<p>Helpful suggestions from my elderly uncles geriatric care manager:</p>
<p>–Create a File of Life which lists the patient’s name, family contacts, insurance policy and social security numbers, health problems, medications, dosages, allergies, recent surgeries, religion, doctor’s names, and copies of health care proxies, health directives, and durable powers of attorney. Place in Ziploc bags and attach one to the refrigerator and one to the inside of the front door. This is useful if the patient has to make use of emergency medical services and is unable to communicate effectively. </p>
<p>–Create a card with emergency medical contacts, family contacts, and medical information. Place in patients wallet.</p>
<p>–Patients should either have a Lifeline Emergency Response System in place, or they should carry cellphones with them at all times in case of falls.</p>