Hospitalization of a Parent
by Cathy Cresser on 02/05/10 at 2:52 pm
Is the hospitalization of a mother and mother in law on the same day possible? Last week I received a call from my husband that my mother in law fell and was taken to the ER and within 20 minutes a call came in that my mom was very ill and taken to the ER. Mom lives 150 miles away and I found myself in the position of having to prioritize, support my sister with my mom and make sure my mother-in-law was in good hands. As we age it is so important to be prepared and have the information we need in an emergency. We are a family of nurses and understand the system and at times still find it difficult.
These are some of the things that are important to have if you are faced with an unplanned hospitalization.
- Keep an updated list of current medications with the dose and time.
- A list of conditions/diagnosis that you are being treated for such as diabetes, hypertension.
- List all allergies including medications and foods.
- Phone number of primary physician and emergency contact phone numbers.
While in the ER give the staff as much information to facilitate care. In the ER be available and be the advocate for your loved one. Ask questions, discuss the plan and if you don’t understand ask for further explanations. Anxiety levels are often high at this time and processing information can be difficult.
Once your loved one is admitted and their condition is starting to stabilize the hospital will quickly start discharge planning.
These are some of the things you will need to do.
- Speak to the staff, nurse, and MD to discuss the discharge plan.
- If necessary have the primary MD speak to the hospital MD to discuss changes in medications or treatments.
- Speak to the Social Worker or Discharge planner to discuss options if your loved one will need some help when they go home.
- Give your contact information and take an active part in the process.If your loved one is not safe at home a realistic plan needs to be worked out.
All of this can happen at a fast pace and there is a lot of coordination that needs to be done. Ask for help if you need to from a friend in the medical field or from a patient advocate in the hospital.
An emergency hospitalization is always difficult but with some preparation and knowledge it will not be as stressful.
Susan mrowka
May 2nd, 2010
Well done, Cathy.
Thanks for all your help this past week. I visited Mom today and she’s really doing well. Annette was ther, then James called her. It was a really nice visit. We’ll talk Monday if any plans are put in place.
John
Theuns
May 5th, 2010
Hi Cathy
Graet blog Thanks for all the good info i will keep it in mind.
Theuns
The Networking Superstars Tribe FaceBook
Debbie Stevens
May 18th, 2010
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for sharing all of your great information on being prepared, because once the emergency happens, it’s really difficult to gather everything you need.
I hope your Mom and Mother-in-law are much better now.
.-= Debbie Stevens´s last blog ..If You Believe It, You Can Do It =-.
Nancy Burke Barr, J.D.
May 28th, 2010
Hi Cathy!
Thank you so much for addressing this topic! I have practiced in the area of Elder Law and I have witnessed first hand what can occur if you are not prepared. Having the information and documentation available and taking a proactive role are critical.
I also have elderly parents, so we spend a lot of time in hospitals and all of your recommendations are rock solid. From a legal perspective, I would also recommend that along with information about medicines, treatment, etc., you keep a Health Care Power of
Attorney and an Advance Directive. These documents can make all the difference in the world in smoothing the path for the care of your loved one.
I hope that you will bring us more info about this important topic.
Fondly,
Mentor Mama
.-= Nancy Burke Barr, J.D.´s last blog ..Are You Penny Wise and Pound Foolish? Part 2: BANKERS =-.
Nancy Burke Barr, J.D.
May 28th, 2010
PS, I hope that the 2 moms are feeling much better.
.-= Nancy Burke Barr, J.D.´s last blog ..Are You Penny Wise and Pound Foolish? Part 2: BANKERS =-.
Cathy Cresser
Jun 7th, 2010
Thanks Nancy,
You are absolutely right the Health Care Power of Attorney and Advance Directive documents are so important to have. I find that when people are well it is the best time to start having the conversation about their wishes. It should be an ongoing conversation and gets easier the more you talk about it. The moms are coming around but for both it is a long slow road. We are taking one day at a time and hoping and praying for the best.
Beverly Monical
May 29th, 2010
These are great tips to know. Having been through this before I can tell you all these tips are useful.My mom kept an updated list in her billfold at all times.
I hope all are doing better now.
.-= Beverly Monical´s last blog ..7 Tips Why You Have Stopped Losing… =-.