Getting medical help as soon as possible in the event of a medical emergency can save a person’s life. 

It’s 12 a.m. and you hear a loud noise coming from right outside your door. You discover that your loved one has fallen on the way to the restroom and requires immediate assistance as you investigate. So, what exactly do you do? 

It’s difficult to know exactly how to react in a panic situation like this. As a result, it’s critical to prepare for the situations you might face while caring for an elderly or disabled relative or friend. 

Here are some ideas to consider when preparing for medical emergencies at home.

1. Always have important information on hand. 

Important pieces of information to include: 

Records and documents Important personal and financial documents should be kept in a waterproof portable container. Personal identification, insurance cards, MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment), DNR form, and/or advance directives should all be included. 

A list of medications. Keep a current list of your loved one’s medications, as well as pharmacy phone numbers and doctors’ names and phone numbers. 

List of phone numbers Make a list of the phone numbers of family members, physicians, and other people who are involved in your loved one’s care and keep it up to date. To ensure a faster response time, check with your local emergency medical services to make sure they have your correct address and your loved one’s medical condition on file.

If you prefer physical copies of your documents to digital copies, keep one copy in your vehicle and another in a location where you can quickly access it in the event of an emergency. You can use mobile applications to manage your health information if you prefer to do so digitally. However, if you are not present, you should always have a paper copy on hand for others. 

2. Pack an overnight bag for the hospital. 

If your loved one is required to spend the night in the hospital, pack some nightclothes, toiletries, books, personal care supplies, and any other items that will help them maintain their routine. It should be able to last two to three days on its own. Pack some extra clothes for yourself.

3. Become familiar with emergency procedures. 

Take first-aid and CPR classes. Assemble and keep first-aid kits on hand both at home and while traveling, such as in the car. Bandages, scissors, tweezers, gloves, cotton swabs, thermometer, cold compress, hand sanitizer, and a blanket are all essential items. Determine whether you should have specialty items on hand, such as a blood sugar monitor, blood pressure monitor, or automated external defibrillator, by speaking with your loved one and his or her healthcare provider. 

4. Talk to your loved one about medical alert systems. 

Medical alert systems provide a quick and easy way for your loved one to seek help in an emergency, especially if you and your loved one do not live together. Bracelets, watches, wristbands, and necklaces are common examples of wearable devices. If your loved one requires assistance, he or she can press the device’s button to be connected with a trained dispatcher who will contact emergency services or a family member as needed. Medical alert systems are available in a variety of configurations, ranging from in-home (landline) to mobile (GPS technology) devices. Determine which device is the best fit for your loved one’s needs and habits.

5. Arrange for caregiving responsibilities to be rotated. 

While being a caregiver can be a rewarding experience, it can also be exhausting and time-consuming. It’s common to experience “caregiver stress,” which includes feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm. 

Alternate caregiving responsibilities with siblings, friends, and neighbors to recharge your batteries. To relieve stress and anxiety, use simple self-care techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation. To cope with the demands and challenges of long-term care, look for local or online caregiving support groups.

To be more prepared in the event of a disaster and Before an emergency occurs, figure out where to go and how to get there the quickest.

• Keep emergency phone numbers visible and accessible throughout your home. Also, make a note of the phone numbers. Everyone in your home, including your children, should be aware of when and how to dial these numbers. Fire department, police department, poison control center, ambulance center, doctor’s phone numbers, neighbors’ or nearby friends’ or relatives’ phone numbers, and work phone numbers are all examples of these numbers. 
• Know where your doctor works and, if possible, go there in an emergency.

• If you’re an older adult who lives alone, invest in a personal emergency response system. 
• WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE REQUIRES ASSISTANCE: 
• Maintain your composure and dial your local emergency number (such as 911). 
• If necessary and if you know how to do it, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or rescue breathing. 
• Until an ambulance arrives, place a semiconscious or unconscious person in the recovery position. If the person has had or may have had a neck injury, DO NOT move them.

• When a person arrives at an emergency room, they will be assessed right away. Conditions that endanger life or limb will be treated first. People with non-life or limb-threatening conditions may have to wait. 
• CALL 911 OR YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBER IF: 
• The individual’s health is in jeopardy (for example, the person is having a heart attack or severe allergic reaction) 
• On the way to the hospital, the person’s condition could deteriorate to the point of death. 
• Moving the person could result in more harm (for example, in case of a neck injury or motor vehicle accident) 
• Paramedics’ skills and equipment are required. 
• The person’s transport to the hospital may be delayed due to traffic or distance.

“Health care is not only everyone’s right, but everyone’s responsibility.”

— Where There Is No Doctor 

This classic title is for health workers, clinicians, health educators, midwives, community leaders, and others involved in primary health care delivery and health promotion around the world, and is considered by the World Health Organization to be the most widely used health care manual in the world. From common illnesses to nutrition, children’s health to health and care for the elderly, and family planning and childbirth to serious illnesses like tuberculosis, this accessible, well-illustrated, and practical guide covers a wide range of health topics. Throughout, there is a focus on addressing the underlying causes of poor health, with a focus on cleanliness, a healthy diet, vaccinations, and the appropriate, cautious use of medication, as well as an examination of both helpful and harmful home remedies.

The simple illustrations, which complement the clear, concise text, are a big part of the book’s appeal. It has the appeal of a comic book in terms of readability. Although the authors’ commonsense approach makes it equally useful to a villager as to any sophisticated city dweller without a medical background, the emphasis is on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of illnesses found in poorer communities. 

The book’s scope includes topics such as home remedies, popular beliefs, healing without modern medicines (including the “right and wrong” use of them), and community development, including tips on how to build pit latrines.

Werner believes that individuals can and should be in charge of their own health care. He, on the other hand, has an idealistic view of the community health worker and preaches values like “work for the love of it.” According to my observations, today’s workers are more materialistic and less compassionate. 

Where There Is No Doctor teaches readers how to protect and care for their own health, as well as the health of their families and communities, and how to recognize which problems require the attention of a trained health professional. It is a very educational read with information that is useful for oneself and one’s environment.

Get where there’s no doctor

When it comes to caring for your elderly relatives, you want to make sure they are treated with respect, love, and patience. While it may be stressful at times, you must remember that becoming reliant on you or others for their care is not easy for them. It is critical that you become acquainted with methods for providing them with the best possible care.

Recruit Assistance 

It’s possible that you’ll need to hire a helper, aide, or caretaker. This could be someone who assists your loved one with daily tasks such as showering, running errands, or doing housework. You should always check references or go through a licensed agency if it isn’t someone you know personally. Depending on whether your loved one qualifies, this may need to be a budgeted expense or a resource that is available for a nominal fee or for free.

Make Changes to Their Residence 

It’s best to look around their house and determine what might be a safety hazard. Some changes may be simple, while others may be more involved. These are some of them: 

A ramp for wheelchairs or walkers is being installed. 

Adding grab bars and handrails to the toilet and shower. 

Putting in a raised toilet seat. 

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested (or installed). 

Examining the overall lighting in the house to ensure that it is adequate. 

Installing a few auto-sensor nightlights throughout the house so they can see if they wake up in the middle of the night. 

Make sure there are non-skid mats or strips in the shower or bathtub, as well as any other areas of the house that could be slippery.

Visit Frequently 

It is critical to pay them frequent visits. They benefit from the social interaction with you, and you benefit from the assurance that they are safe, healthy, and doing well in general. It’s always a good idea to look around the house during your visit for any issues that need to be addressed, such as the overall cleanliness of the house or if anything is broken that needs to be fixed. Check their food supply, laundry, mail, and plants on a regular basis.

Keep Them Engaged 

It’s critical to keep your elderly loved one engaged and active. It is critical that they exercise in order to maintain their health. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the elderly to become isolated and lonely, and even depressed, especially if their spouse has passed away. It’s critical that they stay in touch with their family and friends, and they may even want to branch out and meet new people. There are a variety of activities and places to visit in your community that will keep your loved one social and active.

Keep an eye out for problems while driving. 

Due to declining cognitive abilities and reaction time on the road, your loved one may no longer be able to drive. It is critical to assess their driving abilities and, if this becomes a problem, to provide alternative solutions such as hiring a driver or using a grocery delivery service. 

Examine their prescriptions. 

Ascertain that they are receiving their medications in a timely manner. It’s critical that all of their prescriptions are filled and refilled on a regular basis. If they take a lot of medications, a pill box organizer with compartments labeled with the days of the week, as well as AM and PM doses, is a good investment. This may make it easier for them to take their medications. Also, if a new medication is prescribed, make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist about any potential side effects or drug interactions. 

Discuss their financial situation with them. 

From dealing with medical bills to covering the costs of home safety upgrades, aging comes with a slew of expenses and financial difficulties. Your elderly relative may require additional financial assistance to cover their expenses if they are retired. Discuss their financial resources (such as pensions or retirement savings) with them and devise a plan to assist them if necessary. 

If they want to stay at home but can’t afford their current rent or mortgage, for example. You could offer to assist them in finding a smaller apartment or condo that fits their budget. 

They may also be eligible for government assistance programs to help them pay for things like heating bills or prescription drugs. 

Look for resources in your area, such as assisted living facilities or in-home care services, if you are unable to care for them yourself. As a caregiver, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself as well.