Be Prepared! Parents never want to think the worst can happen to their child, however we all know that the unexpected can happen. If your child has mental health issues, it is imperative to have important information easily accessible, especially in emergency situations.
Something many parents may not think about is having a Health Binder for their child, where important information and paperwork can be held. Gathering information and paperwork from many sources and keeping them in one convenient place. A Health Binder (or Care Binder) can help you organize the most important information in a central place, making it simple to share key information with members of your child’s care team quickly when needed.
What should be in a Health Binder:
- Track changes in medicines and/or treatments
- List names and numbers for health care providers
- Prepare for appointments
- File information about your child’s health history
- New information to share with your child’s primary doctor, school nurse, daycare staff, emergency room staff and others caring for your child
- Important emails about care
- Emergency numbers for your child to use (they most likely won’t have access to a cell phone)
- Contact information you may need for anyone that may need to be informed if you or your child/teen’s schedule changes to accommodate an emergency, such as their school or a child care provider for your other children.
Things to keep in mind during emergency situations:
- As a child/teen there are a limited number of places that cater to younger patients with mental health issues. Don’t be surprised if you must wait for a bed or if you have to travel across the state to get your child the help they need.
- This is a stressful time and situation, having things organized and in one place will help you navigate through this.
- You have the right to say no to doctors if you don’t think a medication or specific treatment is right for your child, unless it is a medically necessary procedure to diagnose or save their life. Doctors make recommendations about what they think is best based on the information they have available at that time.
- The doctors and hospital staff will work with you to come up with a plan to help your child/teen get back on the right path towards being healthy. Your child/teen isn’t going to be taken away from you because of their mental health issues. Be prepared for the possibility that your child/teen could have a 3-10 day stay in the hospital for evaluation and emergency treatment.
- Contact your child’s school and advise them of the situation when it arises, keep them up to date on what the progress is and what to expect when your child returns.
- Have an overnight bag ready or go home and pack one. Things to keep in mind; items like shoe laces, belts or anything with a tie is not going to be allowed. Pack clothing with elastic bands, clothes that are comfortable and comforting are best.
- It is often a requirement to have a follow-up appointment in place for further treatment, prior to being discharged from the hospital. Here at CPC we keep spots available for these situations.
You are your child’s best advocate. You make the final determinations and decisions when it comes to your child’s care. If you are unsure of something speak up and ask for help or clarification. Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion if you feel it is necessary. Your child is most likely not in the best place to help themselves, so you need to be prepared to make decisions and have their health and mental well-being in mind when making the best decisions for their future.
If you need help creating your binder, give a us a call, we have templates available and will happily walk people through the path.
“It’s ok to not be ok, just don’t give up” – unknown
