With this knowledge, you can be more empowered and become a better advocate as a caregiver. We will talk about how to organize a medical record, preparing for physician visits, dealing with emergency rooms, hospitalization, assisted living and nursing home placement.
One of the most important aspects of caregiving is organization. Caring for a loved one can be tremendously stressful and takes up so much of your energy. By organizing information, your life will become easier and you will be more prepared for whatever encounter you have with the medical system. We all know that the medical system is confusing, intimidating, and can completely overwhelm you. Here are the first few steps you can take to gain more knowledge and feel more comfortable with medical encounters.
ORGANIZING RECORDS
Many caregivers find that once they organize records, they are unsure as to where to put them. The best place to put them is in a folder or binder and keep it in a designated place where you can reach it quickly and easily in case of emergency situations. Also, if a family member is taking your loved one to a medical appointment, they will be able to locate the records also.
INSURANCE
First, either keep with you or have a copy of your loved one’s official ID, Medicare, Medicaid, and/or primary or secondary insurance cards, and their social security number. This information is required no matter what medical entity you will come in contact with. Understand what is covered under these various insurances.
Medicaid: click to view website
410-786-3000
Medicare: click to view website
1-800-633-4227
If your loved one has a secondary or primary insurance that is not Medicare or Medicaid, find out all you can about benefits.
MEDICATIONS
Secondly, having a list of medications is very important because you will be asked countless times what they are. Keep all medications in one place. Keep them out of reach of children or your loved one if dementia or cognitive impairment is an issue. Find a medication box/boxes depending on the number of medications that are taken at different times of the day and fill them once/week or two weeks on a designated day. Keep this out of reach as necessary. If you are unclear about what the medication is for, ask to speak to the pharmacist and they will be able to explain that to you. You may want to put the purpose of the drug on your list for each medication. Along with your medication list, address allergies, to drugs, food, environmental and state what the reaction will be because that question is always asked.
DIAGNOSES AND SURGICAL PROCEDURES
The next list is important because you will probably be asked for a medical history. If you can remember, list the surgical procedures and diagnoses as they occurred in your loved one’s life. Don’t worry about the exact date, the year it occurred will be adequate.
MEDICAL PROVIDER
The last thing to do is to list all the physicians on the case, their numbers, and addresses. List their specialty beside their name. All these lists can be placed on your computer and be changed as needed.
Congratulations! You have now organized all your loved one’s or your own information and will be ready to approach any medical encounter without too much stress. My next column will cover physician visits and how to get the most out of them!
