Hello,
I had a couple of questions on what documents you might have needed both in an emergency and non-emergency situation when you are a primary caregiver for your parent. I understand you need to have a “Medical Emergency Packet”. I found a list of documents here: https://www.agingcare.com/articles/the-emergency-medical-file-every-caregiver-should-create-428239.htm
My questions:
1. Apart from the docs listed in the link above, what else have you found useful to have on hand?
2. Do you have this information electronically or in print? If electronically, has there been any issue with showing or sharing this information to others (e.g., paramedics, doctors, hospital staff)?
For context, I have built an app to help my husband manage care for his mother, who has multiple serious health conditions. So far, we never needed more than her ID, insurance and a medical proxy. However, we know it is best practice to have such docs on hand and especially in an emergency, you shouldn’t have to remember to carry a binder of docs with you. It would be just so much easier to have it on your phone to then quickly email/display. I want to add this feature to the app to help my husband, as well as other friends and family who are using this app to manage their caregiving responsibilities. I would really appreciate your input. If you want more info, please feel free to private message me.
Thanks!
Here’s a good tip: Make a “Medical Emergency” folder (label it as such) and keep it on your parent's refrigerator in a very visible location. That’s where EMT personnel in my area are trained to look if they respond to a 911 emergency call and they can take the entire folder with them to the ER. Be sure to include the patient's name, date of birth, a list of medical conditions, current medications/doses, copies of their ID, insurance cards, etc. - and your contact information so they can get in touch with you immediately. If a physician has issued a Do Not Resuscitate Order for your loved one, make sure it is included (it’s printed on yellow paper).
If you have to take your LO to the ER or they and in the hospital, make sure you talk to someone/anyone about having this document -- the medical staff is very grateful to have this info so that they don't over or under treat patients against their wishes. Without this document they will go to heroic efforts to "save" someone.
Having a clear scan of this document doesn't require an app. It is not something that requires any legal action, like notarization and witnesses. Just their signature and a date.