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Keeping Track of Your Health Information After Moving to a Senior Living Community
It’s easy to get caught up in the logistical side of moving. From moving with a pet to downsizing your home – there are a number of things to consider when moving to a senior living community. But perhaps the most important factor for seniors and their caregivers to consider is making sure that health care needs are addressed and medical records are organized after the move.
Caregiver Organization Tips for Senior Medical Information
Research shows that there are gaps in medical care for seniors and their caregivers during transitions such as moving that can lead to unmet needs, adverse events, and low satisfaction with senior care. Fortunately, there are tips and strategies that seniors and their caregivers can follow to reduce the risk of these issues occurring. Here are three caregiver organization tips for keeping track of medical information for seniors.
- Contact your physician’s office, pharmacy and insurance company to change the address and contact information. It sounds like a simple step, but you’d be surprised at how often this is overlooked when moving to a new place! Some offices even allow you to change addresses and contact information online, making it even more convenient for caregivers on the go.
- Maintain a personal health record to keep track of medications and test results. Aging health and caregiver expert Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH, recommends that caregivers keep a personal health record (PHR) to ensure that your loved one receives proper medical care. A PHR is more in-depth than a traditional list of medications or chronic conditions. It should contain recent laboratory results, diagnostic imaging and clinical notes, in addition to any relevant information about your loved one’s care.
- Know what to expect at the senior living community. It’s crucial to be aware of availability and flexibility of services offered at your loved one’s new community. Is there a continuum of care available that will address their needs if anything changes? Finding out the answers to these questions will give you peace of mind and options to consider in the future.
A Smooth Transition to Comfortable Living at Advent Christian Village
Moving to a senior living community can help your loved one receive the care they need, while offering you the support and peace of mind that comes with knowing a caring and dedicated staff is available to provide services if necessary. Advent Christian Village offers several comfortable living options for your loved one’s needs for now and in the future. Contact us today for more information and schedule a tour of our beautiful campus in North Florida.
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