If we were to hire a service to transport my Grandfather to doctor appointments, how can we monitor what was said to know how to help him?

Consider hiring a caregiver for 3-4 hours on appointment days. She can help parent get ready, transport him and attend the appointment to take notes for you. Be sure your parent has signed a HIPAA release with the doctor to you and ask the doctor to email or mail you what took place during the visit. Be patient and friendly with your parent's doctor and his or her staff. Gain their empathy for your not being able to come to appointments as you'd like. A trusted caregiver will give you peace of mind. Sheryl ONeal

Thank you ibarro, I really appreciate it. The challenge is that everyone who is attempting to do their best to care for him works full time or lives out of town and the appointments and level of care seem to continue rising as vacation days and personal time is dwindling. I have a feeling it's time that we find a home attendant or a move to assisted living. I considered a recording device that he could bring with him to appointments so that the doctor could give medication instructions and general comments on his condition. We might have to get creative. :-) Thanks again!

maybe calling the doctor and ask him about his recommendations. maybe a doctor can send you written orders with your grandfather. getting a person or a home attendant who can accompany him to his doctor's appointment and asking that person to take note of what the doctor ordered and them report it to you. if you don't have the time to go with him the date of the appointment, you can find out the doctor's schedules and make an appointment so you can go and see the doctor in person and discuss his plan of care toward your grandfather.