Have you been on the phone with your parent’s doctor and not know the answers to some of their questions?

Would you know who your parent’s lawyer is?

Do You Know Your Parents?

Funny how we know the “information” & details of the lives of our children, but not of our elderly parents. Whether you think it is an intrusion into their privacy or an infringement of their independence, knowing basic information about your parents can really help in an emergency situation. It’s always better to gather this information when there isn’t a crisis to be dealt with. It’s also the practical and sensible thing to do. All you can do is ask your parents for the information, it can’t hurt, plus they won’t give you information they don’t want to. In fact, there is a chance that they may be relieved and proud to see how much you care.  Explain why you are asking for the information, because you do care and want to be prepared in the event such information is needed.

Below is a list of questions you should have answers for in case of an emergency:

• Do you know your parent’s birth date?
• Do you know your parent’s Social Security and Medicare numbers?
• Who their primary physician and other specialists are and their phone numbers?
• Do you know your parent’s pharmacy, address and phone number?
• Who their lawyer and financial planner are?
• Which bank they use?
• Where important papers are?
• Do they have a power of attorney? Medical Directives?
• What their wishes are should they become incapacitated or can not live at home?
• Do you know what medications they take? The names, dosage, and what they are for?
• Do your parents have a Long Term Care policy? Do you know the policy number?
• Do you know details of the policy such as elimination period, daily dollar benefit & other things it may cover like home safety products or Medical equipment?
• Do you know their medical history, as least major medical events or disease, surgeries and hospitalizations?
• Are they on Medicare or an HMO?
• Who is their close friend or neighbor? Who may have a key to their home? What is that person’s phone number?
• Do they have a will? Burial plots? Do they wish to make these plans?

This is a checklist to get you started.  If you explain to your parent’s the importance of you having this information for peace of mind and safety precautions you may be surprised how eager they are for you to have this information.

You may wish to inquire about Wills, safety deposit boxes and even who they wish to leave sentimental objects to. Finances and questions related to death are very difficult topics to broach. You may find it easier to ask about other things first. As each person and each relationship is unique, perhaps a sibling or one parent is the better choice to ask about and respond to these subjects.

Related posts:

1. Will the Government pay for my parent’s home health care?
2. My Aging Parent is Discharged From the Hospital, What Happens Next?
3. Does my Aging Parent need Long Term Care Insurance?