Items to Keep in a Bag for a Quick Trip to the Hospital

Some $20 bills and quarters (for phone calls if your cell phone isn’t allowed or isn’t working and for vending machines when the cafeteria is closed)

A list of all medicines the patient takes

Copies of the power of attorney, living will, parental permission, and/or other legal documents.

Medical insurance information

Bible, devotional book, list of verses, etc.

A book or two and/or some magazines

A Crossword Puzzle Book, knitting supplies or whatever else you like to do to keep your hands busy

Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, vitamins, and/or any medications you, personally, might need for a 48-hour period (NEVER give medicines to a patient in the hospital. Tell the staff what she/he takes, and let them handle it!)

Pens, pencils, notebook

Nuts, trailmix, M&M with peanuts, or some other snack with protein

Water bottle

Brush, toothbrush, toothpaste

Gum

Chapstick or lipstick

Hand lotion

Any other personal needs

An extra charger for your cell phone, PDA, and/or laptop (if you don’t have extras, add them to your list of items to grab on your way out – see next item)

A list of items you need to grab on your way out the door – these could include your cell phone, PDA and/or laptop along with the chargers for each item

Tagged as: aging parents, caregiver, caregiving, checklist, elderly, emergency, grandkids, Grandparents, hospital preparation, illness, medical, Sandwich Generation