Caregivers have a lot on their plate when it comes to remembering important contact information, medication doses, and appointments for the loved ones they care for each and every day. Putting together a notebook full of resources and essential information can significantly reduce stress and make caregiving easier.
WHERE TO START
First, locate a notebook or binder to place all the important information in. If you’re putting this information together digitally on an app, make sure to print out several physical copies to have on hand to put in the notebook. While a digital copy is great for keeping information up to date and maintaining daily activity logs, physical copies are better to have in case of an emergency.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
You should include as much important information in the notebook as you can, starting with:
- An emergency contact list
- Medical records
- A contact list for their care team, including doctors, therapists, mental health professionals, and pharmacies
- A medication tracker for medications that include drug names, prescribing doctors, dosing, schedules, and refill dates
- An appointment calendar
- A list of all allergies
- Dietary requirement information
- Multiple copies of Power of Attorney documents and health directives
- Discharge instructions for hospital stays
- Copies of an Authorization of Disclosure for Health Information (ADHI) form and a Power of Attorney form. Both can be found within the legal and disclosure section at bluecrossmn.com/members/forms
- A list of income sources, expenses, and bills
DID YOU KNOW?
Your plan includes a helpful caregiver binder to keep you organized. Talk with your Care Coordinator if you are interested in receiving one.
FOR MORE
For helpful tools and resources to support your loved one, visit caregivercornermn.com.