Immediate care, often referred to as urgent care, provides intervention in acute, emergency, or crisis situations. Generally when we think of immediate care, we think of rushing the person to the hospital emergency room. However, you might want to know about other options for immediate care if you live in Toms River, New Jersey.
1. Know what the difference is between an emergency and an urgent situation. Immediate care can be used in both situations, but it helps to understand the difference so you know what to tell healthcare workers. An emergency is something that is immediately life threatening, such as when a person has swallowed poison and will die unless immediately purged, after a gunshot wound or a serious burn. A stroke or heart attack is of course a sign of an emergency. Seniors with memory or cognitive impairments may be at increased risk for emergency situations, which is why you need to know what your options are in Toms River, New Jersey.
2. An urgent situation is something that needs to be attended to immediately, but is not necessarily life threatening. Most falls will be considered urgent for seniors and may require immediate care that cannot wait for the primary care physician. A senior who develops a sudden urinary tract infection, a cold or flu, eye infection, diarrhea, or any other serious form of discomfort may require immediate care. You have options for immediate care in Toms River, NJ.
3. Be prepared. Know in advance what your immediate care service options are in Toms River. When you have the numbers available, and know where to go, you can react calmly and intelligently in any urgent situation. Consult your family doctor for advice on how to identify and deal with an immediate care need.