Please, especially if you live on your own, and regardless of age, have an emergency plan. This may be posted near your entrance; carried in your wallet or purse; shared with a friend or family member; kept on your cell which may have a special place for this information which remains accessible even when phone is locked; etc. On an iPhone it is called “medical ID” and on Samsung add to contact name.
I am aware of several occasions where there is a need for plans in the event of an emergency. These include falls resulting in broken bones, heart attack, Alzheimer’s, cancer, surgery recovery, an accident, etc.
On my web site under “Everything Else” I have a page titled “Dying in Mexico”. There you will find important information. This includes: do not call an ambulance or the police when a death occurs unless foul play is suspected. Ambulance staff will call police. If police are involved, even if there is no foul play, the body and residence may not be released for many weeks. A doctor needs to be contacted immediately. If death is imminent, have a doctor see the person prior to death. In San Miguel de Allende, there is a group called “24 Hour Association” which people may join and their expertise is in dealing with death, documents, cremation, etc.
Suggestions for your emergency preparedness list:
Your full name, date of birth and citizenship. The latter helps as your embassy needs to be notified.
Name and contact information for your doctor.
Emergency contact name and number.
If you have pets, name and number of a person, who may care for them.
Medications you take, dosage any allergies.
Street address including street name and number, the colour of the house, cross street and any distinguishing feature. It is not uncommon for homes on the same street to have the same number. And, the same street name is often repeated in the same town or city. If you or someone on your behalf needs to call the police or an ambulance they need this information and especially address.
Name, address, and phone of any household staff as they have a lot of knowledge about the home, pets, etc.
Call 911.
Hospitals and Payment
Keep in mind that private hospitals are expensive and if you have no insurance, you need some financial resources available immediately. And, even with insurance, most hospitals want a large hold on your charge card and some may still request payment until your insurance provider pays.
As a temporary or permanent resident, you do have free government healthcare called INSABI. And, while it may not be your first choice, some of the “Hospital General” locations — which is what government hospitals under INSABI are called — have some very good doctors.
People all want some independence but at the same time and especially as you age, you need a backup plan. You need to have some way to pay including medications, doctors, transportation, possibly home help and physical therapy. And, you need friend/s or family members available on short notice.
Options to Consider
A Whatsapp group whereby you check on each other daily.
A friend who calls or comes to where you live, daily.
INAPAM senior’s discount cards have the name of your emergency contact and phone number.
Alexa and Amazon Echo Dot may be programmed to call in an emergency.
An Apple watch may also be programmed so that when you fall and you do not respond it will call a pre-arranged emergency number.
