Many seniors are more vulnerable when it comes to medical emergencies and accidents, such as slips and falls. That’s why caregivers are encouraged to have an emergency plan in place in the event their loved one requires immediate care to treat an urgent medical issue.
Having a solid plan in place not only reduces stress but also helps improve the chance of a swift recovery. Here are a few steps you can take for greater peace of mind:
- Create an Emergency Checklist – Checklists should include information like emergency contacts, the names and phone numbers of the person’s doctors and other medical staff, a list of current medications and dosages, food and medication allergies, and other pertinent information. You should also ensure that the senior’s insurance information is easily accessible.
- Consider a Medical Alert System – When a person has a falling risk and lives alone, a medical alert system is crucial. These devices ensure that assistance is available 24/7 at the push of a button in the event of an emergency. Because it may not be possible for the person to access a phone after a serious fall, having access to this type of immediate help can make a difference in the outcome.
- Organize Essential Legal Documents – Healthcare directives, durable medical power of attorney forms, and physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) all provide important details on the type of treatment a person prefers in the event of a major health issue. Having copies of these documents on-hand ensures the senior receives the type of care they’ve previously specified.
- Put Together a “Go” Bag – A go bag should contain all the necessary items a person may need in the event of hospitalization, such as:
- Changes of clothing
- Mobile device charger
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
- Spare eyeglasses
- Books, magazines, or crossword puzzles
- Make Sure Medical Records Are Accessible – Being able to share a person’s health history on-demand is vital in the event of a medical emergency. You must be aware of their current conditions, medications, and any allergies that they have so that you can communicate essential information to the medical team.
In addition to these steps, you can also download a free app to ensure easy access to your loved one’s medical records. Medical information can be shared with doctors and other staff from your mobile device. You can also upload new information easily, which helps ensure a patient’s health history remains complete and accurate.
Dear Dr. Owl and the world:
This is a wonderful thing to write for us seniors (83+ years) who live in FL and are facing the next hurricane season. When I worked in the soviet union and the middle east (healthcare) I would make 5 different plans and have to go to a 6th. I firmly believe in being prepared for any type of disaster. I became this way because of my life experiences.
I can also see the evil that has taken hold of most of our traditional ways of LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS! I feel sorry for all the useless idiots who voted these imbeciles into office (over and over) and who are so ill prepared for the offices they hold. I tried so much to tell people my experiences when I worked in the soviet union. middle east and later Germany. I attempted to warn them that the EVIL I saw in the communist countries I have been to would be coming to this country. But it all fell on deaf ears. I will pray that all people will be able to be prepared!
For the terrorists who are already in the country I will pray for your souls as you are probably going to die soon. I hope and pray you will have a change of heart about destroying this country.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CARING ENOUGH TO THINK ABOUT THE MESSES WE COULD BE IN. MY HUSBAND THINKS I OVER TALK AND OVER PREPARE. LOL
Sincerely, Carol