Pack a Hospital “Go Bag”

Medical emergencies don’t wait for convenient timing. Whether it’s a fall, chest pain, breathing difficulties, or sudden confusion, older adults often need immediate medical attention. In these critical moments, having a prepared hospital bag can make the difference between a smooth transition to care and hours of additional stress for both you and your loved one.

Older adults are more likely to need hospitalization. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 13 million older adults are admitted to the hospital each year. About two-thirds of those are unplanned hospitalizations due to medical conditions.

Consider this scenario: It’s 2 a.m. when your father is complaining of severe chest pain. The paramedics arrive within minutes, but as they’re loading him into the ambulance, you realize you need to gather his medications, insurance cards, and other essentials. Now you’re either rushing to the hospital without these important documents or delaying your arrival while you search through drawers and cabinets. A hospital go bag can help make an unplanned stay in the hospital as comfortable as possible for both older adults and their caregivers.

Here are some things to consider packing in a hospital go bag:

• Insurance cards
• Medications list
• Copies of legal documents such as power of attorney, living will, or advance directives
• Emergency contact information
• A change of clothing
• Comfortable nonslip socks or slippers
• A cellphone power bank
• Toothbrush and other personal care items
• Paperback book or magazine for entertainment

These items are also things that would come in handy during a non-medical emergency such as a natural disaster. But perhaps the most valuable aspect of a hospital go bag isn’t the items themselves, but the peace of mind it provides. Knowing your loved one is prepared for an emergency allows you to focus on what matters most: supporting them through their medical crisis.