I have just returned from time in New Hampshire caring for my mom.

In overwhelming pain, my mother became violently ill. My sister called 911, and Mom was transported to the hospital. 

The diagnoses came fast and furious - gout in her affected hand, aspiration pneumonia, and orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure leading to dizziness and fainting.

In one week’s time, she moved to a skilled nursing facility to regain strength and continue to recover. After four days there, she achieved a level of recovery and stability, where she no longer required specialized care and was discharged.

The Senior Concerns Director of Nutrition, who leads the Meals On Wheels program, recently asked if I would write a column about why older adults should designate an emergency contact.

She relayed that more Meals On Wheels clients than we would like do not identify an emergency contact in their profile. This is problematic if the volunteer driver notices a situation of concern and there is no one to call.

She also recounted the situation of a new church member who passed out at while at church. Others in attendance knew little about this new member. When the ambulance arrived, the first responders were unable to find an emergency contact listed in her belongings.

Just when I begin to wonder what to write about next, life offers up a moment -a lesson- and I am reminded that these everyday experiences often hold meaning worth sharing.

Last week, my mom, who turned 91 on July 26^th, woke up and the top of her right hand was swollen and painful. Her wrist hurt and there were periodic shooting pains running up her arm.

She applied some Voltaren® gel, and it subsided a bit. But as the next two days unfolded, her hand became more swollen, and the pain increased.

Being an intrepid New Englander, my mom placed a call to her GP and explained enough to get an appointment that day.