Caregiver support for parents or a spouse extends beyond helping with day-to-day activities—it also includes the ability to handle unexpected medical emergencies. To keep loved ones safe, it’s important for caregivers to be prepared for medical emergencies. Quick, effective decision-making could help you avoid complications; plus, it’s reassuring to know your family is ready for anything.
Heart attacks and strokes are common medical emergencies. But with older adults in the household, you’ll want to know what to do in the event of a fall or medication overdose as well. More than one out of four adults age 65 and older fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a 2011 study conducted by the CDC, of the 5,077 emergency room admissions among older adults in 58 hospitals, 66 percent were due to accidental overdoses.
Prepare yourself and your loved ones to handle these medical emergencies, should they arise. Print this infographic and follow the instructions provided in the PDF version to turn it into a handy brochure. Keep it near the phone in your home and your family members’ homes so you’ll all know what to do amid the hustle and confusion.
How a Family Caregiver Can Get the Financial and Medical Information They Need
Being a caregiver can often feel overwhelming. Use this guide to learn how to handle all the emotional and financial responsibilities.
