Ten Important Things to Know for an Aging Parent Emergency

It may not be easy to talk to your parents about their medical information, but it is important to gather information in the event of an emergency. Situations do arise in which a person, of any age, is not able to speak for themselves. In emergency situations it is important that friends or family members are able to impart important information to medical staff.

Times of emergency are not the time to start gathering pertinent information. Medical staff are making life and death situations, often within seconds, based upon the information that they have available. Gather information in advance, so that information is available when it is most needed.

In an emergency, the medical staff may barrage you with questions about medical history, allergies, major medical conditions and more. It is easy to get confused or forget important information while in the center.of an emergency situation.

Parents who are aging may need your help in a medical emergency. Emergencies, by their very nature, tend to come up when we least expect them. It is important to have a plan and information at the ready in case of emergency. It takes only a few minutes to gather and write down the vital information needed in case of unexpected circumstances. Gather important information and write it down on a card or piece of paper. It is a good idea to make multiple copies to put in your wallet, in your parents wallets and anyplace else where it may be found by emergency personnel.

Parents should also have your contact information with them. If an emergency arises when you are not with them, the medical staff will need to know how to get in touch with you.

Following is a list from the Mayo Clinic website. The ten things you need to know about your aging parents health are listed in order of importance.

1. Doctors. The names of your parents doctors are of the utmost importance. If you only have one piece of information, this is the one to have. Doctors should have medical history, information about medications, allergies, recent lab work and health histories.

Ambulance

Credit: mapelc

Copyright: stock_xchange