Gary Barg, Editor-in-Chief
Like all dedicated first responders, I believe that we caregivers need to keep our skills honed by conducting what I like to call Fire Drills and What If’s?
The need for the fire drills that our heroic firefighters conduct on a regular basis are obvious and vital and the ongoing training that emergency medical professionals undertake to help them to act on instinct when seconds count are all examples of Fire Drills and What If’s?
So, let’s start
FIRE DRILLS
You know that your loved ones proudly completed their Advanced Directives and Powers of Attorney. Can you put your hands on them immediately? Do you have copies? P.S. Do you have them in place for yourself?
What do you know about the hospital in your community? Especially during Covid-19, do you know their policy on visitation if your loved one is in the emergency room or even admitted.
Have you discussed what roles your family members will play if an emergency with your senior loved one arises? Who is best to manage the meds, arrange with the docs, deal with the myriad of phone calls to insurance company, doctor’s offices, nursing agencies and DME equipment companies?
Do you know what is included in their insurance policies and how to exercise these benefits?
WHAT-IF’S?
What is the first thing you need to do if your loved ones falls? What if they are found walking the street? What if you find that they are not administering their own medications correctly?
As well as being the CEO of Caring for Our Loved Ones Inc, we family caregiver may need to add another job role: Family Caregiver First Responder.
Please share your comments below.