By Michelle Sonia, President and CEO 
Seniors Helping Seniors Boston South Shore

A recent piece on NPR’s “All Things Considered” raised an interesting topic for our senior population. The host interviewed a pharmacist from Vermont who had created a “hospital go-bag” for his 93-year-old father. The intent was to make sure that his father was prepared in case a medical issue arose that required a trip to the emergency department or a prolonged inpatient stay.
We all know more and more seniors want to age at home, and to make that successful, proactive planning can go a long way. The “hospital go-bag” can be as simple as a labeled backpack that stays in an obvious place in the home, such as a mud room or entryway. It can offer peace of mind to the senior as well as their loved ones.
Contents may include:

  • Key information like the person’s name, address, date of birth, next of kin/emergency contact, and health insurance details
  • Medical details, such as diagnoses, medications by name and dosage, and any allergies
  • Personal hygiene items (e.g., toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, razor, brush or comb)
  • Spare pair of glasses, hearing aid batteries, and/or denture case
  • Clothing (e.g., extra underwear, socks, sweater/light jacket)
  • Legal documents (e.g., health care proxy, DNR, advanced directive, copy of ID)
  • Leisure items such as a book, puzzle, or deck of cards
  • Information about pets/whom to contact to care for them
  • Any other items that would make someone comfortable and calm (e.g., religious trinket, special scents, music, a photograph)
    Create a schedule – for example, at the start of every season or corresponding to an important date like a birthday or anniversary – to check the contents of the bag to ensure everything is up to date and refresh as needed. It is also important to evaluate the home for safety, especially for first responders to be able to enter and treat the senior if necessary. Ensure there are clear pathways free of clutter throughout the home, identify and remove tripping hazards, and check for adequate lighting.
    Professional services are also available to help assess the home and develop recommendations to improve safety. These may include adding grab bars, checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, using a medical alert system, and looking for fire and/or burn hazards (e.g., faulty appliances, hot water heater too high). Occupational therapists or visiting nurses may also have ideas to share.
    Hopefully, these tips to prepare for a medical emergency are meaningful for you and your loved ones. Our goal at Seniors Helping Seniors Boston South Shore is to improve both dignity and quality of life to help our seniors age successfully. We pair seniors who would like to get out and stay active – as well as supplement their income – with other seniors in need of services. It’s a win-win.
    About the Author: Michelle Sonia is the president and CEO of Seniors Helping Seniors Boston South Shore. Michelle grew up in Hanson and lives in Weymouth and holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Having worked in management consulting for more than 15 years, she is now excited about making an impact on her community. For more information, visit www.shsbostonsouthshore.com, email info@shsbostonsouthshore.com, or call 781-626-4800.