If you are a family caregiver, you may worry about all kinds of things regarding your loved one’s health. For Alzheimer’s help, here are some suggestions for a checklist of items to keep handy for emergencies:
List of emergency contact names and numbers
A list of contacts including business and medical contacts is vital to keep at hands length in order to manage the affairs of a senior with Alzheimer’s disease in case of an emergency.
Allergies and Conditions
It’s vital to inform medical professionals quickly regarding conditions and allergies of your loved one in an emergency situation, keep this information handy for quick access when needed.
List of medications
During an emergency, it’s easy to forget dosages, or even to have difficulty recalling names of medications altogether. This is important information is a valuable resource as part of history when during emergency medical conditions. Keeping an updated list of current medications and allergies can really come in handy if your loved one has an emergency situation.
Record of any dementia related behaviors
Keeping track of behavioral changes in your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is important because those changes can indicate progression of the disease and are vital to report at each physician’s visit.
Worksheet to record physician’s visits
Take a list of questions you want to ask the physician and then write down answers, new orders, and future appointments down so you won’t forget.
Advanced Directives (Living Will and/or Durable Power of Attorney)
Having all the legal documents in order such as Advanced Directives and a Durable Power of Attorney will help when faced with life threatening health problems.
Health/life insurance policy and Medicare/Medicaid Card
One of the first things you will be asked when you arrive to the emergency room is for insurance information. Keep this information at your fingertips so you can easily access it when needed.
Senior Emergency Wallet Card
Keeping information available wherever your loved one with AD goes can be implemented by using a wallet card displaying emergency contacts, medical conditions, allergies, and other medical information such as Advanced Directives.
Learn more about caregiver topics by CLICKING HERE to sign up for our 25 topic course for Alzheimer’s caregivers at ALZU.org.
