Important Info / Emergency Folder

[TeenToTwenties]

I'm setting up an important information folder for my parents so they can 'grab and go' in an emergency, or paramedics can access info at house too.

So far I have
. Contact info for family, GP etc
. A what to take to hospital list (ideally I'll do a preloaded bag too)
. Medical info: NHS numbers, prescriptions etc
. Health&Welfare powers of attorney (maybe)
. How to work their mobile phone (as they forget)

Anything other suggestions?

These are very well recognised by paramedics. Stick the enclosed sticker on the front door, place the tube in the fridge, and paramedics will see the sticker and know where to collect the tube with the enclosed info on. lionsclubs.co/MemberArea/home/lions-message-in-a-bottle/

Get them signed up for electronic prescriptions. A hard copy one or written notes handed in in A&E just gets lost (speaking from experience!).

The electronic one means their prescriptions are held on the NHS spine and can be accessed by medical staff in A&E so will be totally up-to-date and not dependent on the elderly person remembering their dosage changed or the GP surgery being closed for four days with the Christmas bank holidays (also speaking from experience!).

And do prepack a hospital back (this is one I'm getting angst about at the moment!). Unless you live next door and the hospital is nearby otherwise they'll end up with a random selection of clothes they don't need, not the ones they would, essential toiletries missing etc.

Pack a few sets of underwear, one set of nightwear, slippers, socks, towel, sponge or flannel, toiletries including toothbrush. Spare charger for the phone.

It would save no end of rushing around! Paramedics aren't going to want to spend time rummaging in someone's underwear drawer even if it's easy to find.

@Mumof1andacat Thank you, will get them.

@EmotionalBlackmail They are already signed up for NHS electronic stuff , but I manage it for them. I do want something on paper as a kind of backup.

I have a ready packed bag for in case I am rushed into hospital - my daughter and sister know where I keep it! The bag has got bigger over time as I keep thinking of things to put in it - it’s gone from a tote back to a large hold-all!

In addition to the things other posters have suggested, I have a book, some money, a bottle of water as I don’t drink tea or coffee ( changed every few months) ear plugs, eye mask, note book and pen and some snack bars ( again replaced regularly)..

Might be over the top but I live alone and don’t like asking for help.

The hospital bag should include a spare set of reading glasses if used and batteries for hearing aids.

@Ihateslugs @Knotaknitter Thank you, yes all those are on the 'what to take to hospital' list. I would like to do a semi-prepacked bag but we are generally moving at a speed which is a compromise between what we think is needed and what they are willing to do.

Looking at the LPAs was interesting. They are registered but not online activated and the online activation codes actually expire today/tomorrow so when wanted we will need to re-request.
I need to check whether my parents have originals, certified copies or just copies as I appear to just have 'copies'. We need access to at least certified copies. So that has been a good activity today.

@Mumof1andacat MIAB requested.

Must check if I’ve put spare glasses in!

I’m sure you know this, but the original copies of the LPA have a raised stamp on each page, quite hard to see.

Once my mums had been certified by a solicitor, I scanned each page onto my computer so I could print out additional copies as necessary. Some institutions say they won’t accept photocopies but no one rejected the really good quality prints I was able to produce!

@Ihateslugs No I did not realise re raised stamps. I will look more carefully.

With certified copies usually they have a stamp and signature on each page. My copy certainly does not have that. I can probably just call the solicitors and ask.

My parent's GP provided me with a print out of their medical journey through life and a medication review. I put all of that in a brightly coloured folder in a designated place.
My DC, the carers and our amazing cleaner knew where as did local ambulance service.
Parent died very suddenly whilst I was away and police attended. My DC handed the folder over to police. They and the coroner were very grateful. Do it OP it brings peace of mind at a very stressful time.

Thank you for this! Never heard of them until now and it's an amazing idea, just ordered two for my Dad and my Auntie

I had to pay extra for the certified copies as the solicitor my mum used was a bit flakey, he promised me a copy but only signed the front page without using the stamp. Luckily I have a friend who is a solicitor and she did it, only charging me £25 for three certified copies of each set - one for each of us attorneys.

I printed out credit card sized pieces of paper with name, next of kin info on one side and medication list on the other, laminated them and gave one to DF to keep in his wallet, and one each to the extended family.

DF methodically unpacked the grab bag packed after first hospital visit. Honestly amazing idea and love the tips being shared here - and I wish for you to have cooperative older parents who appreciate the thought and effort 💐

The emergency bag is a brilliant idea. Don't forget incontinence pads/stoma bags as not always easily available in the hospital. My mum used to take packets of polo mints and biscuits in case of a long wait.

My parents are very appreciative but pace of things is a compromise. They have been so independent for so long, and accepting help is hard.
Carers started yesterday morning which is a relief as Dad was overdoing things helping mum.

Good luck! Mine takes about 18 months from something first being suggested to accepting that it might be a good idea (or decides she thought of it herself!)

They have gone from near total independence (except online searching) 6 months ago, to needing a lot more support, as Mum fell in March needing a hip replacement and not surprisingly hasn't bounced back.