How to make a Care Notebook

A Care Notebook is a tool used to organize important information, especially for a child with special health care needs.  The care notebook will make it easier to find and share information with those who are caring for your child.  It can be used to record changes in medication, organize important phone numbers, prepare a list of concerns and questions prior to appointments, and file information concerning your child's health.

Materials:

1.  large zip up binder (extra pockets or zip pouches inside the binder are always helpful)

  This is mine.

You can kind of see the small zip pouch in the front---great for pens, sticky tabs, etc.  There is also a pouch in the back for loose papers.  Mine also has an accordion file folder built in for extra storage.


You can find this one here at caseit.com  or something similar here at Office Depot.


2.  5 ring binder dividers or these with pockets would be good.  Labeled:  1) Medical,  2) Family,  3) Education/ Community Resources,  4) Daily Routines,  5) Insurance/Legal/Financial

3.  a 81/2 X 11 Business card holder.  It will have a pocket for each business card, making them easy to read and access.

4.  a pack of note tabs.  These are used in the medical section of the notebook.  They will allow you to create sub sections in the medical section so that you can access specific paper work for cardiology, geneticist, pediatrician, or whatever you decide to label.

5.  A label maker is a fun but not necessary tool.  You can make labels for the sub sections or just go label happy.  Don't underestimate the addictive power of the label maker.

6.  A couple of 3 ring pocket folders for extra storage.

To get started, collect any information or paper work that you already have concerning your child.  This would include doctor's notes, lab results, immunization record, early intervention IEP, pamphlets or resources that have been collected, or whatever else you may have.

Here are links to all of the printable forms to organize your notebook.


In the front of the notebook, for easy access, put these forms:
1.  A To Do List, because everyone needs one.
2.  Things I Don't Want to Forget page for taking notes at appointments
3.  Appointment Log for quick reference to appointments

Papers for individual sections:

Medical
1. Emergency Information Form
2.  Specialists form
3.  Equipment, Supplies, Vendors
4.  Lab Work/ Tests/ Procedures
5.  Medication Log
6.  Nutrition Notes
7.  Medical/ Surgical Highlights
8.  Letter of Medical Necessity
9.  Prescription Preauthorization
10.  School Medication Letter

Family
1.  Family Health History
2.  Family Information

Education/ Therapies/ Community Resources
1.  Community Resources
2.  Early Intervention Service Providers
3.  School Service Providers
4.  Therapists

Daily Routines
1.  Care Schedule for anyone else who may care for your child.  All info is right there.
2.  Personal Care and Hygiene
3.  Activities I Like To Do
4.  Social Experience
5.  Behavior Management
6.  Child Care Service Providers
7.  Respite Care Service Providers

Insurance/ Legal/ Financial
1.  Insurance Information
2.  Insurance/ Financial Information
3.  Life Planning Checklist
4.  Future Planning: Letter of Intent
5.  Information about Guardianship
6.  Important Legal Documents
7.  Trusts

I hope this is a help to you.  If you have any questions, write a comment, and I'll answer as best I can.  Happy notebook making!