Caregiver checklist for a hospital stay
Packing for someone else, and what to write down.
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Their papers
If you are packing for someone else, bring the papers they would bring. MedlinePlus includes an insurance card and a photo ID. Ask the hospital what other paperwork it asks for.
Advance directives
The National Institute on Aging says advance directives are legal documents that provide instructions for medical care and only go into effect if you cannot communicate your own wishes. It says to give copies to your health care proxy, health care providers, and lawyer. Ask the hospital whether to bring a copy.
A notebook for names and numbers
Medicare's discharge planning checklist says to write down the names and phone numbers of people to call if you have questions or concerns.
Before they come home
Medicare's checklist asks caregivers to make sure they can give the person the help they need, and to talk to the staff about getting that help before discharge.
Ask about what they take
Ask your clinician and your hospital how to handle any medicines you take.
FAQ
General information only, not medical advice. We are not a hospital, birth center, or health care provider, and we cannot tell you what your hospital provides, allows, or requires. Ask your clinician and your hospital or birth center what to bring and what to expect. For car seats, follow the seat maker's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual, and see NHTSA's car seat guidance. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.
Next: documents
ID, cards, and papers.
