There is some elder law advice that has gone viral in the elder law community. Two people forwarded it to me, my favorite reverse mortgage go to person: Stephen Pepe; and a go to Real Estate Guru, Peter T. Clark.
Here’s what to think about in a worst-case scenario.
If you have a family member sick at home and at risk of being hospitalized: have an emergency go bag for the hospital. Visitors are not being allowed in now. Things you should have in the bag:
- UPDATED written list of Medications, including name, dose, frequency, initials after name of medication are important too, such as: XL, XR, LA, IR, ER, SR.
- Cell phone charger. Patients always have phones without batteries. You can be in the emergency room for 6 to 48 hours!
- List of emergency contacts and phone numbers on paper! If the patient is unconscious and the phone is locked or battery out.
- Good toothbrush and hairbrush. Hospital toiletries are cheap. This isn’t the Ritz!
- 3 Pairs of underwear. Can vary depending on the condition of the patient, but if I were hospitalized in non-critical condition, I would want my own underwear.
- Primary Care Doctor. Full name, phone number, office address.
- Book or something to read. I have yet to find a hospital with decent Wi-Fi.
- Copy of legal paperwork such as health care proxy, advance directive, Power of Attorney or MOLST
- If the patient has a pacemaker or defibrillator a copy of the pocket information card that states the brand, model number, MRI compatibility.
- If the patient has asthma or COPD, bring the inhalers. Hospitals are running out.
- Extra batteries for hearing aid and or other medical devices.
I Would Also Suggest Leaving Acop Of Your Health Care Proxy/emergency Contact Information/health Insurance Information Attached To The Side Of Your Refrigerator With A Magnet. Emt’s Are Trained To Look For Emergency Information There In The Event That You Need To Contact 911 But Cannot Speak.
