Using a Filofax to stay organised as a carer - by Anita

When I was a carer for my late Mum, it became very clear early on that she needed my help after her cancer diagnosis as there was lots to keep track of. 

The new Mum section in my red Winchester consisted of:

1. Notes section - notes were entered with the date and arranged in oldest at the back to newest on top. Anything that we needed to discuss with the consultant were added with a highlighted dash, so that I could tick them off once they were dealt with. This was the most important section as it was referred to all of the time, and was a way to gauge how her symptoms were changing. 
2. To do list.
3. Appointments and visits to Accident and Emergency - appointments were added to my Google calendar, but it was very helpful to also have a simple list to refer to, as I could quickly let someone know when she last had a scan or trip to A&E etc. 
4. Reference - details below were written all on one insert, with a copy in my wallet and also a spare copy in my Filofax. The list of medications was another important one as I could just hand it over to the paramedics, and I already had a spare in case they needed to keep it:
1. List of her medications.
2. Opening times and phone numbers for oncology, pharmacy, blood tests and doctor's surgery.
3. List of immunotherapy side affects to keep an eye on. 

I don't normally have a diary insert in my Filofax, as I use Google calendar, and most of the time this is sufficient for my needs. However, there were times as a carer when I did add some week on one page inserts to help, as otherwise I think my brain might have melted.

Whilst an A5 may have been better for taking longer notes or for storing hospital letters, I never considering upsizing though as personal was perfect for shoving in my bag, especially for longer appointments or stays in hospital. The tough leather on the Winchester was great, as it didn't mind being squashed in amongst my water bottle, coffee cup, our snacks, book and other essentials. We stored letters in an A4 plastic popper wallet, rather than attempting to fit everything in the Winchester. 

My Mum was a very independent person, but being organised was not one of her strengths, so I'm really glad that I was able to assist her. I remember one day when she was having a treatment, and one of our favourite nurses asked if I had some questions to ask as I had my red book out on the table! (she said other staff had noticed my little book too) I also had some really nice feedback from a number of health professionals, as they said that it made their jobs easier as I was an organised and proactive carer.  

Do any of you use your Filofax as a carer/caregiver, and have any suggestion on your set up that may help other readers? 

Does your partner also use a Filofax?

As the title says... Does your partner also use a Filofax? Tell us about it if they do... do they read Philofaxy as well?

My wife Alison has a Filofax, you might have seen pictures of it on Flickr, it's an old 1980's one, but she doesn't use it quite as much these days. When I did my collection photos the other day I noticed most of the notes in it are from when she was studying for her history MA (she's the brainy one!!) so that is a couple of years ago.

She naturally takes an interest in Philofaxy, because I relate stories to her about the people and things we are doing. She proudly announces herself as 'the hand of Philofaxy' She posed for the photo you see at the top of the blog!!

Do any of you have a hard time explaining why you need more than one Filofax? I think I have the obsession under control.... at the moment! But there's great delight in looking for that 'next purchase'.   

Do any of you just announce, 'Oh I've just bought this' or is it sneaked in under the cover of a plain brown wrapping to your den to be enjoyed in private? Then hidden from general view and then it generally gets guest appearances some months later 'Oh that looks new' "Oh not really I've had it a few months now" I'm sure there are some amusing tales to be told... it's ok you are amongst friends on this site!

So I wonder how many of your partners also use a Filofax... or another planner even? Or if not your partner what about a brother or sister or any other family member? Do you try to keep a note of each others appointments?

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