Preparation is the Key to a Successful Visit to the Emergency Department
Emergencies happen, that’s just life. As a healthcare provider I spend a fair amount of time each month in our local emergency departments. Looking around, I see most of the patients in the ED are older adults. If you look at statistics through the Center for Disease Control, (CDC,) the highest category of adults that become in need of emergency care is the 65 year and older population, as is the admittance rate to hospitalization. This makes sense, the older we get, the frailer we are. Roughly 146 million people, (which is 45% of our overall US population) visit the ED each year. Some of the most common reasons we take our loved ones to the ED are, chest or abdominal pain, broken bones, contusions and wounds, infections and trouble breathing. The CDC also reports that 50% of all ED visits are not true emergencies. When it comes to older adults, especially those with dementia, it’s hard to know when to go to the ED. Erring on the side of caution is always a good idea. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years to ensure a better ED visit.
Have a current list of health conditions, allergies and medications. You can use an app on your phone, (there are some good free apps,) or have a paper list ready. During an emergency it’s hard to think straight so having the list to hand over to the doctor or nurse is much easier.
Make sure your loved one has their glasses, hearing aids, and dentures (with necessary adhesives) on them or with you. Even though they may be sick, we want them to be able to see, hear, and eat (if allowed) during their stay.
Bring a notepad and be ready to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff exactly what they are doing, why, and how long it will take. Knowing the plan helps ease distress.
If your loved one is critically ill, bring any advanced directives they may have in case they are needed. Keep them at home in an easy to grab place. The File of Life envelope has a magnet so the information can be right on your fridge. EMT professionals are trained to look for them.
Bring a bag of comfort items for your loved one and you. I have a backpack in my car with a phone charger, notepad and pen, water bottles, granola bars, baby wipes, and a magazine. Having a few items of comfort can really help during a long wait.
Don’t be afraid to ask for OTC pain medication for your loved one. The same goes for blankets, pillows, drinks, or food if allowed. Getting your loved one more comfortable is going to make them feel better faster.
Make sure you feel comfortable with the plan before discharge. Review the discharge summary and ask questions. Make sure it’s clear what medications your loved one was given during their visit, and what follow up is needed. Get copies of labs and other tests to share with your loved one’s primary care physician.
Follow up with the PCP within the time limit they specify on the discharge summary.
