Lights above a center island in an amiano and son kitchen

GCF Organizing Tip

Beautiful new kitchen with white cabinets
Bar area in a remodeled kitchen from amiano and son



Hello New Jersey! This recent email came to me from a colleague of mine who is a Certified Professional Organizer® and a prestigious member  of NAPO. She has helped not only myself but my company get our S*#@ together over the past year. In consideration of the recent COVID19 situation I found this to be sound advice. This information can not only keep you prepared for any ongoing COVID19 situations as well as any other unforeseen medical situations in the future. I would suggest setting up an area for this information in a central location that everyone is aware of. We are going to  use our mailcenter in our kitchen. If you do not have a mail center in your kitchen then prepare such a location somewhere in your house that everyone can easily access at any time. As Geri states in her article, save it in a cloud based area as well if  possible. 


If keeping track of medical paperwork and records are a challenge for you, let’s “chunk it down” into components that you use to create your system.  Start by making

“The __________(your full, legal name) Medical Information Sheet”. This can be a handwritten document, a WORD/PAGES digital document, an EXCEL spreadsheet, a note in Evernote or similar app, or an Airtable. 
NOTE:  You can re-name it to choose another name that makes more sense to you.

Here is what to include:

  • Your date of birth
  • Your blood type
  • A list of the medications, supplements, and over-the-counter medications you take, at what time (and note with or without food) chronologically throughout the day, with dosages and why you take it
  • A list of your doctors’ names, their specialty and for what condition(s) they treat you and their contact information, your last appointment and when your next appointment will be.
  • A list of your medical history (accidents, illness, procedures, operations) in chronological order
  • A list of to what you are allergic
  • A list of regular, routine check-ups, tests, etc. that you get done.  You can write in red when they next ones are due. 
  • A copy of your POLST i.e. Directive for Life-Sustaining Treatment (or similar document; it is called something different for each state i.e. PA/DE/NJ/NY)
  • The name, address, phone number and fax number for the pharmacy you use
  • Attach a xerox copy of your medical insurance card(s)

Having this information at your fingertips, for all members of your household and for whom you are responsible, is a gift you give to yourself AND to others who may have to step into your shoes in an emergency. Print out three hard copies and keep one in your purse/”grab bag”/tote, one in your household management folder, and one in your medical files.  Include updating this at least twice a year into your reminders system. (reminders system?  What is that?  A tip for another week… stay tuned!)  Tell your “go to person” about this document, go over it with them, and tell them where you are putting it.  Bring it with you to doctor’s visits, hospitals, and keep a copy on your kitchen bulletin board/refrigerator. Stick a bright colored label on it and add “ATTENTION EMS”.  Add it to any emergency apps on your smartphone.

Now go pat yourself on the back!  Bravo! 

GCF Organinzing

Happy Organizing,
Geri



Go check out Geri’s website: gcforganizing.com

Wendy Amiano

Wendy Amiano

Recently recieving her NARI certification as a Certified Remodeler Wendy Amiano has worked in many areas of remodeling. Her knowledge extends into various areas of the remodel but her main specialty is consulting on the before, during and after a remodel as featured at the Philly Home Show.