WomenCo.

Both of my parents are alive and kickin'!  Dad's 90; Mom's 88.

And I'm determined to keep them that way!

So, allow me to share with you my 3 amazingly simple approaches to my parents' care while running 2 businesses and hosting a radio show (you can imagine how much I don't want to be using my time and energies ineffectively).  As a Business & Personal Coach, I teach time/task efficiency, so Coach...heal thyself! 

Here they are:

1. Keep an up-to-date one-sheeter with all current medications (including dosages and when taken each day), all recent surgeries/procedures, and all current medical providers with phone & fax numbers - this saves much time at Dr.'s visits, ER visits, hospitalization admissions, etc.  (the fax numbers are so that all records/test results etc. can be sent to the appropriate physician's office upon request); Make sure your loved one has signed an approval form to release all information to you (e.g. allows the medical professional/staff speak with you directly) - it's amazing to me that this is not done automatically, but it's not, so make sure each office has one on file for you


2. If you cannot attend an medical office visit with your loved one, always call that office (or better yet ask them to call you) to discuss the results/recommendations from that visit - you'll get the real scoop and waste no time on possible misunderstandings on findings/what needs to be done; Insist that the doctors talk to each other...DO NOT let them convince you that this is your responsibility...it is theirs and hold them to it!


3. Contact all pharmacies/medical professionals, etc., and create with them a "built in alarm system" - e.g. they call you when a recurring medication has not been refilled or is being refilled too often; you get a call when blood work or a test that's been ordered has either been received (results) or not received when anticipated, etc.; I had my father's pharmacy place a note that he will pay cash for anything under $6 so it is not being charged to his drug plan (and putting him closer to his "doughnut hole").

 I hope you find these as time-saving as do I!

Terri

Thank you for these great tips. Your parent's are very lucky to have such a great daughter! 

thanks this is good advice. I will use this.