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Poll Reveals Health Care Companions Enhance Older Adults’ Visits

Editorial

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A recent poll indicates that having a companion during health care visits significantly benefits older adults. Conducted by the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, the survey found that 38% of individuals aged 50 and over had someone accompany them to at least one health appointment in the past year. This included 4% who received support during a telehealth visit. Furthermore, 34% of respondents reported accompanying another person over 50 to a health appointment, with the same 4% percentage attending a telehealth session.

The majority of older adults who had a health care companion found the experience to be beneficial. An overwhelming 92% of those who brought a companion said it was helpful, and an impressive 99% of those who accompanied another adult reported similar sentiments. Companions played crucial roles by asking questions of health providers, assisting patients in understanding medical advice, and offering emotional support.

According to the poll, 92% of older adults reported having at least one health care appointment in the last year, highlighting a substantial opportunity for increased support during these visits. The poll is based at the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation and received backing from Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan.

Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren, the poll director and an associate professor of internal medicine at the U-M Medical School, emphasized the importance of effective communication during appointments. He stated, “As a primary care physician, my priority is to ensure that my patients and I use our time together well.” Kullgren, who practices at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, noted that for patients facing cognitive challenges or complex medical conditions, having a caregiver present can be vital.

Despite these benefits, 62% of older adults chose not to bring someone to their appointments, either in person or virtually, during the past year. When asked why they did not have a companion, 80% felt they did not need assistance, while 20% preferred to attend alone. Additionally, 11% expressed concerns about being a burden, and 6% reported having no one available to accompany them.

Dr. Kullgren suggested that health care systems should actively encourage patients to bring companions to appointments and utilize digital tools to allow companions to participate effectively. He proposed that clinics could provide options for patients without available companions, such as patient advocates and navigators.

The advantages of having a health care companion were evident among those who reported bringing someone to their appointments. 83% stated it made them comfortable sharing health information, and 79% felt it helped them adhere to their provider’s instructions. Furthermore, 76% indicated that the presence of a companion positively influenced the quality of care they received. Those acting as companions were even more likely to feel their presence made a difference, with 92% agreeing it helped the patient follow through on care instructions and 89% believing it enhanced the quality of care.

The poll’s results indicate a largely untapped resource for improving interactions between patients and the health care system, particularly for those with complex health needs.

Companions at these appointments typically included spouses or partners, cited by 71% of respondents. Adult children were the second most common companions, with 20% of older adults reporting they brought their child, and 28% stating they accompanied their parent. Other family members and friends also provided support, though less frequently.

Demographic analysis revealed disparities in who brought companions. Women were less likely than men to have someone accompany them, with 35% of women over 50 reporting this compared to 42% of men. Conversely, women were more likely to serve as companions, with 38% having done so for another adult over 50, compared to 30% of men.

Those over 50 with self-reported fair or poor physical health, as well as those with disabilities that limit daily activities, were more inclined to have had a companion during their appointments. Additionally, respondents aged over 65 were more likely than those between 50 and 64 to bring a health care companion.

The findings stem from a nationally representative survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago in February 2025. The online and phone survey included 2,883 adults aged 50 to 97 across the United States and was weighted to reflect the national population.

These results underscore the potential benefits of health care companions in enhancing the experience and quality of care for older adults, prompting a call for health care providers to facilitate and encourage this practice.

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