Aging parents: 10 things to know for an emergency

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Prepare for an emergency by gathering the information you might need should your parent be hurt and unable to respond to doctors' questions.

By Mayo Clinic staff

If your aging parents were to have a medical emergency, could you provide the information doctors would need to care for them? Do you know the names of your aging parents' doctors? Is your mom taking any medications? Has your dad ever had any surgery?

While you might not know the answers to some of these questions about your aging parents, it only takes a few minutes to collect and write down this vital information. And it can save precious time in an emergency.

"Sometimes a parent isn't able to give medical information when an emergency arises, so emergency medical personnel must rely on the adult children or a spouse for that information," says Paul Takahashi, M.D., a specialist in geriatrics at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. "These are things you should know. Just as you fill out those emergency cards for your kids in school, you should have similar information available about your parents."

Below — in order of importance — is a list of 10 things you need to know about your aging parents' health.

Names of their doctors. If you don't know anything else, this is probably the most important piece of information. Why? Chances are good that your parents' doctors can provide much of the rest of the information needed as well as more details about your parents' specific health histories.

Birth dates. Often medical records and insurance information are cataloged according to birth date. This can improve communication in an emergency or a crisis.

List of allergies. This is especially important if one of your parents is allergic to medication — penicillin, for example.

Advance directives. An advance directive is a legal document that outlines a person's decisions about his or her health care, such as whether or not resuscitation efforts should be made and the use of life-support machines.

Major medical problems. This includes such conditions as diabetes or heart disease.

List of medications and supplements. It's especially important that a doctor know if your parent uses blood thinners. It's also important for your doctor to know if your parents take any vitamin or herbal supplements that might interact with medications given in an emergency situation.

Religious beliefs. This is particularly important in case blood transfusions are needed.

Insurance information. Know the name of your parents' health insurance provider and their policy numbers.

Prior surgeries and major medical procedures. List past medical procedures including implanted medical devices such as pacemakers.

Lifestyle information. Do your parents drink alcohol or use tobacco?

Knowing these 10 things should help you take care of your parents in an emergency.

HIPAA and privacy

During conversations with medical staff, the issue of privacy may come up. Staff may want to make sure they're allowed to speak with you regarding your parent's care. In the United States, patient privacy is governed by rules often referred to as HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

HIPAA does not prevent a doctor, nurse or health plan employee from discussing your parent's care with you if it's in the best interest of your parent. For example, if discussing your parent's care would help a doctor take care of your parent in an emergency situation, that's considered in your parent's best interest. Generally, doctors and other health care professionals would consider a situation to be an emergency if your parent cannot answer questions about their health and medical history. This situation might arise if your parent has lost consciousness or has problems with memory.

source

[phkrause]

Prepare for an emergency by gathering the information you might need should your parent be hurt and unable to respond to doctors' questions.

By Mayo Clinic staff

If your aging parents were to have a medical emergency, could you provide the information doctors would need to care for them? Do you know the names of your aging parents' doctors? Is your mom taking any medications? Has your dad ever had any surgery?

While you might not know the answers to some of these questions about your aging parents, it only takes a few minutes to collect and write down this vital information. And it can save precious time in an emergency.

"Sometimes a parent isn't able to give medical information when an emergency arises, so emergency medical personnel must rely on the adult children or a spouse for that information," says Paul Takahashi, M.D., a specialist in geriatrics at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. "These are things you should know. Just as you fill out those emergency cards for your kids in school, you should have similar information available about your parents."

Below — in order of importance — is a list of 10 things you need to know about your aging parents' health.

Names of their doctors. If you don't know anything else, this is probably the most important piece of information. Why? Chances are good that your parents' doctors can provide much of the rest of the information needed as well as more details about your parents' specific health histories.

Birth dates. Often medical records and insurance information are cataloged according to birth date. This can improve communication in an emergency or a crisis.

List of allergies. This is especially important if one of your parents is allergic to medication — penicillin, for example.

Advance directives. An advance directive is a legal document that outlines a person's decisions about his or her health care, such as whether or not resuscitation efforts should be made and the use of life-support machines.

Major medical problems. This includes such conditions as diabetes or heart disease.

List of medications and supplements. It's especially important that a doctor know if your parent uses blood thinners. It's also important for your doctor to know if your parents take any vitamin or herbal supplements that might interact with medications given in an emergency situation.

Religious beliefs. This is particularly important in case blood transfusions are needed.

Insurance information. Know the name of your parents' health insurance provider and their policy numbers.

Prior surgeries and major medical procedures. List past medical procedures including implanted medical devices such as pacemakers.

Lifestyle information. Do your parents drink alcohol or use tobacco?

Knowing these 10 things should help you take care of your parents in an emergency.

HIPAA and privacy

During conversations with medical staff, the issue of privacy may come up. Staff may want to make sure they're allowed to speak with you regarding your parent's care. In the United States, patient privacy is governed by rules often referred to as HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

HIPAA does not prevent a doctor, nurse or health plan employee from discussing your parent's care with you if it's in the best interest of your parent. For example, if discussing your parent's care would help a doctor take care of your parent in an emergency situation, that's considered in your parent's best interest. Generally, doctors and other health care professionals would consider a situation to be an emergency if your parent cannot answer questions about their health and medical history. This situation might arise if your parent has lost consciousness or has problems with memory.

source

Very interesting stuff rudywoofs.

pk

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I had my Mom write down all the information that I don't already know about her.

When my Dad had his heart attack, my Mom had to try and remember all that information and she was so upset, it would have been helpful if everything had been written down in one page.

[Amelia]

I'm going to do this too. Getting info outta poppy is like pulling teeth. He's stubborn mule. LOL And I take right after him.

[Dottie]

Pam - -

I wear a "Medic-alert" bracelet for it has a number that can be reached where most of that info is available. It also lists diagnoses and implants, etc., that are important for emergency personnel to know. I carry with me nearly all the time my insurance cards, as well as info for my son, who has his own special needs. My wallet also has our Medic-alert cards, with similar info on them.

The only time when I take off my bracelet is when I shower, because our water has sulfur in it, and that tarnishes the bracelet; also if I were to get an MRI, they would request that I take it off. I have a stent, and I can get an MRI with that, because it is made of a non-magnetic metal.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Dottie, yes, my Dad had a Medic Alert dog tag necklace that he wore, but the hospital did not want to call them to find out any info when they knew that my Mom was at the hospital. They expected her to have all the info, including the insurance cards.

My Mom wouldn't really need a Medic Alert bracelet like I (and you) have, since she doesn't have any known problems. But she has had surgeries in the past, and I don't know what medications (if any) she is on.

Medic Alert is a good service though. I'm glad you mentioned it!

[nuff sed]

Hospice has decided that my mother isn't dying fast enough for them so they are about to cut her loose at the end of the year or else they won't be able to justify her expenses to Medicare.

[Amelia]

I'm looking into something like "Life Alert" for my folks. Being up on that mountain causes a whole other host of problems.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

My aunt just got one of those Life Alert systems, and she really likes it. Her son and daughters got it for her 89th birthday. She was thinking she was going to need to move out of her house into an assisted living place, but the Life Alert system has given her the boost in confidence she needed to feel secure to still live by herself. Definitely, check into that. I'm not sure what the cost is...I think it depends on how big the house is, because they put a signal device in each room. Then my aunt wears the Life Alert button around her neck on a small chain.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Hospice has decided that my mother isn't dying fast enough for them so they are about to cut her loose at the end of the year or else they won't be able to justify her expenses to Medicare.

Oh no!!!!

[Stan]

Hospice has decided that my mother isn't dying fast enough for them so they are about to cut her loose at the end of the year or else they won't be able to justify her expenses to Medicare.

That is horrible.

[BSW]

boy, I'll say

[bonnie]

Hospice has decided that my mother isn't dying fast enough for them so they are about to cut her loose at the end of the year or else they won't be able to justify her expenses to Medicare.

Hospice is offered to those that are terminally ill and have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. If you mother is terminally ill she can be recertifed by her DR for 90 day periods of hospice. Some patients with something like cancer where remission can occur they will go off hospice.They still are medically covered.

Not everyone dies "on time".Hospice is pretty successful at increasing the quality of end of life and often does extend it.

Pain control and comfort is the main objective and does give some extra time. I am assuming your mother is terminally ill,she can be re-certified. If her DR refuses, contact the Hospice Program in your area and they should help you.

[phkrause]

Originally Posted By: Gladussee

Hospice has decided that my mother isn't dying fast enough for them so they are about to cut her loose at the end of the year or else they won't be able to justify her expenses to Medicare.

Hospice is offered to those that are terminally ill and have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. If you mother is terminally ill she can be recertifed by her DR for 90 day periods of hospice. Some patients with something like cancer where remission can occur they will go off hospice.They still are medically covered.

Not everyone dies "on time".Hospice is pretty successful at increasing the quality of end of life and often does extend it.

Pain control and comfort is the main objective and does give some extra time. I am assuming your mother is terminally ill,she can be re-certified. If her DR refuses, contact the Hospice Program in your area and they should help you.

Good advice Bonnie.

pk

[bonnie]

Originally Posted By: bonnie

Hospice is offered to those that are terminally ill and have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. If you mother is terminally ill she can be recertifed by her DR for 90 day periods of hospice. Some patients with something like cancer where remission can occur they will go off hospice.They still are medically covered.

Not everyone dies "on time".Hospice is pretty successful at increasing the quality of end of life and often does extend it.

Pain control and comfort is the main objective and does give some extra time. I am assuming your mother is terminally ill' date='she can be re-certified. If her DR refuses, contact the Hospice Program in your area and they should help you. [/quote']

Good advice Bonnie.

pk

It would be highly unusual for a competent DR to refuse to re-certify a terminally ill patient.

I would be looking for another DR if the current DR would refuse

[bonnie]

Hospice has decided that my mother isn't dying fast enough for them so they are about to cut her loose at the end of the year or else they won't be able to justify her expenses to Medicare.

This might give you some help

http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/hosplg.pdf

[GreatLakesGramma]

Hospice has decided that my mother isn't dying fast enough for them so they are about to cut her loose at the end of the year or else they won't be able to justify her expenses to Medicare.

It isn't really hospice that decides that. They have to go by Medicare's rules.

[bonnie]

Originally Posted By: Gladussee

Hospice has decided that my mother isn't dying fast enough for them so they are about to cut her loose at the end of the year or else they won't be able to justify her expenses to Medicare.

It isn't really hospice that decides that. They have to go by Medicare's rules.

Terminally ill is what qualifies someone for hospice.Often people live longer than anticipated and they can be re-certified

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I don't think Gladussee's mother falls into that category. But you'd have to ask him.

[bonnie]

I don't think Gladussee's mother falls into that category. But you'd have to ask him.

Hospice Care.. From the link I posted previously

11 -----How Long You Can Get Hospice Care

How long can I get hospice care?

You can get hospice care as long as your doctor certifies that you are terminally ill and probably have less than six months to live. Even if you live longer than six months, you can get hospice care as long as your doctor recertifies that you are terminally ill.

Hospice care is given in periods of care. As a hospice patient, you can get hospice care for two 90-day periods followed by an unlimited number of 60-day periods. At the start of each period of care, your doctor must certify that you are terminally ill in order for you to continue getting hospice care. A period of care starts the day you begin to get hospice care. It ends when your 90 or 60-day period is up. If your doctor recertifies that you are terminally ill, your care continues through another period of care.

Note: Periods of care are important. They are a time when your doctor recertifies that you still need and remain eligible for hospice care.

● End of Page

[bonnie]

2 -----How Long You Can Get Hospice Care (continued)

As a hospice patient, why would I stop getting hospice care?

Sometimes a terminally ill patient’s health improves or their illness goes into remission. If that happens, your doctor may feel that you no longer need hospice care and will not recertify you at that time. Also, as a hospice patient you always have the right to stop getting hospice care, for whatever reason. If you stop your hospice care, you will get your health care from your Medicare health plan, (like the Original Medicare Plan or a Medicare managed care plan). If you are eligible, you can go back to hospice care at any time.

As a hospice patient, you always have the right to stop getting hospice care and go back to your regular doctor or health plan.

Example: Mrs. Jones is a cancer patient who received hospice care for two 90-day periods of care. Mrs. Jones’ cancer went into remission. At the start of her 60-day period of care, Mrs. Jones and her doctor decided that, due to her remission, she would not need to return to hospice care at that time. Mrs. Jones’ doctor told her that if she becomes eligible for hospice, she may be recertified and can return to hospice care.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I guess it depends on the definition of "terminally ill"... if it includes the very old who are just on their way out because of age...

[bonnie]

I guess it depends on the definition of "terminally ill"... if it includes the very old who are just on their way out because of age...

Hospice is reserved for the terminally ill. Old age I don't think is included in that.

When I checked into hospice for my mother she was terminal but death was not expected within six months.She was not in pain and was mobile,but dying. She did not qualify for hospice at that time.

We were able to get home health aides coming in a certain number of times per week to give me a break and so I could leave for groceries and so on

[phkrause]

Originally Posted By: pkrause

It would be highly unusual for a competent DR to refuse to re-certify a terminally ill patient.

I would be looking for another DR if the current DR would refuse

Absolutely!

pk

[nuff sed]

My mother is not terminally ill... She is almost 98 and doesn't want to live, She stays in bed almost all of the time. We contacted Hospice upon the urging of some of our friends who worked there. They assured us that they had a program that she would qualify for and has been with them for about eight months. I am just worried that it is becoming increasingly difficult for her to get out of bed to go down the hall to the bathroom.I help her get out of bed whenever she lets me know that she wants to get up but when she can't do that I am afraid that she may have to go to an assisted living home which is almost as expensive as full nursing.