Documents

You assign a trusted person to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to on your own

A legal document that maps out your wishes in detail if you become debilitated or incapacitated

Physician orders that summarizes your wishes for your care if life-saving treatments are needed to prolong life.  Post your POLST on your refrigerator and bring it to every procedure or hospitalization.  

Bring one to every appointment. Be sure that it is updated to reflect the name of the medications you take (color and shape are not helpful), why you take them(medications commonly used for one thing can also be used for something else), when you take them, and dose. On the day of surgery write when the last time you took each medication time and date. 

                 *** See below for printable templates ***

List your past surgeries, pertinent health history (current, chronic, and ongoing health issues).  Yes, if you are on blood pressure medications you DO have a history of high blood pressure, even if the medication is helping it stay normal, and we need to know that.

                *** See below for printable templates ***

We encourage everyone keep a diary of their health journey. Document symptoms, the circumstances surrounding when the symptoms happened, what helped or aggravated the symptoms, and if you sought medical care what was done.

Keep track of visits with providers and the services you received. 

Bring your diary to all appointments so you can reference it if you need to give your provider a better picture of your health.

List anything in/on your body that you were not born with. If you have a medical device implanted have the type, material, and location documented. 

Cardiac implants: Providers need to know the type, brand, settings, and the contact information for a representative.

Have the names and phone numbers for emergency contacts, also a plan for any pets that may need care if you are hospitalized

Insurance card = $$$$