Thursday, January 19, 2012

The Health-Fund Card – A Conflict Between “Rights” and Sanity

After having visited the specialist in the hospital on Tuesday, I needed to take the consultation and recommendations that she made to Ricki’s pediatrician on Wednesday. There was no need for Ricki to accompany me, so I left Ricki in care of her father while I popped next door (a 2 minute walk) to the doctor’s office. On arriving, I had to give the receptionist Ricki’s health fund card. Normally I keep Ricki’s card next to mine in my change purse, as I need to present it not only at any medical appointment, but also when buying her medicines. However, on opening my wallet, I discovered that the card, and also Ricki’s bus pass, was missing. It was obvious that she had removed them both earlier that day. Now I can appreciate very well the desire for Ricki to carry her own cards. And it would teach her responsibility as well. But my need to have these cards at frequent intervals (and often at times when Ricki is at school), as well as the repercussions of losing the cards has led me to consistently decide to hold them myself. Believe me, I have considered the possibility of giving them to her care more than once, but always my desire for preserving my sanity has won out. As it turned out, since I had been at the doctor already this month (getting a prescription for her regular medicines), I was able to see the doctor without the card. But I did phone home to inform Ricki that I wanted the cards the minute I returned. Meanwhile, my husband overheard this, and brought the health-fund card to the office. When my husband and I returned, we discovered that Ricki was gone, and since she had been wearing pajamas, I realized that she has left the house in her sleepwear. I visualized Ricki prancing to the bus stop (to use the bus card on her own, while she had the chance), clad only in her flimsy night clothes. Luckily, I quickly remembered that she might be at the neighbors, which she was. So now I am again wondering if she isn’t responsible enough to hold her own health card.

7 comments:

Cindy B. said...

As a thought, can you photocopy her health care card and give her a copy while you keep the original. That might satisfy her need to keep identification for herself while protecting the original documents safely.

I deal with money on behalf of adults who have diminished capacity and I often give them photocopies of their ID documents - it keeps the peace and I have the originals safe and sound.

mikimi said...

Cindy B gives a good solution.
The trials and tribulations os such children/adults...

Batya said...

good idea
You need the original.

rickismom said...

WOW! Cindy THANKS! What a great idea.....

Risa Tzohar said...

I don't know which fund you use, but at Clalit it is sometimes enough to give the ID number without the card. Also a duplicate costs 10NIS maybe you could get one and keep it for yourself while letting Riki keep her own.

rickismom said...

We're Macabbi (and sometimes the ID number IS enough. But I am going to check at the fund and see if they will allow an extra card. Because photographed papers are DEFINITELY not a plastic card!

mani said...

This is another new idea for me and a unique idea , it is really a good thing to well manage and handle.
plastic cards
plastic card printing