10 Senior AssistanceTips

During an ER trip to the hospital last week, the secretary asked Mom what type of medical conditions she has. This reminded me that in addition to her regualar senior help list of medications and Dr.'s names, I need to put together a senior help folder that lists her conditions as well. Here are the top ten tips I thought of to be prepared for an emergency while I was sitting in the Emergency room.

1. Determine if the ER trip is necessary. Here are some universal guidelines:

• signs of a stroke
• signs of a heart attack
• bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
• sudden, sever pain
• poisoning (check with your local poison control center first)
• shortness of breath that is severe
• severe reaction to a bite or sting
• severe head injury
• unexplained stupor
• choking
• broken bone
• unconsciousness or fainting
• any life threatening condition
  

2.Carry an updated list of medications with you at all times, including directions for administering them.

3. Prepare a notebook to hold the list of medications, doctors names, health conditions, special needs and past surgeries. (one company sells a magnetic folder that hangs on the fridge that can be accessed easily)

4. Include any Power of Attorney and other medical directives in your folder

5.Copy of Medicare and Insurance Cards

6. Purchase some inexpensive masks that you or your loved one can wear if an ER trip is needed during a flu outbreak in your area.

7. A list of any allergies or special needs

8. Family Medical History

9. Primary Care Physician's Contact Number (an ER doctor was about to release my loved one thinking he had a migraine. He checked with our Primary Caregiver who determined he was having a stroke).

10. A good understanding of your parent's Medicare or  medical insurance policy so that you know to alert the ER of any needed pre-certifications for certain procedures.