Summary
Compared to younger generations, older adults are more likely to call for an ambulance, to attend A&E or be admitted to hospital. An emergency grab bag can help to make these difficult situations easier.
Preparing for a Hospital Stay
Unfortunately, older people are more likely to be admitted to hospital than other patient groups. They are also more likely to call an ambulance from home, be taken to hospital, and attend A&E.
Older people usually have longer stays in the hospital and are also more likely to be readmitted having been discharged.
A hospital admission can be a disruptive and unsettling experience for anyone, but you can help your parent by packing for a hospital stay and preparing an emergency grab bag. The grab bag will help to ease a potentially stressful situation and, if packed appropriately, can also help to ensure that any doctors or nurses will be armed with the information they need to provide the right care, in the right way, as soon as possible.
Packing an Emergency Grab Bag
The hospital overnight bag should contain important information and personal items which would be needed for an overnight stay. It should be small enough to carry and kept in a place where it will be easily found in an emergency. A zipped/fastened bag is best to avoid items spilling out and getting lost.
Emergency Grab Bag Contents
- Name, address, date of birth and details of GP and any community care teams
- Name and contact details for Carent(s)
- List of medical conditions
- List of regular medicines and any recent or new medicines
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Any recent test results specific to ongoing health problems e.g. test results for a lung, heart or blood disorder
Essential Items to Include in the Emergency Grab Bag
- Any medicines, creams, inhalers or other treatment specific to their condition
- Any spectacles, hearing aids & batteries
- Essential toiletries including toothbrush and toothpaste, comb or brush, soap and towel and any necessary containment products
- Comfortable clothing and non-slip footwear/slippers, including clean underwear
- A small amount of money
- Mobile phone and chargers
Remember to regularly review and update the contents of the emergency grab bag so that it can make life easier if your loved one has to go to hospital.
Preparing for Other Emergency Situations
The emergency grab bag might also prove useful in other situations when it is necessary to leave home at short notice – perhaps in the event of a power cut. We have developed an eBooklet “Essential tips for Carents to plan for that unexpected emergency” which can help you consider and prepare for other emergency situations.
Staying healthy
The Carents Room Bookcase is full of detailed information to help you and your loved ones stay healthy, safe and well. Our guides can help you to keep on top of ongoing medical problems, reduce the risks of serious complications, avoid problems with medicines and prevent new problems from escalating.