How do I prepare for my loved one’s hospital stay?
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Elderly Care
This article was reviewed by Alexis Cable, a member of our in-house clinical team.
Having a loved one admitted to hospital is always a concerning time. In this article we’ve looked at advice from the NHS to help you pack and bring the right things, stay updated and feel more prepared.
1. What do I need to pack for my loved one’s hospital bag?
Preparing a “Go Bag” for older adults who are frequent hospital visitors is a smart and compassionate part of emergency preparedness. It helps reduce stress and ensures essential items are always ready in case of sudden admission.
Below is a comprehensive list of what to include, as well as what not to pack.
What to pack: Essentials
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Spare comfortable clothing | Easy-to-wear outfits (loose-fitting, elasticated waist), including underwear and socks |
| Nightwear & dressing gown | Lightweight and warm, as hospitals can be cold |
| Non-slip slippers or footwear | Closed-back preferred for walking safely |
| Toiletries kit | Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, face cloth, hairbrush/comb, razors, tissues |
| Pack of wet wipes | For freshening up when showering isn’t possible |
| Small towel | Lightweight and quick-drying |
| Glasses + case | Or hearing aids + spare batteries (if used) |
| List of current medications | Include dosage, frequency, and GP’s contact details |
| Phone + charger (with long cable) | Or basic mobile with emergency numbers programmed in |
| Notebook & pen | To jot down questions, information, or instructions from staff |
| Snacks (if allowed) | Long-shelf life prepackaged snacks, check dietary needs |
| Small water bottle or reusable cup with lid | Should be easy to manage/handle for the person being admitted |
| A few small comforts | E.g. photos, magazine, book, puzzle book, rosary, or soft blanket |
What NOT to bring
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Large amounts of cash | Risk of loss or theft; bring only a small amount if necessary |
| Jewellery or valuables | Should be left at home, hospitals can’t guarantee safe storage |
| Laptops/tablets (unless essential) | Often unnecessary and can be a theft risk |
| Perfumes or aerosols | Can trigger allergies or breathing issues for other patients |
| Large suitcases or bulky items | Space is very limited in hospital wards |
| Perishable food | Not usually allowed unless approved by staff |
| Hard-to-replace documents | Keep originals (e.g. passport, will) at home; bring copies if needed |
Tips for organising the bag
- Use a small, soft holdall or backpack for easy storage.
- Store the bag in a hall cupboard or by the front door for quick access.
- Label everything clearly, including charger, glasses case, and clothing.
- Consider a laminated info card with emergency contact, allergies, and medical conditions.
Preparing for planned vs. unexpected admissions
While the above items are essential for any stay, if the admission is planned (e.g. for an elective procedure), you may also want to add:
- The admission letter: This contains vital details about their appointment and care plan.
- Name and contact details of the doctor who referred them: Useful for follow-up or if the hospital needs to consult with their primary care provider.
For unexpected emergencies, a pre-prepared ‘Go Bag’ should ideally include:
- Copies of important documents: Keep a sealed envelope with copies of your loved one’s ID, insurance cards, advance directives or living will (if applicable), power of attorney documents, and an emergency contact list.
- A detailed medication list: Beyond just the medications themselves, a printed list with dosages, frequency, and reasons for taking each medication is crucial if the original boxes aren’t readily available.
- Medical history summary: A brief summary of major past surgeries, conditions, and chronic illnesses.
- Small comfort items: A familiar small blanket or a favourite pillow from home can provide immense psychological comfort during a stressful time.
- Non-perishable snacks: Easy-to-eat snacks that suit their dietary needs, in case hospital food is delayed or unappealing.
2. Agree on how you'll stay updated while your loved one is in hospital
It can be nerve-wracking when a loved one is in hospital and you can’t be there all the time. Effective communication is key to reducing anxiety and staying informed.
- Designate a point person: You may wish to set up a text group (e.g. on WhatsApp) with family members and agree on one person to speak directly with hospital staff. This helps streamline communication, reduces calls to the ward, and ensures consistent information is shared with the wider family.
- Keep a hospital diary: Some people find it incredibly helpful to keep a diary during this time. Document what the doctors are telling you and your loved one about their condition, treatment plans, and any changes. This creates a valuable record and can help you remember details for future discussions.
3. Don't be afraid to ask questions
Hospital staff and your loved one’s medical team want you and your loved one to feel informed and as comfortable as possible during a hospital stay. As such, they will strive to answer your questions as best as they can, with the information they have available at that time. Don’t hesitate to speak up and ensure you understand every aspect of their care.
Some questions you may want to ask include:
Tests
- What are these tests for?
- When can we expect to get the results?
- Will they likely need further tests, and if so, what kind?
After being admitted
- When can we speak to the consultant or lead doctor?
- Will my loved one stay on this ward, or will they be moved to a different one?
- Are there set visiting hours for this ward? Is there a limit to how many people can visit at one time?
Treatment
- What are the potential side effects or risks of their medical treatment?
- How long will they need this treatment for?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
- Are there any alternative treatment options we should know about or consider?
Leaving hospital
- What is keeping my loved one in hospital? What are the main obstacles to discharge?
- What does my loved one need to do or achieve to be able to leave hospital?
- What will happen after they leave hospital in terms of follow-up care or support?
- Do you have any written information we can take home with us about their condition or aftercare?
- Where can we go for more information or support, such as patient advocacy groups?
- Is there a support group or any other source of help available for families?
4. Consider things back home
While your loved one is in hospital, there are some practical things to consider outside of the hospital, especially if their admission was sudden or the duration is unclear. Addressing these can alleviate stress for both you and your loved one.
- Home insurance: Check your loved one’s home insurance policy to see what’s covered if their home is unoccupied for some time. You may need to inform their insurance provider if they are going to be in hospital for an extended period.
- Neighbourly support: If your loved one has a good relationship with their neighbours, update them on the situation. They may be able to keep an eye on the property, water plants, or collect post.
- Pet care: If your loved one has pets, arrange for someone to look after feeding, walking, and cleaning up after them. If family or friends cannot assist, consider arranging for a professional pet sitter. Alternatively, charities like The Cinnamon Trust offer fostering services for pets while owners are in hospital.
- Cancel deliveries: Cancel any regular deliveries such as newspapers or milk to avoid accumulation or spoilage.
- Home care services: If they are receiving help at home (e.g. live-in care services), contact the provider as soon as possible to inform them of the hospital stay. Providers like Elder can pause services and liaise with carers during hospital admissions.
- Post-discharge preparations: Think ahead about the type of support your loved one might need when leaving hospital. For example, you may want to set up a bed in the living room if they’re likely to struggle with stairs upon returning home, or stock up the kitchen with food that’s easy to prepare and suits their nutritional needs and tastes.
Sources:
https://www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/loved-one-in-hospital/
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/information-guides/ageukig07_your_hospital_stay_inf.pdf
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/what-to-ask-your-doctor/
https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/patients-carers/coming-hospital/ask-3-questions
