When a loved one has a sudden medical emergency, it can be frightening and stressful for all concerned. Often happening in the middle of the night, with blue lights flashing and little time to think.
If your parent or elderly relative needs an emergency hospital admission, you may feel overwhelmed by the situation.
But a little preparation beforehand can make a big difference. By putting a few simple measures in place, you’ll be ready to provide vital information quickly, reduce stress all round, and ensure your loved one receives the right care as soon as possible.
Here are six practical tips on how to prepare for a medical emergency, if you’re supporting ageing parents or vulnerable relatives.
1. Keep an emergency medication list
One of the most useful tools in any emergency hospital admission checklist is a detailed list of your parent’s medication.
Include:
- Medication name, dosage, and frequency
- Critical medicines (e.g. blood thinners like warfarin)
- Any allergies, chronic conditions, or recent surgeries
Store a copy on your phone and keep a hard copy at your relative’s home – perhaps pinned to the fridge or noticeboard
2. Prepare emergency contact details
In the middle of a hospital emergency admission, having contact details at hand saves precious time. Create a list that includes:
- Next of kin (decide this in advance to avoid confusion)
- GP contact information
- Neighbours, carers, or close friends who can help
Keep this list with the medications details for easy access.
Families of people living with dementia can also complete the Herbert Protocol form. This pre-prepared document, which can be held online with a MedicAlert account, or filled in on paper, provides the police and other emergency services with essential information about the person with dementia if they go missing and/or have a medical emergency outside the home.
3. Gather advance directives and legal documents
When doctors need to make urgent decisions, clear documentation avoids delays. Make sure you know whether your parent has:
- An advance directive, also known as an advance decision, or what used to be called a living will, regarding medical treatment.
- A do not resuscitate (DNR or DNACPR) instruction
- A registered power of attorney for health and finances.
Having copies of these documents readily to hand ensures your parent’s wishes are respected and that someone trusted can step in if decisions need to be made quickly.
4. Pack a ready-to-go hospital bag
You don’t need to make a big deal of it with Mum or Dad, but a small bag of essentials can make a sudden trip to A&E or an overnight hospital stay less stressful. Pack items such as:
- Current medication in original packaging.
- Nightwear, slippers, and toiletries.
- Glasses, dentures, hearing aids.
- Copies of medical paperwork and emergency contacts.
- A favourite book, magazine, or puzzle for comfort.
This “grab-and-go” hospital bag can be kept by the door or in a bedroom cupboard.
5. Plan for looking after the home
When someone is admitted unexpectedly to hospital, their home still needs care. Think ahead about:
- Spare keys (entrusted to a reliable family member or neighbour).
- Cleaner, gardener, or carers who may need contacting.
- Bills that need to be paid.
- Securing the house and car if left empty.
- Pet care – charities such as The Cinnamon Trust can provide emergency help with dogs, cats, and other pets.
6. Consider anyone who will be left at home
If one parent goes into hospital while their partner remains at home, the situation can create its own challenges. If you are spending a lot of time at the hospital for instance, or if your ill relative was the one that took care of things in the house.
Having a plan ready – such as frozen meals in the freezer, local meal delivery options, home-care agencies, dog walkers, and transport for hospital visits – can make things much easier.
And finally...
Sorting all this out could be a good opportunity to chat to mum and dad about some of the trickier issues the future may bring. Have you had the three care conversations that will change everything?
Visit our Prepare to Care hub for more information on planning ahead when caring for elderly relatives.
