Family caregivers have an important job, and one of their most crucial caregiving duties is keeping track of their senior loved ones’ medical information. If you’re wondering what medical info you should keep on hand for future reference, these four types should be at the top of the list.
Lab Results
This information includes the results of urine and blood tests. If possible, try to keep your loved one’s results from at least the last two years. These tests show important information that may provide insight into the functioning of various bodily systems and the effectiveness of treatments for acute and chronic health conditions. It may also prevent a doctor from duplicating a test that was recently performed by another physician.
A home caregiver may help you keep track of your loved one’s health status and remind him or her to take prescribed medications. Caring for senior loved ones may be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers may turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for the help they need. We provide high-quality in-home care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Radiology Results
By having copies of recent X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, you may be able to prevent duplicate tests from being ordered. These may also be important diagnostic tools even if new tests are ordered, since they may be used as a point of comparison to determine if there have been any changes in your loved one’s condition.
Cardiac Tests
Try to obtain a copy of your loved one’s most recent EKG, treadmill tests, cardiac ultrasounds, and any other tests for coronary artery disease or structural abnormalities of the heart. These tests often provide the basis for medical decision-making for seniors whose symptoms are attributed to heart or lung conditions, and they may also serve as a point of comparison to determine if conditions like coronary artery blockages are worsening to the point where they require surgical intervention.
Maintaining proper medical information is important for older adults with serious health issues. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care Columbus, OH, families may trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Medical Discharge Summaries
Any time your loved one is hospitalized, ask for a copy of the clinical discharge summary. This information is more detailed than the brief summary your loved one receives at the time of discharge. The clinical summary is meant to be read by other doctors and nurses and includes vital information about the reason for your loved one’s hospitalization, diagnoses, treatments, and any post-hospitalization recommendations. The information contained in these reports may be difficult for a layperson to understand, but it may help your loved one’s primary doctor and specialists plan appropriate follow-up care.
Updated medical information and attentive family members are just two of the many things older adults need to enjoy a high quality of life. If your senior loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of Columbus home care service. Our caregivers in Columbus provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at 614-678-5887 today.
