After I’d experienced several choking episodes, as a result of my Parkinsonism symptoms, I followed my primary care doctor’s recommendation to get a pneumonia vaccination. I’d read: “When thoroughly assessed it was found that the most common cause of death in people with Parkinson’s Disease was Pneumonia, which was the cause of death in 45% of people.”

Being proactive, when I learned about the Aware in Care Kit, I requested one. And I received it yesterday. The link is included below, for all proactive Parkies. Additionally, there are links to download the action plan, the medical alert card, medication card, fact sheet and reminder slip,,, in case you need any of them prior to the arrival of your bag. This is from the web:

“The Parkinson’s Foundation launched the Aware in Care campaign in 2011 to help people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) get the best care possible during a hospital stay. According to a recent study, three out of four people with Parkinson’s do not receive medications on time when staying in the hospital. With more frequent hospital visits and a high sensitivity to the timing and dosing of PD medications, people with Parkinson’s face great risks in the hospital.”

“To protect, prepare and empower people with Parkinson’s before, during and after a hospital visit, we developed the free Aware in Care kit with tools and information to share with hospital staff during a planned or emergency hospital visit.”

“Aware in Care kits can be requested from your local Parkinson’s Foundation Chapter or Center of Excellence. If you do not live in an area with a Chapter or center, you can order a kit online.”

Kit Contents

‘Each Aware in Care kit is filled with useful tools and information to help a person with Parkinson’s during the next hospital visit. Each kit includes:’

Aware in Care Kit

“Pack your bag with your Parkinson’s medication and materials below.”

Hospital Action Plan

“Read about how to prepare for your next hospital visit — whether it is planned or an emergency. “
Download the action plan >>

Parkinson’s Disease ID Bracelet

“Wear your bracelet at all times in case you are in an emergency situation and cannot communicate.”

Medical Alert Card

“Fill in your card with emergency contact information and place in your wallet.”
Download the medical alert card >> 

Medication Form

“Complete this form and keep copies in your kit for use at the hospital. If you download the form, you can fill it out on your computer before you print it out.”
Download the medication form >>

Parkinson’s Disease Fact Sheet

“Share the facts about Parkinson’s with hospital staff and ask that a copy be placed in your chart.”
Download the fact sheet >> 

“I Have Parkinson’s” Reminder Slips

“Share vital information about Parkinson’s with every member of your care team in the hospital.”
Download the reminder slip >>

Magnet

“Use this magnet to display a copy of your Medication Form in your hospital.”