As a caregiver, there are some essential information that you will eventually need about your older loved ones. If it is easily accessible and ready when you need it, it will be a tremendous help. It will be helpful to have complete account numbers, phone numbers and addresses if possible.

• Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directives
• List of doctors and hospitals names, address, phone numbers
• List of current medications

• List of insurance agents, companies and policy numbers
  (medical, life, long-term care, prescription, auto, home)

• Copies of Medicare, Medicaid, and Health insurance cards
• Date of birth and social security numbers
• Medical history (surgeries, allergies, tests)
• List of accountant, lawyer, financial advisor

Other information that is good to have once your loved one needs more assistance:

• List of service providers (hair, skin, nails, housekeeper, driver, veterinarian)
• List of trades that work on their home (plumbers, roofer, electrician)
• List of where accounts are (bank accounts, investments, stocks and bonds, trusts)
• List of social support network contact information (church, clergy, friends, family, neighbors)
• Lists of favorite activities (books, movies, card games, social events)
• List of typical daily routine (including favorite foods and television shows)
• List of family or involved loved ones phone numbers and addresses
• Auto title, house title, deeds
• Veterans information and discharge papers
• Trust
• Will

Dr. Cheryl Mathieu is a Certified Geriatric Care Manager, founder of www.AgingPro.com  and owner of Ultimate Senior Solutions care management in Southern California. Her tips have helped thousands of stressed caregivers find valuable solutions and peace of mind. Find everything you need about eldercare, caregiving and planning your own aging at www.AgingPro.com.