How to Pack an Emergency Hospital Grab Bag for an Older Adult

Medically Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed July 2025)

Older adults are more likely to be admitted to hospital because age often brings ongoing health conditions like heart disease, breathing problems, or mobility issues.

Even a minor illness can become serious quickly. Falls, infections, and medication problems are also common reasons for emergency trips.

Having a hospital bag ready doesn’t stop the emergency, but it means you can focus on your parent’s care instead of searching for essentials.

Choose a small, easy-to-carry bag that zips or fastens shut. Keep it somewhere obvious so anyone can grab it quickly. Check it every few months to keep the information and items up to date.

You might need the emergency bag if:

• Your parent suddenly becomes unwell
• A GP or NHS helpline advises calling an ambulance
• A fall results in pain or loss of movement
• There’s a sudden worsening of an existing condition
• Your parent needs urgent tests or treatment that can’t wait

Recognising these moments early can help you act fast and avoid extra stress.

The most important part of the emergency bag is accurate medical information. Out-of-date medicine lists or old test results can cause delays or mistakes in treatment. Each month, check:

• Medicines are correct and current

• Contact details haven’t changed

• Test results are still relevant

• Allergies and health conditions are accurately listed

A quick update now could save valuable time later.

Include important personal and medical details:

• Name, address, date of birth

• GP name and contact details

• Names and numbers of carents 

• List of medical conditions

• List of regular medicines, plus any new or recent prescriptions

• Allergies and sensitivities

• Any relevant recent test results (for example, lung, heart, or blood tests)

• Any medicines, creams, inhalers or other treatment specific to their condition

• Glasses, hearing aids & batteries

• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb or brush, soap, towel, incontinence pads or underwear

• Comfortable clothes, non-slip slippers, clean underwear

• Small amount of cash

• Mobile phone and charger

Not all hospital stays are the same. For a short overnight stay, the bag can be smaller, just essentials and paperwork. But if your parent often needs longer stays, consider including extra clothes, more toiletries, and comfort items like a favourite blanket or book.

You might also want a small notebook and pen to keep track of conversations with doctors and nurses.

Having a bag ready means you’re not scrambling during an emergency. It can also save time for medical staff and make your parent’s stay more comfortable.

Medically reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, July 2025