AgePros know only too well that emergency room visits can become the norm as their clients age. We’ve all come to dread the long waits, chaos and noisy environments, confusing and counterproductive experiences. Navigating emergency room visits with older adults brings unique challenges and requires extra awareness. A few weeks ago, we wrote about emerging geriatric emergency rooms, but we know all too well that they are the exception not the rule. So how do you help your clients navigate emergency room visits?
Tips for helping your clients navigate an emergency room visit.
Helping your clients and their families navigate emergency room visits requires active advocacy, clear communication and preparation.
Advocacy:
We all know that older adults don’t often advocate for themselves. They can downplay their symptoms or get confused. So, whether it’s you or a family member taking an older adult to the emergency rooms be ready to:
- Describe baseline behavior
- Translate their symptoms
- Stay with them to help them focus, stay calm and understand what their doctors are saying
Preparation:
Here’s a list of items to have on hand so you’re ready. We kept a folder in a kitchen drawer of everything our parents would need.
- Insurance cards
- Written medication list
- List of family contact information
- List of doctors and their contact information
- Health Proxy and advanced directives
- Advanced directives
- Glasses, hearing aids, dentures
- A warm blanket or sweater
Know what to look for in an older adult friendly emergency room
Have any helpful tips, do or don’ts? Comment below or email us at info@agepros.net
