What Every Family Caregiver Needs in Their Go Bag
Home Care in Wilmington
One thing that no one tells you when you first become a family caregiver is that you will need to keep a go bag ready at all times. Every day seniors fall in their homes, and sometimes those falls lead to serious injuries.
Chances are good that you will get a phone call telling you that you need to rush to the emergency room to be with your senior parent who has had a fall. Likewise, depending on how bad the injury is, they may need to be admitted to the hospital or rehab. There is always a good chance you’re going to be in the emergency department or the hospital for awhile. When that happens, you’ll be glad you have your go bag.
When you’re packing your go bag, make sure you don’t take anything from your senior loved one’s house that they might need daily. If your senior loved one has home care, the home care provider can help you choose clothing and other items that your senior parent doesn’t use often.
Choose a good sized tote for your go bag, and make sure you pack things as small as possible to make room if necessary. You should have in your go bag:
Two Phone Chargers
You will need two phone chargers. One will be for your phone, and the other will be for the iPod or music player you are bringing. It’s very important to have chargers with you, because if you are there for a long time, you will need to charge your phone.
An iPod or Cell Phone With Headphones
If you have an old cell phone with no service, it’s perfect for this use, or you can use an old iPod. Load it will all your senior parent’s favorite songs. Choose a wide variety of music, including some soothing music. Bring headphones also. Your senior loved one will be happier when they listen to music and rest while you are both waiting for the doctor. Also, if your senior loved one has Alzheimer’s the music will help them stay calm.
Toiletries
You should pack baby wipes, dry shampoo, lotion, a hairbrush, a toothbrush and toothpaste, face cream, deodorant, and other toiletries that you or your senior parent might need. Don’t forget lip balm. Your senior parent will need a lot of lip balm, because hospitals are notoriously dry.
Clothes
Bring a comfy robe, pajamas, underwear or briefs, and a set of easy to put on clothes like elastic waist pants and a sweater for your senior loved one. Make sure you also pack shoes. Chances are good, they will be taken to the hospital in just the pajamas or whatever they were wearing at the time of the fall.
Extra Socks
The hospital will give your senior parent slipper socks so they don’t fall again, but it’s a good idea to pack several pairs of thick warm socks to put on underneath those hospital socks.