Family caregivers need to be prepared for emergencies. Hopefully, you never experience an emergency, but there are no guarantees. It’s far less stressful if you are prepared and don’t have to rush to find things or get the proper paperwork. Have these available.
Health Insurance Cards
Keep a photograph of your parents’ health insurance cards on your phone. If they can’t find it when they’re in pain or unable to show where the cards are, you’ll have copies available. It can make a difference when you’re going through registration and billing.
Power of Attorney Paperwork
In the event your mom or dad cannot speak or answer questions, someone needs to have the authority to act on their behalf. A medical power of attorney gives someone this permission.
On the POA forms, you parents note what measures they’d want if they cannot speak for themselves. They’d want to consider ventilators, feeding tubes, and “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) orders.
HIPAA forms can be done at the doctor’s office or hospital, but they only allow doctors to share medical results and information with those listed on the form. If a major decision, such as a risky surgery needed to be made, HIPAA may not be enough. Without a POA, doctors or courts may be forced to make decisions for your mom or dad.
Health History Information
You may need to know the answers to certain health questions. If your dad needs an MRI, you need to be able to tell doctors if he has any metal plates or pins in his body. If your mom is allergic to latex, you need to advise the medical staff.
If you don’t know whether your parents have allergies to medications, you need to find out. If your parents want to donate their organs, make sure you know that. You also want to know if they have any chronic health conditions, prior bone fractures, or religious beliefs that prevent certain treatments from occurring.
Finally, keep a list of medications they are taking. Doctors need to know what your parents are taking and how much of a dose is given each day. Having this information readily available speeds treatments and prevents overdoses or contraindications.
After a medical emergency, look into the benefits of in-home care. Your parents have the help they need around the home with things like meal preparation and housework. You gain some flexibility and don’t have to quit a job in order to make sure they’re not alone. In-home care also allows them to heal in the calm, familiar home setting.