Dealing with elderly patients & their physicians -- from the daughter of an elderly woman

Visiting my mother’s physician was often a challenge. When she was ninety years old and had to see him I accompanied her (in the last few years of her life).  He had a good reputation as a physician, and I trusted his diagnosis, but he often took a long time to coax the problem out of my mother who was not able to speak very coherently then. The physician ignored me, as I sat next to her, until I stepped in, and without invitation, interjected information and concerns which were legitimate. If he had asked me what was going on at the start I could have told him and he could have corroborated that with my mother. Instead, he took forever to get information from my mom. He was always rushed toward the end of the visit and was not able to address any other issues she wanted to discuss. That meant another trip back to his office.

He also seemed to put down my suggestions and regard them as insignificant, but toward the end of the visit he would make the same suggestion I had made earlier. I chalked it up to his inflated ego.

Looking back over the past few years before my mother passed away I have a better perspective. I did not want to cross the line between my mother and her physician, but I also found her to be frustrated by the visits. If I had it to do over, would I do it differently? Yes, but still maintaining respect. Maybe the experience will help me in the future. 

My mother often found comfort with her Maine Warmers' Neck Warmer. It helped a pinched nerve in

Sheep Neck Warmer

her shoulder and kept her warm on cold winter days.

Walking is the next step after running for those with arthritis

I was stunned the day my physician said to stop running and take up walking. As a child and teenager, running and other physical activities were an important part of my life. They made me feel good. When I started smoking cigarettes in high school I lost that desire. Nine years later, running helped me quit smoking and sustained me for the next fifteen years, until pain in my ankles and knees slowed me down to walking speed.

Microwave Heating Pad Relaxes Tired Feet

I remember watching Mary Decker on TV run and set records in the Olympics. In an article, Gaining New Ground by Bryan D. Vargo, (Arthritis Today,Nov-Dec 2015) I learned that she thought her injuries were due to over-training. But today she thinks they make have been related to undiagnosed arthritis. She finally listened to what her body was telling her and retired from running in 1999. An earlier diagnosis might have helped ease the pain and depression that went along with her having to retire from the sport she loved. She, like many of us have done as our bodies age, has turned her energies to other activities, including hiking and gardening.

Not overdoing physical exercise but doing enough and maintaining good form helps me participate in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. Being physically active also helps maintain a healthy mental and emotional balance in life.

If you have arthritis, you know the importance of staying physically active and keeping those joints moving. A microwave heating pad helps relax stiff or tired muscles at the end of a physically active day. Maine Warmers’ Extra Large Heating Pad for the Back is versatile and can be used to soothe tired feet. Heat stimulates circulation and increases flexibility. This pad can be wrapped around the feet, placed on top, or even used to relax leg cramps.

A gluten-free diet reduces inflammation in the body. It might help with some symptoms of arthritis, as it did with me. See Maine Warmers’ Gluten Free Recipes.

The benefits of massage while living with arthritis

Massage helps increase blood circulation and improve flexibility and may help relieve stiffness for those with arthritis. Some studies, though limited, show that massage can help reduce stress levels, pain, and may act as a natural anti-depressant, according to an article in Arthritis Today (Sept/Oct. 2011,page 96). Rutgers School of Health Related Professionals received a grant to study the effects of massage on osteoarthritis in the knee. Some research points to a correlation between massage and reduced pain and even how it may effect the immune system. 

Before you go to a massage therapist ask your physician or people you  know and trust for a recommendation. Find a reputable therapist through friends or your physician or through online Google Reviews. 

Make sure to talk with the massage therapist about areas that may be painful, where he/she should avoid or apply less pressure. Also ask your physician about types of pressure to avoid. Massage should make you feel good and not cause your worry or any more pain.

When a massage isn't possible you can stimulate circulation and help increase circulation with the use of a heating pad.  Maine Warmers' extra large Back Warmer is wireless and portable. Microwave it for soothing heat therapy. The cost is less than a massage, and with durable fabrics, it can be used over and over for long lasting value. This microwave heating pad, is washable, the filling is all natural whole corn, without any added perfumes or other fragrances, and it conforms to your body. Check out their extra large Neck Warmer and some of their unique Comforting Creatures -- functional & fun heating pads.

Hand, Back, and Neck Microwave Heating Pads

What to talk about with an older person who is terminally ill

Sometimes it is hard to know what to say to a person who is going to die from an illness in a relatively short period of time – maybe 1 to 3 months. Every person is different as is the experience of dying.

After watching my grandmother, my mother-in-law, father-in-law and my father pass away I have become less afraid of the discussions and conversations. I do feel discomfort at times when I am with someone who is looking at the end of life, but now I feel it is more important to share time with the person and give the gift of companionship rather than to run from those feelings.

If the person is mentally aware, then I find it is best to give them a chance to laugh and enjoy time together.

The illness may prevent the person from speaking clearly or at all, but you can engage them by asking for affirmation. Keep the stories light and talk about things the person can relate to, maybe stories from old neighborhoods, work, childhood, travels, and good times. Spend time looking at old photos together.

The summer before my father passed, I took him for walks in a wheel chair along the bay. He enjoyed being outdoors and seeing people walk by pushing strollers, some on bikes and roller blades, others jogging, and some just strolling along. Seventy-five percent made eye contact, smiled, and said hello. Even that minimal human interaction was huge to my father.

If the person wants to talk about dying then listen, and don’t be afraid to laugh when the person cracks a joke about it. Try not to belabor the subject, but let the person talk freely. It is likely to make you uncomfortable, but just your listening may be the best thing you can do to help.

At Maine Warmers, we often receive phone calls from friends and relatives who are looking for gifts of warmth to for people who are terminally ill. When people are not active then circulation is poor and the hands and feet are hard to keep warm. Our Hand Warmers can also slip over the feet, or our extra large Back Warmer can be used to warm extremities as well. We are happy to talk with you about your needs and we try to ship orders within 24 hours for fast delivery.

Tips to help relieve the pain of Osteoarthritis

As you age you may find that you have to deal with the effects of osteoarthritis. Yoga may be just the thing to help you feel good and keep moving. Those who exercise, within a range of appropriate activities, tend to feel better according to Arthritis Today, May/June 2014. Brian Teacher tells how yoga has helped him deal with the effects of osteoarthritis. 

When joints aren’t moving, just like car parts, they get rusty and freeze up. Talk with your physician about exercises that might help you feel better, ask about yoga, and then proceed gradually to avoid muscle pulls.

I practice Yoga 2 to 3 times a week, lift light weights, and do other types of cardiovascular exercise. I respect the age of my body and don’t do every move the teachers do or what the younger set in the class does. After Yoga, I am amazed at how much better I feel.

According to another article in this issue, keeping a positive attitude, feeling genuinely grateful for the things and relationships you have, laughing, and helping others may reduce stress levels and help you feel better. Permission granted to go out and have fun with friends

 Try a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, like fruit and veggies. I found that a gluten-free diet reduced inflammation in my body and allowed me to live without the pain of arthritis. Check out the gluten-free recipes on the Maine Warmers' blog. There is a new recipe every month.

When your joints are feeling stiff, try the heat from a Maine Warmers’ microwave hating pad. Comforting Creatures such as a Cozy Sheep or Dachshund Neck Warmers provide soothing relief and often times bring a smile. Back Warmers can be used for a variety of body parts, like hand, feet, elbows, and knees. 

Avoiding Sugar to Feel Better

According to Arthritis Today (Nov/Dec 2013) lots of sugar can increase inflammation in the body.  So, if you suffer from arthritis, a high blood sugar level may cause you some added pain. How can something that feels so good going down make you feel so bad after?

There are some indications that high blood sugar levels impact cartilage and may be responsible for the deterioration of this important body part. So, to help keep inflammation down and to feel better, a limited amount of sugar in the diet may be just the thing. This is much easier said than done.

This article talks about surviving holiday parties by not overdoing the sugar thing.  But when the party is over and there is an abundance of leftover cookies and chocolates, staying away from them may seem impossible.

If you need to reduce sugar in your diet, enlist the help of other family members. Let them know what you want to do and why, and ask them for gentle help – no ridicule or put-downs.

What can help you avoid giving in to cravings and unnecessary eating? Relaxation techniques recommended by the Mayo Clinic include yoga, meditation, massage, deep breathing, music, and art. Check out the full list and descriptions.

A Maine Warmer is a microwave heating pad that relaxes tense muscles and may help you relax too. Try a Neck Warmer in the shape of an alligator with a big smile on its face. It will warm you as well as help you relax, and during the cold months any extra warmth is welcome. Or give yourself the gift of comfort and relaxation without the calories with an extra large Back Warmer, a healthy indulgence that can help to get you past that feeling of needing something sweet. Have dessert once a week (not every day), and chances are you’ll be feeling better.

Are arthritis and diabetes related?

Scientists are finding a connection between arthritis and diabetes, as sited in the most recent issue of Arthritis Today Magazine, in an article by Linda Rath, Nov. – Dec. 2013. The article states that both arthritis and diabetes are autoimmune diseases that seem to have a genetic relationship.

The author points to concerns that high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels and causes inflammation which contributes to cartilage loss.  A direct connection between diabetes and osteoarthritis is still theoretical, but one thing seems certain, joint pain discourages physical activity, and being active is important in managing diabetes.

Maintaining appropriate weight and sugar levels is important in dealing with both arthritis and diabetes, whether or not there is a medical connection between the two.

Heating a sore joint with a microwave heating pad may help stimulate circulation and improve flexibility, making exercise less painful. At least thirty minutes of activity a day is recommended in the article and avoiding long periods of sitting also helps.

Maine Warmers has a variety of heating pads that can be used to warm hands, knees, hips, feet, and backs. Check out their Alligator heat wrap – a great gift for a child with juvenile arthritis or diabetes or their hand warmer selection for products that bring soothing warmth to painfully cold hands.Their neck and back warmers also bring comfort and could be used instead of turning to high sugar comfort foods.

Managing time as we age

Life has a way of pulling us up short when we try to do too much. My yoga teacher emphasized this frequently, and though I listened, I ignored the advice of slowing down. If there wasn’t a minute filled with something to do, I managed to wedge something in to reduce the gap. I defied the physical limitations brought on by age-related anatomical changes, until my body said, “ENOUGH!”

So, after an injury that I can attribute to doing too much too fast, it’s been a quieter summer here in Maine. Backing off from a jam-packed schedule allows time to prioritize and plan out a more satisfying lifestyle. Thankfully my life is no longer on a full-steam-ahead schedule. Driving is less hectic and more enjoyable; and walking allows time to think and see the flowers growing in the surrounding yards. A slower pace allows time to appreciate all that I have and think more directly how I can be of help to others, which in the end is the most satisfying of activities.

At Maine Warmers, we are committed to helping people with products and services that reach a high level of excellence. Only thoughtful, well-paced planning and communications will help us reach that goal. The products below are only a few of those we offer to help people relax and enjoy a well-paced lifestyle.

Wear & Tear Arthritis

When the smooth, slippery cartilage that protects ends of our bones breaks down and wears away, we may experience pain from the friction of bone on bone when we go to move those joints. There is no cure for this degenerative condition called osteoarthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic, but progression can be slowed. 

Jim Miller, Savvy Senior, in a recent article (April 2012), Exercise one of the best treatments for arthritis, in the Portland Press Herald, recommends keeping fit by stretching each day to maintain flexibility, do weight training and calisthenics to build strength, and aerobic exercises (low impact) to help with circulations and general overall health. He recommends talking with your physician and checking out a local gym, health club, or other exercise programs in your town or city.

Physical and occupational therapists may help us find ways to exercise and adjust our lifestyles to help reduce pain. I think meeting and talking with others who may be experiencing similar issues is a great way to share information that may help work through some difficulties with arthritis. I have found a gluten-free diet has made a huge difference in pain I had from arthritis.

The Mayo Clinic has several recommendations andr home remedies to deal with the condition and discomfort, including losing weight, exercising, some over-the-counter medications, using assistive devices, and using hot and cold therapies.

If you need a heating pad and an ice pack, Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads can do both. All of their products go from the freezer to the microwave and back again. A Knee Pack, Back Warmer, or Neck Warmer may be just the thing to help with flexibility and circulation in stiff joints.

Cars & Body Parts

Our body systems work something like those of a car to keep us traveling over the roads of life. The circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems are synced together to keep us humming along the highway. In our travels, we hit obstacles like detours, potholes, dead ends, wrong turns, and at times we have to stop and move over for emergencies.

Like cars, our bodies sometimes break down -- maybe needing a part replacement or a little additive to help us run more smoothly. Sometimes we may need a minor adjustment from a chiropractor. A fender bender can take us to the body shop, a.k.a. the physical therapist, for training on how to exercise properly and work through some physical set-back. More seriously, a computer glitch may send us to the neurologist to find where a wire or two might be crossed or pinched.

Sometimes the problems are easy to solve -- they hook you up to a diagnostic machine and voila! The body mechanics immediately discover what is wrong. Other times we have to rely on the experience of experts and other diagnostic tools.

Following the rules of the road, stopping to rest and stretch, refueling, keeping our parts moving so they don’t rust and freeze up or dry out are important for optimum health. But even the best cars need mechanical help at times. Having an excellent mechanic is important for body maintenance.

To help keep your body parts moving, exercising is important. Through exercise you may experience some tight muscles. A microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers can help stimulate circulation and increase flexibility in tight muscles. A Neck Warmer or Back Warmer may help keep you on the right road to an active healthy life.

A Sense of Self Worth

When elderly people feel they cannot produce and become independent, they lose their sense of worth and lust for life. Though they have provided for others all their lives and deserve to be on the receiving end, it is hard to give up the role that made them feel good about themselves.

As the care giver you may help elderly people stay independent by letting them do as much for themselves as they can. Waiting on them may be more detrimental to their health than having them get up out of a chair and do for themselves. Reason is the important moderator here.

Mental stimulation and good nutrition helps them stay vital. Interaction is so  important and is often not available to them as they become less mobile. Popping in on an elderly person may be the best thing you can do -- even for a few minutes each day.

Many elderly people who are inactive often feel cold. A microwave heating pad may help stimulate Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad in the shape of a Sheep offer comforting companionship. A gift of a Dachshund Dog that never has to be walked or fed may be the perfect gift for an elderly person who has cold hands or feet -- even in the summer.
circulation and help them through a difficult time with surgery or illness when their activity level is diminished.

Keeping your hips flexible after surgery

As we age, our joints become less elastic. Arthritis and surgery can place limits our flexibility. After my mother had surgery to repair a broken hip, she couldn’t reach to tie her shoes. With physical therapy and repeated stretching exercises she was able to improve her range of motion significantly.

Exercise and stretching help to keep us mobile and improve balance. Once we stop exercising we lose muscle mass and joints stiffen even more.

The Arthritis Foundation has an exercise program designed to help people with arthritis keep moving.

On page 42 of “Arthritis Today,” there are six simple stretching exercises on how to keep flexibility in the hips – especially after surgery.  

Planning a time in the day to exercise is important. Without a plan, chances are the exercise routine will take a back seat to other activities.

Stretching cold muscles is not recommended.  It's important to warm up ahead of time with a walk. A heating pad also helps warm muscles and improves flexibility, but does not take the place of exercise.

 Maine Warmers extra large Back Warmer covers a large area and may be just right to help warm the hips before stretching. A Whale Warmer is also quite large and a fun way to warm muscles. Check out Maine Warmers’ Web site for a variety of shapes and sizes.

Play Keeps Us Young

I am not a scientist, but I know I feel great after playing with my grandchildren or with relatives and friends. Play keeps us young. I think this statement must be backed up by scientific data somewhere. I often hear that laughter and physical activity are the best medicine.

The old adage,” All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” most people will agree is true as well.

For about three years, I spent every day, including weekends, working. I love my work and made that my excuse. Then one day, I realized I no longer had time to spend with friends, and was amazed that other people didn’t work on weekends. Once I realized I was missing out on a lot of fun, I began to take more time off, enjoy the company of others, and find activities that made me feel great. Every year now, my New Year's resolution is to HAVE MORE FUN.

Children and animals are great at playing. Animals never seem to lose their ability to play. Finding a healthy balance between work and play is just part of a healthy lifestyle.

Sometimes, when we play too hard we develop sore muscles – especially as we age.

Maine Warmers has a line of comforting creatures that will help you relax those muscles regain flexibility. These unique animal shaped microwave heating pads are available online and in a variety of gift stores. Check out Maine Warmers’ Hot Dog and Cozy Sheep as playful gifts for children and adults.

Helping an elderly relative

Helping an elderly relative may mean letting them do more for themselves. Yes, you might be able to help do a chore faster, and your intentions are purely to lend a hand, but if it is something the person can safely do for him or herself it might be better to back off. The more one can do for oneself, the more independent one feels. Confidence in elderly people diminishes as activities become more limited.

Being physically active (as is reasonable) can help circulation, flexibility, and balance. Exercise classes for the elderly help to keep muscle mass and provide some social interaction, which can be a challenge as age increases and mobility decreases.

The biggest help is to provide positive human interaction, to make sure the elderly person has fun and laughs as much as possible in the right situations. Encouraging conversation and storytelling, by asking questions about experiences with travel, school, and noteworthy events can help. Keep it light and fun – steering the conversation away from sadness if it creeps in.

Sometimes elderly people feel cold even when the inside temperature is 75 to 80 degrees because blood circulation may not be as vigorous as it once was. A microwave heating pad can provide comforting warmth and help stimulate circulation and flexibility. A gift of a Cozy Sheep, sometime referred to as a Cuddle Ewe, brings comforting warmth and companionship – perfect for an elderly person. It’s reusable, washable, durable, and safe. You can check out a variety of comforting creatures, including a Cozy Cat or Dachshund Neck Warmer for just the right one to bring a smile.

Personal Medical Journal Template

Keeping your own medical records is a good idea. A list of all doctors' visits - including dentists and eye doctors is very handy when you need to see dates of immunizations, tests, illnesses, conditions, and surgeries. If you move and have to find a new physician, you easily could provide photocopies of your medical history.  It would be especially handy if you are caring for children or an elderly parent.

We created a template to follow -- one that you could easily photocopy or print and use to record your family's visits to health professionals. Your physicians may use it to see health patterns or make critical diagnoses. Keep pages organized by family member in a loose leaf notebook.

If you need a microwave heating pad for an elderly parent or friend who is ill and feeling cold, check out Maine Warmers. Their microwave heating pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes -- including neck warmers, large back warmers, and cozy sheep among other comforting creatures.

Cut and paste this template into a Word document, save it, and print it when you need to make copies.

Journal of Medical Appointments

Patient Name: __________________________________________________________________________

Date: ____________________

Medical Professional and Type: _____________________________________________________________

Location: _______________________________________________________________________________

Reason for visit: _________________________________________________________________________

Symptoms: _____________________________________________________________________________

Questions: _____________________________________________________________________________

 _______________________________________________________________________________________

Diagnosis: ______________________________________________________________________________

  
Recommendations: ______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Prescribed Medications: __________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Tests and Immunizations: ________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Reason for and dates of tests: ________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Test results and dates: _____________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Referrals and follow-up appointments: ________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Blood pressure: __________________     Height: _________________         Weight: _________________

How to meet people as a senior and move to a new location

Volunteering is a great way to meet people when one moves to a new place. Retirees often move to be near family, to a retirement community, or to a warmer climate. It can be difficult to meet new people and it doesn’t take long to feel isolated.

One of my favorite sayings is, “A good place to find a helping hand is at the end of your arm.” By helping others one helps him or herself. Volunteering can put you in touch with people who have similar interests.

Decide what kind of activity is satisfying for you and how much time you have to commit. Talk with a local librarian or community services or recreation department personnel in your new municipality. Do you need transportation? If so, ask about volunteer rides and public transportation.

The Corporation for National and Community Service Web site Senior Corps page allows you to put in the group which you have an interest in helping and your zip code (no names), and displays a list of volunteer opportunities.

If you know a senior who is feeling a little isolated due to surgery or illness, a visit and a Maine Warmer may be the perfect gift. Their Cozy Panda Bear and Sheep microwave heating pads offer comforting companionship as well as warmth when one is feeling cold due to lack of activity. If someone new has moved into your neighborhood you might welcome him or her with a gift.

Stretching to Help Balance

Keeping muscles flexible and in good working condition is important for balance, especially as we age and become more at risk for falls. The Mayo Clinic article, Stretching: Focus on Flexibility examines the benefits of a good stretching routine. Stretching may help improve your performance in physical activities and may help you avoid injuries.

They recommend routine stretching and to not consider it an afterthought. Stretching helps stimulate circulation and keep muscles flexible. One of their recommendations is to stretch when muscles are warmed up or after an exercise routine to avoid pulling a tight muscle.

A few tips to stretch correctly are: no bouncing, hold for 30- 60 seconds while breathing, don't stretch until you feel pain, and aim for the major muscle groups. If you participate in a sport then concentrate on stretching the muscles you use in that activity.

Heat will also help warm a muscle and improve blood circulation. A microwave heating pad may be just the
thing to use before a workout or stretching a tight muscle.

Maine Warmers'  Knee Pack can be used on knees, elbows, and more. Back Warmers and Neck Wraps are also versatile and can be microwaved for heat or frozen for gentle cold.

Tips for communicating with elderly parents

Talking with an elderly parent about their needs, fears, and frustrations can go a long way in helping to care for them. Communication and understanding is key to helping them through the aging process. Allowing parents to do as much as they can for themselves, for as long as possible, helps them emotionally and may save the caretaker extra work.

When you talk with your elderly parents, even though some of the issues are serious, try to keep the tone of the conversation light. Ask what they want as they continue their journey through their later years. Let him or her talk about the experiences they've had that influenced the way they do things or want their lives to be. Listen more than you talk.

Discussing finances with them is critical. Respecting their wishes and decisions, as long as they are reasonable and safe, is important to their well being. As long as parents are mentally capable of making decisions, then they need to be included.

Teaching parents about not giving out financial information to solicitors on the phone or at the door, no matter how nice the person seems, is vitally important. Even if phone solicitors claim to represent a utility company or a reputable organization, it is important for elderly parents to know to not give credit card or other personal information to them.

Resources
 
1.  OnlineOrganizing.com offers tips on organization in an article, Caring for Elderly Parents by Ramona Creel.
 
2.  Elder Care
 
3.  GRAND!times.com
 
If your elderly parent feels cold – even in the middle of summer – it may have to do with poor blood circulation and lack of physical activity. It’s worth a check with his or her physician (if the condition has not already been checked out). A microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers helps relax stiff muscles, stimulates blood circulation, improves flexibility.. A Cozy Sheep or Black Bear provides comforting companionship along with nurturing warmth.

Rehab for shoulder surgery or injury

After shoulder surgery my mom was given exercises to gradually increase flexibility. When the exercises didn't seem to be working she made an appointment with a physical therapist who discovered that she was not doing the exercises correctly. The therapist helped her gain flexibility and mobility in her arm so that she could drive and car as well as a golf ball again.

The therapist recommended using heat before exercising to help improve flexibility in the surrounding muscles. Taking over-the-counter pain medication was also recommended to help with the discomfort of moving those tight muscles and disturbing the scar tissue.

The Amercian Academy or Orthopedic Surgeons has a list of exercises for shoulder surgery patients. After surgery it is best to consult with your physician before attempting exercises, and it is especially helpful to have a physical therapist guide you through them for several sessions until you are sure you are doing the exercises correctly.

If you need a heating pad to help with flexibility check out Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads. They are easy to use, portable, reusable, and high quality. They are filled with whole corn which smells a bit like a bowl of pop corn and will not take on a peculiar odor as rice socks often do. They do not have any added perfumes or fragrances. A variety of traditional and animal shaped heating pads can be used on shoulders. Check out these Back Warmers and Neck Warmers to help relax tight muscles, improve circulation and flexibility.

What information is necessary to have in emergencies for elderly parents

If you are the person who cares for an aging parent it is important for you to have some basic information regarding his or her medical records. In an emergency, if he/she can't answer questions can you? It may make a huge difference regarding medical decisions.

The Mayo Clinic Web site has a list of things a caretaker should know in an emergency. This list is taken directly from that page.

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of their doctors
• Birth dates
• List of Major Medical problems
• List of medications and supplements
• List of allergies
• Insurance cards
• Power of Attorney statement
• Advance directives (such as do not resuscitate orders, living wills, & where are they located)
• Religious beliefs
• Lifestyle information

Regarding privacy issues

The article states that in an emergency, when a parent is unable to give medical information the doctor may discuss your parent's health with you if "it is the best interest of your parent."

Before an emergency happens it is helpful to have your parent's basic medical information with you. You may download an emergency medical form from the Mayo Clinic web site on the page link above.

If you have an aging parent who needs a little warmth, even on warm days, give him or her a Maine Warmer to take the chill off. Stroke victims often have cold hands and feet. A Cozy Sheep, Bear, or Moose might be just the thing to help bring a smile. Maine Warmers microwave heating pads are portable, safe, washable, reusable, and made of high quality fabrics that have lasting value.