A visit to the Emergency Department (ED) can be an overwhelming experience. Being prepared can make a significant difference, but many people underestimate the importance of readiness. Think of “readiness” like earthquake preparedness—you may not know when you’ll need it, but having a plan in place helps reduce stress.
The journey to the ED is often hurried, and in the chaos, it’s easy to forget essential items that can aid in your care. To avoid making last-minute decisions in a crisis, take the time to get organized ahead of your visit by packing a ready-to-go bag. This thoughtful preparation will contribute to a more successful visit, allowing you to focus your attention on your care partner.
What to Bring
Ensure you pack essentials for both you and your loved one, including:
- Phone charger
- Snacks
- Extra drinking water
- Money for the parking meter
- Copies of vital documents and medical history
- Tools for distraction (books, puzzles)
- Warm sweater or slippers for comfort during your time in the ED
Arriving at the ED
On arrival, an ED Nurse will assign an urgency of need score between 1 and 5. A score of 1 means the needs are life threatening and the patient will be seen by a doctor immediately. A score of 5 indicates low priority. The score is made quickly and based on the reason you came to the ED (the problem, signs and symptoms you report).
Being in the ED
The urgency of need score will determine how quickly you are seen and possibly where you will sit and wait to be seen. Surviving a trip to the ED is more than having past medical information, CareCards, medication lists, GP contact information, or healthcare representation agreements. All of these are important to support the ED team do its work. But for the older person living with dementia, there is more the ED staff need to know. You can help the staff see what is hard to see. This includes understanding the person’s strengths and abilities that need to be protected as part of the plan of care, and not lost because of the reason they have come to hospital.
Communication tools can help with this. These tools cue staff to understand who their patient was before their illness. Check out these communication tools on the Alzheimer’s Society website.
English: www.alzheimer.ca/hospitalvisits
French: www.alzheimer.ca/visiteshopital
The communication tools can alert ED staff to “behaviour that has meaning.” People living with dementia may communicate their needs in ways that only their caregivers understand. You are familiar with early cues for restlessness and agitation, fatigue, fear, or how pain is expressed. Your knowledge gives meaning to behaviours that might be misunderstood as “disruptive.” The Know Me – About Me tool provides such information as well as care strategies or approaches that you know work. ED staff can adopt these approaches so that powerful medications can be avoided.
Leaving the ED
When you leave the Emergency Department (ED), you will receive information on the medical diagnosis and plan of care. However, it is crucial to understand what will happen next. Make sure to communicate what you need to succeed at home. Here are some important steps to consider:
- Ask for time to gather medical supplies or equipment for home.
- Request community resources to be set up before you leave the ED.
- Do not wait for community services to contact you once you are home. Leave with names and phone numbers in hand.
Organizing and planning ahead is essential, but remember to trust and act on your expert caregiver knowledge. It will make a difference in the care your recipient receives.