Do I need to have some sort of letter that allows mom's caregiver, should it be necessary, to take her to the hospital while we spend the night out?

I think in this situation you may need it notarized. I would call the hospital administrator and ask what their procedures are in a situation like this. It may be a by state thing. For me it was a temporary POA when Mom took my daughter on a trip to England. This was to authorize my Mom to represent me in case my daughtercwas hospitalized.

With Mom, I would have her taken by ambulance not by car. This is to protect the Caregiver.

Thanks to everyone. I do have a DNR in my binder. I think I'll take it with me the next time we go to the hospital for her pacemaker check. Maybe they can scan it in then. I'll write a letter so that the caregiver can receive updates should something happen.

Great advice from all. My mom went to the hospital from assisted living and also needed a photo ID.

All excellent advice but once you call 911 you won't be able to stop the EMTs taking the patient to the hospital if they feel the necessity. Think about what happens when someone has an accident out go the home and can't speak for themselves and have no ID etc. Another example is the permission slips you have to sign whenever your child goes on a field trip.

I think this is a good idea. Even years ago when we took daughter friends with us on vacays out of state.. we had the parents give us letter saying we could make decisions on the fly.. as it was. It just seemed like common sence,, in the event of an emergency.

Interesting, and unique question. Another thing you could do is execute a letter authorization giving her the authority for that night to seek and follow through with emergency help. Provide your contact numbers as well in the event anything happens so EMS or the ER staff could contact you.

It's a good issue to address for anyone who has home care, as EMS could question someone's authority although determination to take someone to the hospital would I think be first based on the individual's medical condition.

Thank you for raising this issue. I'm adding that to my checklist for contractual issues for a private duty company.

Reader, that is an excellent question, one I hadn't seen in years. Very good idea about the binder with all of Mom's medical information. A letter might be good that allows the caregiver to be there, have it notarized just in case.

I would also include any copies of legal documents, such as a Living Will or DNR, so the hospital can scan it and put in their files. I assume you also have a list of Mom's medications and when she takes them.

I cannot see any problem especially if 911 is called and caregiver meets them in the ER along with the binder.

My Dad had a caregiver who would go with him to his dentist and doctor appointments, and she had no problems. Dad's had sundowning so his appointments were in the morning, so Dad could usually answer his own questions.