Packing for Hospital Stay: Essential Tips & Checklist

Packing for a Hospital Stay: Putting Together an Emergency Hospital Bag

We cannot always predict what will happen and unexpected hospital stays can arise especially as we get older. To help relieve some of the stress when an unexpected hospital stay happens, it can be incredibly useful to have an emergency hospital bag all ready and packed ahead of time. This will not only make an already stressful situation less so but will ensure a person has everything they need to make their stay at the hospital more comfortable.

Unsure what to include? We have compiled a list of some of the key items to put in a hospital bag along with ideas for comfort supplies to make a person’s stay feel more comfortable. Some items are important for everyone to include while others are personal preference.

Documents – everyone should pack copies of important documents including:

Medicare card
Insurance card
End-of-life planning documents including Medical Power of Attorney, Will etc.
If an organ donor, include organ donor affidavit
Any medication documents that might be important to include
Medical history – x-rays or prescriptions

Medications, toiletries & other supplies – you do not want to overpack, but any required medications should be packed in their original packaging (so the dose is outlined on the label) along with essential toiletries such as:

Toothbrush and floss
Eyeglasses or contact lenses
Hairbrush
Deodorant
Clothing such as shirts, underwear, socks, etc. Make sure there are comfortable and warm clothing packed
Your medication – take them in their original boxes or containers if possible, along with your prescription. This will help ensure the nurses give you the correct dosages during your stay.

Comfort supplies – it can be quite comforting to have a few key bits from home. Some ideas of things to pack are:

A book or two to read
Crossword puzzles
Family photo
Computer or phone charger

One piece of information that everyone should include in their bags is a patient information sheet. This should include information such as full legal name, list of current or chronic illnesses, current medications, doctor’s phone numbers, emergency contact details, dietary restrictions or allergies, and anything else that would be helpful for the staff at the hospital to know. It is important the bag is kept in an easy to remember spot and is easily accessible.

If you need more information on what to include or help putting your bag together, be sure to contact the team at CCNB. We can offer you advice on what best to include and connect you with a volunteer to come and help you put one together if needed.