An Emergency Bag for a Hospital Visit

Where to keep it and who knows

• Keep it ready in a fixed place near the front door or in the bedroom, where family, neighbours or the attendant can find it.
• Tell at least two people where it is, and what it contains.
• Check and refresh every three to six months, and after any change in health, medicines or contacts. Set a reminder, perhaps with the clock change or a festival.
• Use a sturdy, easy-to-carry bag, light enough for anyone to lift, with clear labels.
• Keep a short checklist taped inside.

Section 1: documents and information (the most important part)

Keep these in a clear folder or waterproof pouch, with a photo copy on a family phone.

• A one-page medical summary: name, age, address, blood group if known, main illnesses, past surgeries, allergies (medicines, food, latex), implants (pacemaker, joint replacement), vaccinations, communication needs (hearing, vision, language) and any special instructions such as swallowing precautions; see emergency contact card and medical summary.
• A current medicine list: every medicine with name, dose, times, purpose and the prescribing doctor, including inhalers, eye drops, injections, creams, vitamins, herbal and over-the-counter products. Update every time a medicine changes; see giving medicines safely at home.
• The actual medicine strips or boxes in a labelled bag, particularly unusual medicines, for the doctors to see. (Hospitals may supply medicines themselves; ask what is allowed.)
• Recent reports and records: last discharge summaries, key test results, scans, ECGs, X-rays (or photos), and the latest prescriptions. A thin file is enough.
• Doctors' names and phone numbers, and the hospital where your parent normally goes.
• Emergency contacts: at least three family or friends, with relationship and numbers, and who is the decision maker if your parent cannot decide.
• ID and insurance: copies of Aadhaar or another ID, the health insurance card and policy number, helpline number, TPA details, and any government scheme card; see health insurance for senior citizens in india. Keep originals where they can be fetched quickly.
• Advance wishes or care preferences, if any, such as a note about resuscitation or hospital treatment, and a person who knows; see advance care planning in india.
• A short "about me" note: preferred name, language, food habits, religious needs, what calms them, signs of pain or distress (especially for dementia), mobility and toilet needs.
• A care diary extract: recent readings, falls, changes; see care diary and handover notes.

Section 2: personal items and clothing

• Two or three sets of comfortable, loose clothing easy to put on and remove, such as front-opening tops and elastic-waist trousers or a loose gown, plus underwear and socks.
• Non-slip slippers or shoes with a back.
• A light shawl or cardigan, since hospitals can be cold, and a thin blanket.
• Spectacles (and a spare pair), hearing aids with spare batteries and a case, and dentures with a denture box and cleaner. Label them with the name; these are the most often lost items; see hearing aid care and batteries.
• Walking aid such as a stick, if the hospital permits; mark it with the person's name. Ask before bringing a wheelchair.
• Toiletries: toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, a small towel, a comb, moisturiser, lip balm, sanitary wipes, tissues and a small mirror.
• Continence supplies if needed: pads, pull-ups, underpads and wipes; see choosing incontinence products by situation. Hospitals may supply some, but bringing a few avoids delay.
• A sealed bag for soiled clothes.

Section 3: comfort, communication and small essentials

• A mobile phone with a charger, a long charging cable and a power bank, with emergency numbers saved; label the phone and charger with a name. Keep it charged.
• A small notebook and pen, for writing questions, doctors' instructions and times.
• A familiar comfort item: a prayer book or beads, a family photograph, a favourite scarf, a small cushion, a soft toy for a person with dementia, a small radio with earphones or music. Check hospital rules on religious items.
• A watch or small clock to maintain time orientation, which helps prevent confusion; see talking clock guide.
• Cash, in small notes and coins for parking, pharmacy, canteen and emergencies, and perhaps a debit card; keep it safe. Do not carry large sums or jewellery.
• A snack and a water bottle with a straw if swallowing allows, as per the doctor's instructions. Check with the staff before giving food or drink, since some tests and treatments need fasting.
• A pen torch, a small thermometer if desired; see digital thermometer guide.
• A face mask and hand sanitiser, for infection protection; see infection control for home caregivers.
• A carer's own small bag: a charger, medicines, a change of clothes, a light blanket, water, snacks and a notebook, since you may be there for long hours.

What to leave at home

• Valuables: jewellery, large amounts of cash, expensive watches and unnecessary electronics.
• Original important papers, except those needed.
• Home-cooked food unless allowed by the doctor, particularly for patients on special diets, surgery or swallowing problems.
• Medicines of other people or leftover tablets without labels.
• Heaters, extension boards, electric kettles and similar items, which are unsafe in wards and usually prohibited.
• Strong perfume or incense.
• Large amounts of luggage.

At the emergency room and at admission

1. Call 112 for an ambulance if the person is seriously unwell; see ambulances and emergency numbers in india. Say clearly what has happened, the address and the person's age and condition. Do not hang up until told. 2. Take the bag and the medicine list, or ask someone to follow with it. 3. Tell the staff the key facts quickly: what happened, when it began, existing illnesses, medicines (especially blood thinners, insulin and heart medicines), allergies and any implants. Hand over the summary. 4. State clearly the person's wishes and who may decide, if the person cannot. 5. Keep a family member with the patient where permitted; ask about the visiting rules. 6. Ask for the diagnosis, plan and expected stay in plain words, and write them down. 7. Sort out the insurance: inform the insurer or TPA as soon as possible, and ask the hospital's insurance desk about cashless approval and estimates; see health insurance for senior citizens in india. 8. Label belongings and keep a list.

During the stay

• Be an advocate: ask questions, ensure medicines are right and timely (for conditions such as Parkinson disease, timing matters; see caring for a parent with parkinsons), speak up about pain and keep the staff informed about the person's usual routines.
• Prevent delirium: keep spectacles, hearing aids and a clock within reach, encourage safe walking as the team allows, help with sleep and avoid unnecessary sedatives; see delirium in older adults.
• Prevent falls: ask for help to the toilet; use non-slip footwear and a call bell.
• Ask about pressure care and mobilisation, and for the person to be sat up and moved when allowed; see pressure ulcers: stages and care.
• Look after food and fluids, with swallowing precautions as advised.
• Maintain dignity, and speak to your parent, not only about them; see dignity and consent in care.
• Take notes of what the doctors say, the names of staff and any changes in medicines.
• Rest and share the vigil; see sharing care among siblings.

Before discharge

• Ask for a written discharge summary: diagnosis, procedures, medicines (new, changed and stopped), follow-up appointments, warning signs, diet, activity and wound care instructions; see hospital admission and discharge for seniors.
• Get an itemised bill and all documents for the insurer.
• Have a medicine reconciliation: compare the new list with the old one and clarify any differences with the doctor or pharmacist; update the home list and organiser.
• Ask about equipment, nursing and therapy needed at home; see monitoring a parent after hospital discharge.
• Restock the bag when you return, and update the summary.

When to ask a professional

Ask your parent's doctor to review the medical summary and medicine list each year. A nurse or hospital social worker can advise on what to bring to a particular hospital. A pharmacist can help check the medicine list. In an emergency, call 112. For senior citizens' information and support, Elderline 14567 is a helpline; check current availability.