Have a Plan for Medical Emergencies: Being prepared can help reduce stress By LISA M. PETSCHE
work, cell, vacation home — to maximize the chances you can reach these people in a hurry. Regularly review information to ensure it’s up to date. • Keep the above information organized in a file folder or binder. Store it in an easily accessible place and bring it to any hospital visits. • Get a cellphone if you don’t have one, and become comfortable with its basic features. • Prepare an emergency kit of essential items to bring to the hospital. You may wish to include: a notebook and pen for jotting down questions to ask and recording information provided to you and your relative; a change purse with coins and small bills for parking and vending machines; a spare cellphone charger; reading material and a spare pair of reading glasses; and, non-perishable snacks. Attach a note reminding you to bring your relative’s medical file and medications — the latter in case they’re needed in a timely fashion (as with Parkinson’s medication, for example) and not readily available from the hospital dispensary. Chances are good that the relative you care for will require urgent medical attention at some point, especially if they have any chronic health conditions. Trips to the emergency department are stressful at best and can also be frightening in some cases. Fortunately, there are numerous ways you can prepare for a medical crisis. Then, should one arise, you’ll be ready to assist your relative and the hospital staff, and manage your stress in the process. At Home – Advance Planning • Maintain a log of your relative’s medical diagnoses, past and present medications, specialists consulted, hospitalizations, and surgeries. • Be ready with the following paperwork to bring to the hospital: a list of current medications, including prescription and overthe-counter drugs, vitamins, and natural remedies, and their dosages; health insurance information; and a copy of your relative’s advance directives or living will and durable power of attorney. • Prepare a list of relatives and friends who should be notified in an emergency. List as many phone numbers as possible — home, 20
BUSINESSWoman caregiver solutions 2021
• Keep cordless home phones and cellphones charged, so they’re ready to use in a crisis. • If you think your care receiver may at some point need more care than you are able to provide, now is the time to start checking out care communities: personal care homes, assisted living communities, and nursing/rehabilitation facilities. At the Hospital • Let staff know if your relative has hearing or vision impairment, language impairment from a stroke or dementia, or a limited command of English, and share helpful communication tips. • Be prepared to share your relative’s health symptoms and medical history multiple times, with a variety of healthcare professionals, and exercise patience. If your relative can speak on their own behalf, allow them to do so and simply fill in any gaps. • Give your full attention when medical professionals are speaking. Don’t interrupt them unless you need to correct or add crucial information. They will ask questions as they feel the need. Ensure before they leave that you are clear about any findings and next steps. www.BusinessWomanPA.com
