Packing your bags ahead of time is one trick that works for many caregivers. Fill a gym bag with items you both will need in the event of an unexpected trip to the emergency room. Here’s what to include:
Copies of the Healthcare Power of Attorney
List of current medications. Be sure to include dosage and frequency, and any over-the-counter medications
List of allergies, including to drugs and food. Make sure the list includes any medications that have caused a bad reaction in the past
List of your loved one’s doctors, specialists, and other healthcare providers, along with contact information
List of friends/neighbors/family members you need to contact to make arrangements (e.g. someone to pick up your children from school, feed the dog, etc.)
Copies of insurance cards including Medicare
Extra pair of sweat pants
Extra Depends/adult briefs (some ERs don’t have adult briefs in their supply room)
Change for vending machines
Snack size packages of crackers and peanut butter, etc.
Books or magazines
Extra sweaters, one for you, too!
Create a badge that identifies you as POA and caregiver. That will keep you from having to identify yourself every time some new staff member walks into the room.
Pre-pack your gym bag and keep it in a convenient place, such as the trunk of your car or next to the back door of your house. Place it somewhere handy–and hope you never have to use it.
Questions about an elderly loved one’s care? Takacs McGinnis Elder Care Law may be able to help. Just give us a call at 615.824.2571.