Many of us understand that we may someday be in charge of our parents’ health care. Even though you might think, “Not yet, my parents are young and healthy,” it could happen to you anyway, and it could happen suddenly in the event of an illness or accident.

No matter what your situation, there’s some information adults need to know about their parents. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like there’s room in our brains for keeping up with anyone else but our children, but in this case, it’s important to be prepared.

Some of the information provided here may seem pretty basic, but I speak from experience. In an urgent situation, it can be hard to recall even the simplest details if you don’t have them written down somewhere. Make note of the following facts about your parents:

1. Physician names, specialty, location, and phone numbers.
Though this seems simple, I once found myself in the ER with my dad having a heart attack and I couldn’t produce the name of his cardiologist who was actually a friend of mine. Write this information down and carry it with you or store it in your mobile device.

2. Date of birth, Social Security number.
Until my mother got sick, I didn’t know I had her birth year wrong in my head. Also, much health information can be accessed by your parent’s Social Security number. Make sure you have these nine digits written down and readily available.

As a nurse, I’ve also noticed that some elderly people will use their deceased spouse’s Social Security number instead of their own when they receive benefits. Make sure you know which parent has which number and which the correct one to reference.

3. Medications and allergies.
A current, complete list of medications and dosages can be invaluable in case of emergency. In my career as a nurse, I have often heard people say, “It’s in the chart,” or “The doctor knows what I take,” or “She takes the blue pill.”

While all this information may be true, urgent or emergent care, especially if you’re away from home, can be delayed without proper, easily accessible information. It’s also important to note any allergies, especially to medicine and what type of reaction it can cause.

4. Illnesses, surgeries, and medical procedures.
A simple list of any chronic illnesses, past surgeries, or events and dates, as well as any medical procedures such as a pacemaker, can aid a doctor’s decision-making in the event of an emergency.

5. Insurance.
Know your parents’ insurance providers and policy numbers. Ideally, keep copies of any cards with you. Also, if your parent is still working and has private insurance as well as Medicare, be sure you know what plan is supposed to be billed and paid first (often, there’s a certain order). Point out this information at registration – it will save you a lot of time and headache later.

It’s good to have your parents’ health information where you can access it easily because it’s awfully hard to recall in an emergency. Thinking, “I don’t have to worry, the doctor has all that,” won’t do you much good in the middle of the night in an emergency room.

Take just a few minutes today to make sure you have this information if it applies to your situttion and, better yet, if you have adult children, make a list and give it to them.