Does anyone know of a list of information I should have on hand for my FIL that we are caring for? We have the basics (medical information, driver's license), but I am sure there is much more out there that we should be putting together as he needs more care. I just want to make sure we are well organized.
Later, when I took over the finances, I added that data, including banks, CDs, account numbers, etc. I needed to have a grasp on what they had, and consolidate it all. I forgot to add contact numbers for the holders of any financial accounts, so I still need to do that.
Stacey, in your situation, I would add the name of the agency providing caregivers, and its contact information as well as a general list of what care they provide.
You're wise and astute to anticipate that there someday probably will be a need for this.
These are the sections I had:
1. Table of Contacts (as there are several pages to the Medical History).
2. Personal and Family Information, with home address, phone, insurance card numbers, primary and gap coverage, religion.
3. Emergency contacts: name, address, phone and e-mail, for primary and backup contacts.
4. Current Medications, with name of script med and supplements, strength, dosage frequency and purpose.
5. Allergies, Medication Side Effects and what those effects are.
6. Current Medical Conditions.
7. Prior Medical Conditions (including issues such as complicated infections, MRSA, etc.
8. Pacemaker Technical Data, including Implant Date, Implant Physician, Manufacturer, Model and Serial No.s
9. Surgeries, Hospitals and Performing Surgeons.
10. Hospitalizations with dates and conditions.
11. Treating Physicians, with specialty designation, address, phone and fax numbers.
I later added a Family History list with cardiac and cancer issues, as so many of my father's family have cancer histories.
Each of the categories is on a separate page; I printout extras of some, such as the Med List, Pacer Info and Family History so I can just give the relevant pages to ER or new medical practitioners.
#1 All doctors' full names, POB, contact info and who may be allowed to consult with them, e.g, family member (pref) or friend.
#2 All bank information
#3 All insurance information
#4 All health diagnoses
#5 All illnesses
#6 All hospitalizations
#7 All medical equipment needed (bedside commode, cane, walker, rollator walker, magnifying machine if Macular Degeneration patient)
#8 List of all meds
#9 Two cassette cases for day and night meds
#10 All known food allergies
#11 All food and liquids that are needed for said patient
#12 Activity list
#13 HIPPA doc
#14 Prepaid funeral paperwork done and executed
#15 All known drug allergies
For yourself:
Name and address of current psychiatrist
The other info I would suggest that I haven't seen mentioned is the little idiosyncrasies, habits and things your loved one has and likes. What are some of their favorite treats, do they like sitting in their chair and watching the birds, do they love taking about their grandchildren, do they really dislike raisins, that sort of thing. It's probably a list you and others will add and subtract from as time goes on because these things can change but it sure is helpful especially down the road potentially when knowing these things rather than trial and error could be a big help for anyone caring for him. One thing I can think of for instance is my mom has been deaf in one ear most of her life so she has become skilled, second nature actually to behave as though she hears you and fully understands whats going on but she really doesn't. She now has loss in her good ear too and if we don't warn every new medical person and remind many about it she will go through an entire appointment saying yes to everything or taking her ques from them as they ask and answer the way they are expecting... Think about a new home health aid coming in and the little things you might "train" them on about your FIL in particular.
Does your FIL have a “Do Not Resuscitate”? Beyond the legal Advance Directives there is a form for elders and people at risk that is filled in by hand and signed by the principal and their doctor. It is bright neon pink and should be readily available in the home for Emergency Personnel to reference.
I have been told that EMTs routinely look for them to be posted on the refrigerator.
I can’t remember what is all on the form / but if there isn’t a space - you should attach a list of prescription medications as well as any over the counter things he may be taking regularly. It would also be smart to list any allergies and if there is none, state “no known allergies” just to cover that base.
If you can, do an extensive search of the filing cabinets. Even the it might not be everything. I guess that generation lived then the Great Depression and just didn't trust banks.
Transunion is less thorough than Equifax, but both are good b/c of cross checking.
If there are any credit cards, HELOCs or other liens for the last several years, you'll learn about them. Credit reports obviously are only for debts, so you won't know about the assets, but past tax returns are good sources for that.
In addition to all the medical stuff:
Deeds & realestate papers
Poa, dnr, end of life instructions, burial/funeral home info
All utilities records. You’ll need to take these over at some point
Home, car, life, medical insurance info
All banking info. If FIL is cooperative have him grant you co-signer status on checking & savings accounts.
Local services, heating cooling, plumber, electrician etc.
Put his soc # and birthdate on your phone. This has saved me many times dealing with my folks issues from afar.
All doctor and hospital info.
Put all this in a file such as a lawyers trial bag so you can throw it in the car. It’s amazing the stuff you will need at hand as you take over FILS care.
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