We brought my mother to our home to live during the last few years of her life. She had a multitude of medications and medical information. Also there were trips to the doctor's and various specialist's offices and the emergency room, so that much of the information, especially prescriptions, changed often.
Finally I opened a computer file and recorded all the pertinent information. Then after each change it was easy to go in and add or deduct information to keep the list current. I would usually fit 2 to 4 copies of the list in medium or smallish print on each sheet of paper and print out two or three sheets.
I would cut the lists apart and store a couple in the glove compartment of my car, a couple in my wallet, and several on a magnetic clip on the front of my refrigerator, throwing out the older versions that were there. It was so much easier just to hand an updated list to the nurse, doctor or paramedic, than to take the time trying to gather together prescription bottles and remember pertinent information in the middle of a crises. ALL the professionals loved it so much that I now do the same with each member of the family.
The lists look something like this:
Jane Doe
DOB: 1/12/1234 Age: 56
Insurance: Medical Ins Providers
# 123456789
PCP: Dr. James Brown
Our Town Medical Center
(123) 456-7890
Cardiologist: Dr. John Sweetheart
(University Hospital)
800-123-4567
Pulmonologist: Dr. Breath
Office: (123) 123-4444
Allergies: Penicillin, aspirin,
History: Heart attack, Broken leg, TB
Operations: Tonsillectomy Adenoidectomy, Hip Replacement
Current Medications:
List including dosages and
where pertinent, times.
Ex.: Lipitor 20mg (1/day)
By Jeanne from South Daytona, FL
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I work in an outpatient department at a hospital, and believe me, it saves so much headache on the part of the patient if they have something like this. I wish more people would do this!
The only thing I would add is dates with the surgeries and any major health issues, such as cancer.
Camilla
I put mine on a spreadsheet. All personal info at top, prescriptions next with dosage and daily use; the over the counter herbs, vitamins, ext. beneath; with allergies listed and highlighted in red, surgeries and dates in yellow, vacines and dates in blue; and tests and dates in green. On another sheet the doctors that are to get results performed. Saves filling in forms and time.
Thank you Camilla. I went right in and made the changes you suggested.
I too do the same for F-in-law who I now care for since Jan 06'. Lost Mom from cancer.
I made a similar list.
Name
medical #
birthdate
allergies
Caregivers
address
phone/cell numbers
Doctors
address
phone
Dentist
address
phone
List of meds:
example:
zantax 150mg am/pm
I also keep a small notebook and write daily meds given. As I am not the only one who gives meds.(husband) There are some changes in meds given but it is usually the same. I also keep receipts of co-pays/pharmacy purchases. There are mistakes made! Especially if you pay by credit card/mailing.
To everyone out there who cares for loved ones know that you are a wonderful caring person who is serving in the most gracious way. God Bless you!
Jennifer CA
I've been doing this for years. I have a full sheet of paper with enough border at the top that they can punch holes to add to my chart. I start with my name, dob, address, phone # and my family's numbers.
I get rave reviews from drs when they see my sheet. I am a former typesetter, so I can make anything fit on one sheet of paper. And considering I take 15 different meds, have had 16 operations and been diagnosed with 17 different illnesses, it really pays to have this list with me especially when it comes to the allergies, they are severe.
I would include a picture of it, but the type is small in areas and you wouldn't be able to read it.
I have suggested to many people to make a sheet like this, it saves so much time and I don't have to fill out all the paper work, just include a copy and write, see attached. Works great!
Take care,
Tina
Excellent suggestion. I've done this for myself since 2001 - I had a medical crisis in which I was going to the er or the doctor a few times a week. I literally couldn't remember where I went and what they told me. So, I made a file with all the info listed above and also notes by date on the next page.
It not only helped me remember what happened, but my doctors loved having updated information from my other visits.
I've kept one ever since. It was an enormous help when I applied for disability.
When my mother became ill, I did the same for her. When ever we had to call the emts or take her or me to the hospital, they loved having all the information handy. My docs too. I just print a copy for them and they put it in my file.
There is also an online database you can use called Patientslikeme.com. You can load all your info and get support there too.
With taking 8 different meds daily, I too made a list like this to hand to drs and hospital when needed. It does save time and everyone involved has agreed that they wish everyone would do this. The big trick is to keep it updated every time something changes. I put the drug name, the size of the dosage, whats it for, and how often I have to take it.
I keep a list of my medications, dosage type, allergies, surgeries, etc. in my purse. Mine isn't as comprehensive as yours, but my doctor's love it. I can't remember everything, so I keep it on a computer disc. It's so much easier.
My doctor gives you a sheet to fill in your meds. I made several copies so can update it when needed. I also use pencil so I can erase and make changes that way. It is a good idea to include surgeries, etc.
This is such a great idea. I, too, do the same thing for myself and my late husband. It is so much easier to give the doctors your list then to try to remember what to add or delete to their list. I also list all of the doctors by name, specialty, phone numbers including fax numbers, etc., and the pharmacies I use.
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