At Bethesda Gardens in Loveland, Colorado, we understand how important it is for families to feel connected, supported and involved in their loved one’s care. Access to your loved one's health portal can help, but caregivers may be unsure how to gain such access or even if it's allowed.

This guide walks you through what a health care portal is, the benefits and drawbacks of having access to your loved one's portal and how to get started if you decide this approach might work for you.

What Is a Medical or Health Patient Portal?

A medical or health portal is a secure online tool provided by many health care systems, including hospitals and doctor's offices. It allows patients and approved caregivers to access important health information from a computer or smartphone.

Depending on the provider, a portal might include information such as:

• Test results and lab reports
• Tracking for vital signs or other health metrics
• Medication lists and refill options
• Appointment details and reminders
• Visit summaries and care instructions
• A secure messaging system to contact doctors or nurses

Portals can be a convenient way to stay up to date, especially if your loved one sees multiple specialists or has ongoing medical needs.

Benefits of Having Access to Your Loved One's Health Portal

When you have access to your loved one's medical portal, you can access firsthand information about their diagnoses, tests and care. This can be helpful if you're taking a lead role in supporting or advocating for a family member with memory issues or cognitive impairment.

Some benefits include:

• Access to real-time updates regarding appointments or test results — and the assurance of accuracy that may not be possible if your loved one is communicating these things to you
• Access to lists of medications with instructions regarding dosages
• The ability to message some providers with questions or concerns and get feedback and support between appointments
• Better coordination of care if you're taking point in advocating for a loved one who has a chronic condition managed by multiple providers
• Enhanced peace of mind knowing you're prepared with the information you need to support your loved one

Potential Downsides to Access

Medical portals can be helpful tools, but they aren't without their challenges. Here are some potential challenges to consider when determining whether access to your loved one's portal is right for you:

• The risks of information overload. Health portals may be full of data, charts and medical terminology that's difficult to process. You might also have access to a lot of information that's not especially relevant.
• Ability to see test results before medical teams reach out to you. On the one hand, fast access to your loved one's medical results can help reduce wait times and assist with decision-making. On the other hand, seeing results before a doctor explains them to you can increase worry and emotional stress.
• Potential privacy concerns. Multiple caregivers using the same login or device to access a health care portal could increase the chances of a data breach or other privacy issue.
• Potential tension between you and your loved one. If your loved one isn't completely on board with you having access to their health portal, they may feel their privacy is being invaded.
• Obsessive monitoring. All-the-time access to medical records can lead to obsessively monitoring data and notes, increasing stress and worry even when outcomes are as expected.

How to Get Access Legally

Follow the proper legal process to protect your loved one's rights. Here’s how to get started:

1. Talk with your loved one. If they're able to consent, they can grant you proxy access through their health care provider or portal settings. Or they may simply share their login information with you or agree that you can set up an account on their behalf.
2. Contact the provider’s office. Ask providers about any process for setting up caregiver or proxy accounts. You may need to complete forms to have your loved one agree that you can discuss medical details with providers.
3. Provide identification. Be ready to show a valid photo ID and your loved one’s information to verify your relationship.
4. Submit legal documents if needed. If your loved one can’t provide consent, you may need a health care power of attorney or guardianship papers.
5. Follow portal instructions. You'll usually receive these in an email, so be on the lookout for messages in your inbox.

Staying Connected Supports Better Care

Having access to your loved one's medical portal can help you stay more informed and involved in their care. However, technology tools aren't the only way you can stay connected. At Bethesda Gardens in Loveland, Colorado, we know how important family involvement is. Our memory care team partners with family caregivers, offering compassionate support and integrating loved ones into decision-making every step of the way.