This simple bit of advice makes busy caregivers organized.
With it, you’re going to feel at ease. Without it, you’re stressed.
It’s deceptively plain and easily ignored.
We already know that it’s nearly impossible to collect and organize all of the important information about your loved one. The task of explaining who he is and why he needs care becomes an unravelling ball of yarn each time you take him to the doctor’s office.
So, what’s this really simple organization tip that will pull it all together?
Create a Face Sheet
Healthcare providers have been using face sheets for decades. That’s what they call the cover page of your loved one’s chart in the hospital. It’s the short, simple document that contains his essential information - the who, what, when, where, why and how document.
I know what you’re thinking - a face sheet will just get me started in getting my loved one’s info pulled together.
Yes. That’s the idea.
Once you’ve put this information on paper, you’ll feel a tremendous weight lifted off your shoulders. It’s simple information that you likely know off the top of your head, but the act of collecting it in one place is remarkable.
So, what should you include?
- Full Name
- Nickname
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Insurance / Medicare Number
- Supplemental Insurance Number
- Primary Contact’s Name
- Primary Contact’s Relationship to your loved one
- Primary Contact’s Phone Number
- Primary Physician’s Name
- Primary Physician’s Phone Number
- Current Diagnosis or Concerns
- Previous Diagnoses
- Previous Hospitalizations
- Previous Surgeries
- Durable Power of Attorney Name & Contact Info
- Medical Power of Attorney Name & Contact Info
- Advance Directives to Physicians
- Other critical information, like if an Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Order is in place
The best thing is, all of that information will fit on one page (without having to use 8 point font).
Sure, there’s a ton more that defines your loved one. There’s even more that would aid a doctor or other healthcare provider.
But, this really simple organization tip is meant to be just that: a really simple way to make a big improvement to your own peace of mind.
Just think, after you’ve made this face sheet, even your spouse could take your loved one to the doctor and not be completely lost!
Have you made a face sheet for your loved one? Did you include anything else?
Image credit: ~Brenda-Star~