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Aging parents: During emergency, details count
Do you know the names of your parents' doctors? Their health insurance policy numbers? Take time now to gather these and other essential details about your parents' health.
By Mayo Clinic staffIf your aging parents were to have a medical emergency, could you provide the information doctors would need to care for them? For example, do you know the names of their doctors? Is your mother taking any medications? Has your father ever had surgery? It only takes a few minutes to collect and write down this vital information — and it can save precious time in an emergency.
To get started, consider seven things you should know about your aging parents' health.
1. Names of their doctors
If you don't know much about your aging parents' health, start by collecting their doctors' names and contact details. Why? In case of an emergency, your parents' doctors can likely provide specific details about your parents' health histories, medications and other important facts.
2. Birth dates and insurance information
Medical records and insurance information are often cataloged according to birth date. Knowing your parents' birth dates may help improve communication in an emergency or crisis. It's also helpful to know the name and phone number of your parents' health insurance provider, as well as their policy numbers.
3. Allergies and other medical conditions
A list of known allergies may prove invaluable during an emergency — especially if one of your parents is allergic to a specific medication, such as penicillin. It's also important to note your parents' medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, as well as past surgeries and major medical procedures, such as implantation of a pacemaker.
Next page(1 of 2)
- Health information privacy: If I do not object, can my health care provider share or discuss my health information with my family, friends, or others involved in my care or payment for my care? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/faq/disclosures_to_friends_and_family/523.html. Accessed Dec. 18, 2009.
- So far away: Twenty questions for long-distance caregivers — 7. How can I keep up with my mom's medical and health care? National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/LongDistanceCaregiving/chapter07.htm. Accessed Dec. 18, 2009.
- So far away: Twenty questions for long-distance caregivers — 19. What is the difference between an advance directive and a living will? National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/LongDistanceCaregiving/chapter19.htm. Accessed Dec. 18, 2009.
- Talking with your doctor: A guide for older people — How should I prepare? Getting ready for an appointment. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/healthinformation/publications/talkingwithyourdoctor/chapter02.htm. Accessed Dec. 18, 2009.
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