Sharing pertinent information with loved ones left behind is a gift to them. The information, however, isn’t only valuable when the person dies, but equally essential if the person is sick or injured. If you’re new to recording your health information, start out with the basics and build from there. It’s never too late to start. And the next time you’re desperately trying to remember when you had your last physical, you’ll be glad you did!
Maintain a folder of all information sheets and review them regularly. Information that did not seem relevant in the beginning may become an issue later.
General Pointers
There are two categories that need to be addressed:
These records should be maintained for yourself, as well as for the person for whom you are caring
Non Health Information:
Personal and Legal Information:
Bank Account Information
Legal Information
Financial Inventory explaining the following:
Miscellaneous Information
Health Information
Your health information is scattered across many different providers and facilities – and possibly even somewhere online. Keeping complete, updated and easily accessible health records means you can play a more active role in your healthcare as well as that of family members or others in your care. Just as healthcare providers keep their records of you. The record you keep of your healthcare visits and providers gives a more complete picture of your health history.
What to include?
You don’t have to be an organization freak to keep health records. Nor do you need to spend countless hours of your time. At a minimum you can use charts or or blank pages in a journal or notebook to record the following:
Additional Information
If you are technologically savvy and are interested in keeping your records electronically, you have some options. Portable devices are available that allow you to carry the information on a USB that plugs into computers with USB ports. Additionally, Internet-based services offer secure servers that you access from your computer and on which you enter your information. Some of these are free; for others you may have to pay a fee or subscription. If you do use an online service, double check that no one else will be able to access your personal information. Also, be sure you know how you can permanently and completely remove your information
Ongoing Medical Records
It is helpful to keep a running written record of symptoms, medical appointments, tests, diagnosis, hospitalizations etc. this makes answering medical history requests easier and more accurate.
Medication
Many people who are aging or have chronic conditions take many varied medications. It is important to have a written record of all medications as well as vitamin and mineral supplements and other over the counter preparations such as aspirin, advil, antihistamines etc. The list should include name of medication, dosage and reason it is taken. When the medication is taken is also important as it may provide information about whether medication regimen is being followed correctly. This list should be brought to every physician’s visit, primary care or specialist. It should also be available at time of any hospital, rehab or nursing home admission. It is also best to purchase all medication at the same pharmacy. Pharmacists can often pick up potential medication interactions that can be brought to the attention of the prescribing physician, If there is Medicare Part D coverage, it should be checked every year to determine the best plan to meet the patients needs. Both plans and patient medications change. Plans can be checked on www.medicare,gov.
