03/01/2026
ASK ABOUT MEDICAL HISTORY. Compile a list of medications your parents are taking, along with their allergies, prior surgeries and the names of their physicians and pharmacy, said Dr. Namita Seth Mohta, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. This list is particularly helpful in an emergency because it tells doctors what underlying conditions the patient has and which medications should be continued or avoided in the hospital.
CLARIFY WHAT MATTERS MOST. During a health crisis, there are countless choices that parents or adult children might need to make. While you can't anticipate every single one, discussing goals and values in advance helps parents feel more prepared for an emergency and keep adult children on the same page.
DISCUSS THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT. Many people end up in hospitals or care facilities because of a mismatch between their abilities and home environment, said Dr. Louise Aronson, a geriatrician at the University of California San Francisco. So talk to your parents about making changes around the house to extend their independence. It's also worth discussing where your parents will live long-term, Dr. Aronson said.
NAME A POINT PERSON. Adult children should ask their parents who will be responsible for medical decision-making-and make sure it's clear to everyone. That way, you avoid fights and confusion in an emergency.
