At some point while providing care for an older loved one, an emergency may arise. Your loved one may fall, or his or her health may sharply decrease and require hospitalization. You might become ill suddenly or experience some type of life event that calls you away from your normal duties. Before these situations arise, you must create an emergency plan that includes the following items.
1. Emergency Contact List
The list of names and phone numbers should include your loved one’s physician, pharmacy, and other relevant members of his or her healthcare team. Add the name and number of a local ambulance service. The names of people willing to step in and provide care for your loved one at a moment’s notice must also be included. The list should be posted in plain view and a copy made to take with you if needed.
If you have the help of a professional caregiver, make sure he or she has current copies of the list as well. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional elderly home care seniors can trust and rely on.
2. Medication Database
Formulate a list of the current prescription and over-the-counter medications your loved one uses. Each entry should include the name of the medication, the dose to be taken, the times taken, and the reason the drug was prescribed. The database should also include your loved one’s medical history, including current diagnoses as well as past illnesses and surgeries. Also, the database needs to be routinely updated. In the event of an emergency, the information can be printed and shared with healthcare providers.
3. Copies of Legal Documents
The legal documents that must be on hand include insurance cards, a power of attorney, a living will, and a last will and testament. Current copies of all documents must accompany your loved one in the event of a hospitalization. The list of legal documents needed may vary from one state to the nex
4. Emergency Go Bag
The contents of the bag should include the legal documents, the list of current medications and medical conditions, your loved one’s medical history, and enough clothing, cash, and personal care items for 72 hours. When your loved one leaves the home, his or her current medications and any other needed items can be added at the last minute. All family members and other concerned persons must know where the bag is kept and what contents must be added before your loved one leaves.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Lincoln in-home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
5. Daily Care Plan
In the event you cannot perform your duties, a care plan must be in place for a replacement caregiver to follow. The care plan may include a list of current diagnoses and care needs based on your loved one’s medical conditions. The plan must include your loved one’s daily routine as well as a list of medications and dosages. Information may include activities your loved one enjoys and possible behavioral issues. The new caregiver must know what types of assistance are required for each task, any dietary restrictions, and meal preparation instructions. The caregiver should also have access to medical records, the location of the go bag, and other pertinent information.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Lincoln 24-hour care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.