Family caregivers might have to prepare ready bags for every occasion, especially in case of emergency situations. The items in the bag are often essential for a senior’s health. Ready bags should also have items family caregivers need. Here’s a look at 10 items every caregiver ready bag should have.
1. Important Documents
A list that includes allergies, medical history, insurance information, and the names of healthcare providers and family members should be inside the ready bag at all times, along with a copy of your senior parent’s insurance card. These documents ensure your loved one’s health isn’t compromised and that he or she can receive immediate care and assistance when needed.
2. Healthy Snacks
Seniors may be in situations where food and water aren’t available. Such situations are bad for seniors with chronic health conditions. Failing to eat could lead to severe issues and cause medications and treatments to become ineffective. Nonperishable snacks to pack in the ready bag include water, nuts, granola bars, and other healthy foods.
A professional caregiver can help you make sure your ready bag is stocked with everything your loved one needs. Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for the help they need. We provide high-quality respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
3. Protective Gear
Seniors should have clothing and accessories to protect them from the sun at all times. This could prevent a variety of health issues, such as skin cancer and glaucoma. Make sure to pack sunglasses, a light sweater or jacket, socks, a hat, and sunscreen in the ready bag.
4. Medications
Your loved one’s prescribed medications should be included in the caregiver ready bag. Make sure to include information about the correct dosages and times as well as other specifics in the bag. Keeping medications in a ready bag could prevent your loved one from having symptoms or missing treatments, regardless of where he or she is.
5. Mementos
Keeping mementos in a ready bag is essential for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Items to include may be a favorite stuffed animal, a picture of a family member, a good luck charm, or other items that can immediately calm your loved one if he or she becomes agitated.
6. Entertainment
Books, crossword puzzles, and other forms of entertainment can keep your loved one occupied when sitting at the doctor’s office, waiting at the airport, or sitting at the park. These items can keep your loved one’s mind active, which could preserve his or her memory, and they can also help you pass the time.
Arlington senior home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
7. Chargers
As a caregiver, you never know when the battery on your smartphone, iPad, laptop, or other electronic device will run out. Therefore, you need to pack chargers for these devices to make sure you’re connected at all times, especially in emergency situations.
8. Moisturizers
Ointments, balms, and creams can keep your loved one’s skin moisturized in cold environments. These moisturizers can also protect your own skin from becoming dry, preventing irritation, pain, and other issues.
9. Antibacterial Hand Gel
Seniors are at higher risk for developing infections, which is why you should pack antibacterial hand gel to prevent germs and other bacteria from spreading. These gels also come in handy for caregivers when they’re in hospitals and other medical facilities.
10. Small Flashlight
You never know when the power will go out and you’ll need lighting to guide your loved one. A small flashlight could prevent your loved one from becoming confused, irritated, and upset in places with limited lighting.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving more extensive elderly home care. Arlington, VA, Assisting Hands Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (703) 988-1800 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.
