Unfortunately, like those who have to care for chronically ill family members and are under a great deal of stress as a result, most of the attention goes to the patient at the expense of the care-giver. If you decide to accompany someone traveling for care, here are three things to consider to make your job easier.

1. One of your roles will be to serve as the “eyes and ears” of the patient when they interact with healthcare professionals. Because of the anxiety surrounding the trip, patients don’t always listen or understand what they are being told and have a hard time remembering instructions. Accompany the patient to visits, listen to what is being said, record the information and discuss it. Serve as another patient advocate, asking questions or requesting clarification of details of care.

2. Be sure you understand your role as a surrogate medical decison maker should it be necessary. If you have not been given power of attorney to make medical decisions for the patient, be sure you have the contact information of the person who does.

3. Be sure you get the schedule and intinerary for the trip sufficiently ahead of time to confirm appointments, make reservations and develop contingency plans should you need to make alternative arrangements because of unforseen circumstances like flight cancellations, delays or delays at the consulting facility.

There are several options for those traveling overseas for care who want someone to accompany them. Levels of expertise range from friends and family to licensed traveling nursing professionals to patient advocates. Your research and planning for your trip should include who will go with you and what they should do.