Help Your Aging Relative Pack for the Hospital

A trip to the hospital with your elderly relative, whether scheduled or in an emergency situation, can be a confusing and stressful time. Your loved one will need a few things from home, but it will be up to you to pull together their overnight bag. You can be prepared and reduce the amount of stress you face during that difficult time by having a bag already packed with the essentials. You may never actually need it but you’ll be glad you have it if you do.

Senior Care in Bridgehampton NY: Hospital Visit Tips

Here’s a list of items that are most commonly needed or requested by elderly adults when they must stay at the hospital for a while.

-Clothing Essentials

-Robe or cardigan sweater

-Clean underwear or extra adult briefs

-Warm socks or slippers

-Knitted hat or favorite ball cap

-Change of clothes for discharge day

-Toiletries

-Personal favorite shampoo and soap

-Deodorant

-Hand sanitizer or sanitary wipes

-Makeup and shaving supplies

-Toothbrush and toothpaste

-Lip balm and lotion

-Paperwork

-A personal information sheet that includes their full name, birthday and current address

-Contact numbers for doctors, clergy, close friends and family members

-List of all illnesses, chronic conditions, and past medical issues

-Current medications and dosages

-Any allergies or allergic reactions, especially to medication

-Copies of insurance cards, Medicaid/Medicare cards, power of attorney, and any other medical documents like a living will

-Entertainment and Comfort

-Books and magazines

-Reading light

-Extra pillow

-Blanket or quilt

-Tablet or e-reader

-MP3 player or CD player with earphones

-Puzzle, handcrafts, adult coloring book, etc.

-Miscellaneous

-Pain medication, such as ibuprofen

-Water bottle

-Snacks like crackers, granola bars or hard candies

-Some cash for vending machines

-Notebook and pen

-Plastic bag to store dirty clothes

With the right amount of preparation, family caregivers like you can make plans to include everything you need. If you are caught off guard and must scramble to pack a bag, it’s helpful to have a checklist of items so you don’t forget anything. While the hospital gift stores and nurses’ stations often have some of the bare essentials, it’s always better to have one’s own belongings and personal favorites. Elderly people, in particular, can be picky about what kinds of products they use and how they should be cared for. A good overnight bag with items they like can help them to relax and not worry.

Don’t stress if you don’t remember everything for the overnight bag at once. Chances are you will be going in and out of the hospital and can pick up anything else your elderly relative might need. The right supplies and your presence will make their hospital stay more comfortable and less frustrating.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Senior Care in Bridgehampton, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.

Source:

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/11-items-to-pack-in-your-hospital-bag