Urgent Care Centers

When There Is a Medical Emergency

Some people refuse to go to an ER. They may say that their symptoms are not so bad or that they do not want to wait in the ER. Others are afraid that if they go to the ER they will be admitted to the hospital and then to a nursing home. Many older people and those with chronic illnesses feel this way. It may be easier to persuade your family member to get treatment at an urgent care center. Urgent care centers tend to be quieter and less busy than an ER. 

It is important to know that if you employ a home health aide through an agency, he or she may be required to call 911 in a medical emergency. But if you hire the aide yourself, you can decide what to do and where to go for medical problems. For instance, you might ask the aide to call you before taking your family member to either the ER or an urgent care center.

A person should NOT go to an urgent care center for severe breathing problems, chest pains, uncontrolled bleeding, or other symptoms of a life-threatening emergency. If your family member has any of these problems, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital ER right away.

The guide to the Emergency Room for family caregivers has a list of medical problems that need ER treatment. It also has advice about what to bring and what to expect.