A family member or friend taken to the ER can be a very frightening, emotional, and stressful situation for both the patient and other members of the family. Being as prepared as possible can help alleviate some of the stress.

While each situation is unique, below are some things to consider so you are better prepared for an unexpected hospital stay or visit.

1. Have important paperwork and information that caregivers at the hospital will need to know, pulled together before there is a need. Keep this information in a large envelope or a three-ring binder for easy access. Keep a digital copy (photos or PDFs) on your phone or device to access away from home.

• Updated medication list. Include dosage and time of day taken.
• List of allergies.
• Vaccination records.
• Updated insurance, Medicare, VHIC (Veteran Health ID) cards, etc.
• Legal forms (Healthcare Power of Attorney, living will, DNR).
• Doctors' names and phone numbers.
• List of major medical conditions, surgeries and dates of each.
• Copy of the patient's photo ID.
• Pharmacy information (name, address, phone number).
• Names and phone numbers of people to contact about the emergency.

2. Have a "Hospital Go-Bag" packed and ready to go.

• Notebook and pen/pencil to write down what the doctors say.
• Non-slip slippers or grip socks. Take extras.
• Warm cardigan or button sweater to wear while in the hospital.
  • Make sure it can be draped around the patient's shoulders. The patient may have IVs, a heart monitor, or other wired medical equipment beneath their hospital gown.
• Change of loose, comfortable clothing.
• Travel size tooth bursh, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss.
• A book, word find puzzles, magazines, etc.

Having your own Hospital Go-Bag is important, too. Keep your own needs in mind. It is difficult to care for others when your own needs are neglected.

Consider the patient's spouse or partner. Often, hospitals will allow one person to remain overnight with the patient. Be sure to ask if this is permitted. Consider what that person will need as well.

3. Delegate a care-giving support system:

• Pre plan for specific family members or friends to contact others about the emergency or hospital stay:
  • Other family members.
  • Friends
  • Social groups such as the person's church, volunteer organizations, etc.

A hospital stay can last several hours to several days, depending on the cause. Things to consider when your friend or family member has to stay for an extended period of time include the following:

• Finances: Are bills (utilities, garbage pickup, rent) up to date?
  • Are they paid automatically online or paid in person?
  • Ensure a trusted person has access to necessary websites, passwords, or checkbooks.
• Dependents: Arrange care for children, grandchildren, or pets in the home.
• Home Maintenance: Check for mail, expiring food in the refrigerator, and other home-related needs.

Recovery doesn't end at the hospital doors. Before your loved one heads home, assess their environment.

General Concerns

• Do they live alone, or will there be someone in their home to provide care?
• Do they need groceries prior to returning home?
• Are their children or grandchildren in the home that will require their own care?
• Will their pets be able to stay in the home and be cared for?
• New medications are often prescribed when a person is discharged from the hospital. Whether temporary or long term, they will need to be incorporated into the new routine.

Inside the Home

• Remove any trip hazards (area rugs, carpet runners, etc.).
• Rearrange furniture to accommodate wheelchair, walker, or cane use.
• Ensure clear access to beds, bathtubs, toilets, kitchen appliances and sinks.
• If medical equipment is used, ensure adequate space for setup and function.

• Ensure entryways are easily accessible.
• Remove any trip hazards.
• It may be necessary to install handrails along walkways.

As we all age, it is important to have conversations with family and friends, regardless of age, about what to do when we have an unexpected emergency or hospital stay. Plan for your own emergency as well. Acknowledge the fact that it will be an emotional, stressful, and possibly frightening time for all involved. Tailor a plan for your own family and friends and keep a checklist of tasks to be completed and by whom. Having a well thought out plan won't prevent the unexpected, but it can make the situation less stressful for all involved.