Emergency visits are exhausting, unpredictable, and often long. Without preparation, small problems quickly escalate: you forget important history, your loved one becomes distressed, and you go without basic needs. The Emergency Room Go Bag gives you stability in an unstable situation.
The “Front Pocket” Strategy: The First 15 Minutes
In the ER, information is your most valuable tool. Place these items in a clear sleeve in the front pocket of your bag to hand to medical staff immediately:
- One-Page Medical Summary: Diagnoses, medications (with doses/schedule), allergies, and baseline behavior/cognition.
- Dementia Alert (If applicable): Large text stating “HAS DEMENTIA – NOT BASELINE IF CONFUSED.”
- Medical Documents: Current medication list, insurance cards, photo ID, and Advance Directives/DNR.
Essentials for Your Loved One
Start with what medical staff will need—and what helps your person feel safe.
- Daily Care Basics: Glasses, hearing aids (with batteries), dentures/case, and mobility aids.
- Incontinence Supplies: Pack more briefs, pads, and wipes than you think you need.
- Comfort & Orientation: A familiar item (small blanket or photo) and a written note describing communication needs or triggers can prevent agitation and reduce the need for sedatives.
Caregiver Survival: Don’t Forget Yourself
This is where many caregivers fall short—you matter just as much.
- The Survival Kit: A phone charger with a long cord, a portable battery pack, and refillable water bottle.
- Nutrition: Protein bars or nuts. You are not “just waiting”—you are actively managing a crisis, and you need fuel.
- Personal Care: Any medications you take, travel-size toiletries, and a light sweater (ERs are cold!).
Always include a Notebook and Pen. You will forget things in the heat of the moment. Use a small folder for discharge papers to keep everything organized from the start.
Explore the Full Series:
- Part 1: The Essential Caregiver Go Bag
- Part 2: The Emergency Room Go Bag (You are here)
- Part 3: The Hospital Go Bag (The Admission Kit)
- Part 4: Direct Advocacy: Managing the ER with Dementia
By Zanda Hilger, LPC, Founder, Family Caregiver & Program Manager for Family Caregivers Online
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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