When you get that call that your parent has just been taken to the ER, you need to either get there ASAP with a list of current medications or fax that information into the emergency room. If you are an “agent” under an Advanced Directive or Durable Power of Attorney, you should bring or send that as well.
This information could be critical to the care of your parent and is a great help to the attending physicians. Having a one page history with medical diagnoses and hospitalizations is also helpful to the elder’s triaging team.
However, emergency rooms do make mistakes, as do hospitals, in general. So, the need for advocacy increases. On a recent ER visit and subsequent hospitalization for pneumonia, my mother was sent with a list of her current medications from her Assisted Living community but the hospital somehow reverted back to the list of medications from her hospitalization 5 months ago.
This error was not discovered until after she was re-hospitalized (within 2 hours of being discharged) for what looked to be a stroke and later was discovered to be dehydration. By the way, it was me who was questioning the discharge medications that discovered they were not giving her the correct medications.
Not only do you need to bring a list of current medications, you need to reconcile this list and ask questions about the medications your parent is being given in each department or floor they are admitted. Medications can change depending on the new diagnosis – but this should be explained to you and your parent. Ask questions – be safe!
If you live a distance or detest hospitals, hire a certified Professional Geriatric Care Manager – and we will be that much needed patient advocate during any hospitalization.