Choose the Right Location

Your medical command center should be easily accessible, but it shouldn't interfere with your ability to do other activities. If you live in an assisted living apartment, consider using an end table or a corner of your desk. You'll be able to reach your command center easily, but you won't have to worry about your medications, medical documents and appointment reminders getting in the way.

You also need to be able to see what you're doing, so choose a location that has plenty of light. If you don't have room near a window, put your command center near a lamp. Finally, make sure everything is easy to reach. You shouldn't have to use a stool or lean so far forward that you nearly lose your balance.

Research Medication Organizers

If you take several medications, it's helpful to use an organizer or a pill dispenser. Before you set up your medical command center, research your options to determine which one is the best fit. Medication organizers typically have compartments labeled with the days of the week. Some models even have the times of day printed on them.

Although standard organizers are helpful, you still have to remember to take your medications each day. If you find you're missing doses or having trouble remembering if you took the right pills, consider investing in an automated dispenser. Once you load your medications, the dispenser releases them at preprogrammed times. Some dispensers even come with mobile applications to remind you when it's time to take your pills.

After you decide which type of organizer is right for you, purchase your preferred model and set it up in your new command center. The Gardens at Springfield offers medication management for assisted living residents, so you can always ask a staff member if you have questions about your prescription regimen.

Display a Large Calendar

If you can see your appointments at a glance, it's much easier to stay organized and remember where you need to be. Instead of storing appointment cards in a drawer or relying on a day planner you have to open regularly, write all your appointments on a large wall calendar. If you see multiple specialists, use a different color ink for each one. It's also helpful to record when you're due to refill your medications or get annual screening tests.

Create a Medical Binder

After decades of tending to your health, it's not always easy to remember everything about your medical history. To ensure you're prepared for each appointment, create a medical binder for your command center. The binder should have these documents:

• List of current medications
• Surgical history (dates, procedures, surgeons involved in your care)
• List of chronic health conditions, allergies and major medical events (stroke, heart attack, seizures, etc.)
• Vaccination dates
• Test results
• Emergency contacts
• Advance health care directive, if you have one

Make several copies of each document. When you see a new provider, you'll be able to hand over the information without worrying about losing your only copy. If you receive help from family members, the Senior Alliance offers a free customizable caregiver binder to help everyone stay organized.

Set Up a "Go Bag"

If you need urgent medical attention, you may not be able to take your binder with you. To ensure you don't forget to share important information with your treatment team, add a "go bag" to your command center. This bag should include a folder with your medication list, surgical history, general medical history and allergy list.

It's also helpful to pack these items:

• Warm socks with treads to prevent you from slipping
• Extra batteries for your hearing aid
• Phone charger
• Reading materials
• Cup for soaking dentures

If there's a long wait in the emergency department or you're admitted to the hospital, having these items on hand can help you stay comfortable.

Take Notes About Your Health

Springfield, Missouri, has multiple hospitals and specialty clinics. Not every facility uses the same electronic health records system, so it's helpful to take notes about your health and keep them in your command center. For example, if you have an appointment with your primary care provider, you should write down the date of the appointment, the reason you saw the doctor and what you discussed.

Update Your Command Center Regularly

Once you set up a medical command center, make sure you update it regularly. When you return from a medical appointment, add your lab results, discharge papers and other documents to your binder. Write new appointments on your calendar as soon as you get home so you don't forget them.

If you stop taking one of your prescriptions, start a new medication or change the dosage on a prescription, update your medication list immediately. This ensures your family members and health care providers always have access to accurate information about your care.

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