By Charles B. Inlander

Having all the right things in your home medicine cabinet can make your role as caregiver a lot easier. Now I use the term “medicine cabinet” loosely here, but you get the gist.

Whether you keep your supplies in a traditional bathroom medicine cabinet, in a special closet or even in an old tackle box, here are the 10 basic medical supplies that should be present in every home.

1. Any prescription drugs your loved one is taking. Make sure you keep these drugs in a dry location. If necessary, get childproof caps to prevent young peoplefrom getting into them. I also recommend you purchase a weekly holder, available at any drugstore, which allows you to put the pills in slots by time of day and day of the week. This helps you or your loved one remember when to take the medication. Make sure you can refill these prescriptions in the event of an emergency. You may want to make photocopies of the original prescription, and/or the prescription order number from your pharmacy. It is a good idea to keep an extra month of prescriptions available if possible. Contact your insurance company to see if they will pay for the additional month. Having the extra month enables you to achieve a greater peace of mind, and can help in the event of an emergency, when it may be difficult to get prescriptions refilled.
2. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium. (Remember, unless directed by a doctor, children should never be given aspirin because of its association with Reye’s syndrome).
3. Ipecac syrup to induce vomiting. (However, never administer Ipecac without your doctor’s or poison control center’s advice). Ask your pharmacist where to find Ipecac—it is available in most drug stores.
4. Antacid for gastrointestinal distress. These come in liquid and chewable form.
5. Anti-diarrheamedication. These are available in chewable form, tablets, and liquid.
6. Petroleum jelly for dry skin and skin irritations.
7. Laxative. You can find this in a chewable or liquid format. Ask your pharmacist or doctor what he or she recommends.
8. Salt. Salt is useful to gargle with (mixed with hot water) for sore throats. It is a natural antiseptic.  
9. Thermometer. Digital thermometers are inexpensive and easy to use.
10. First -aid kitincluding antibiotic ointment, antiseptic solution (such as hydrogen peroxide), ice pack, gauze, adhesive and gauze pads, bandages, cotton and cotton-tipped swabs, hydrocortisone cream, scissors, soap, tissues, tweezers, and a first-aid manual. You may want to include Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergic reactions. Ask your doctor before dispensing.

Add Items Based on Your Loved One’s Needs

Of course, based on your loved one’s needs, add anything else you feel would be necessary. Don’t forget extra batteries for hearing aids, blood sugar testing equipment, or any other devices your loved one uses. A spare set of eyeglasses might also be important.

I also recommend that you have a cane or a walker in the house if you are caring for an older person in case your loved one experiences dizziness or has some other problem standing or walking. You can usually pick these up used or even free at senior centers, or through your church or synagogue.

Make an Essential List of Phone Numbers

Make sure you keep tabs on supplies you use and refill them promptly.

Also, make a list of essential phone numbers of people you might need to reach in an emergency, and put copies of that list in your medicine cabinet, first-aid kit or anywhere else you keep medical and health supplies. Be sure to include numbers for the police, fire, ambulance, and Poison Control Center along with your family physician’s number and any numbers for specialists your loved one may see.

Write down your own address and phone number as well. In an emergency, it is not uncommon to forget simple things like where you live (if asked on the phone).

Also, taping a copy of your loved one’s healthcare power of attorney on the refrigerator door or some other place in plain view is a good idea.

Accidents and minor injuries are common in every household, but they can be especially frequent in a home with an infirm or disabled person, so it’s best to be ready for anything. Have all your supplies easily accessible so that if something does occur you’re able to easily and effectively handle it