An excellent question and one I think a lot of people would like answered, as what you are describing is not uncommon. Generally if the communication between doctor and patient is not good, then the quality of care a patient receives may suffer. So start by talking with your mother about her relationship with her new physician and see if you can identify any obvious, specific problems. In the course of this conversation, if you think it is appropriate, then ask your mother if she would agree to you attending her appointments. If she says yes, then you should go, but be mindful that inserting yourself into the process should be done with care.

It is important to remember that you are there in a limited capacity, mainly to facilitate communication. Avoid the temptation to speak to the doctor directly in a manner that might leave your mother out of the loop. Let her answer questions first before you offer your input. And it is important that you not seem challenging or confrontational, as often elderly patients are sensitive to perceived “loss of control”, especially where health matters are concerned. Develop a set of questions with your mother before you go, and if you feel they haven’t been raised or addressed adequately, then this is your opportunity to intervene, again keeping your mother's dignity and respect uppermost in your mind.

This way, you can encourage her to participate in her health care decisions as fully as possible, as well as being able to make an objective assessment about the quality of her relationship with the new doctor.