I know not many of us are in the situation I want to bring to your
attention, but another thread reminds me of the real dangers of
polypharmacy - taking too many medications. Often, when called to a
"failure to thrive" situation, we're confronted with six, ten, a dozen or
more medications from three or more doctors. Depending on the doctor on
duty in the ED, these patients are often admitted for observation, drugs
withheld, and symptoms treated as they appear. Remarkable how many folks
seem to improve from _lack_ of medication. Helps their wallet, too.

Another situation which is all too common is to arrive with one individual
suffering reduced level of consciousness or even comatose, and the spouse
incapable of giving a medical history, forcing a history or diagnosis by
pill bottle, and hoping we've got 'em all. Pits to administer TPA for a
possible stroke and find out after the blood is done that the patient is
taking Warfarin.

So, might I suggest you look at http://www.folife.org/ for some great ideas
to do on your own, for your own, or within your civic organization. Have
the card reviewed by the primary care physician (the one you see when you're
well), and give a copy to secondary caregivers if you are concerned that
dementia may cause their removal from the fridge.

Hey, if you were diabetic, you wouldn't think of going without a card or
bracelet. No difference.