What to pack for a general hospital bag for the over 60's.

[Salome61]

My neighbour is the same age as me, 65, and has just told me she had a heart attack early hours of Tuesday. She has been to get checked out and luckily her heart isn't damaged, but she's still sore.

I currently don't have any health problems, but thought I should pack a hospital bag, just in case. I haven't been in hospital for thirty years.

Can I ask what do people include please?

Spare underwear and pjs, mints, bottle of water,

Book
toothbrush/paste
shower gel
skin cream/hand cream
earplugs
eye mask
tweezers and mirror
dressing gown
slippers

Phone charger.

Spare phone charger
List of medication

My husband is 68 and my mother 84. Neither of them have hospital bags packed.

I don’t think if you’re otherwise healthy this is something I’d do.

Anti bac handwipes
Tissues
Shower cap
Bed socks
Hairbrush and mini shampoo
Soap

Earplugs
Sleep mask

We are much younger and healthy but as an A&E nurse I saw so many patients that ended up admitted overnight without so much as a toothbrush that we now have a small toiletry bag in a cupboard at home that contains shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, pack of wipes, shampoo and a neutral smelling roll on deodorant. If dh or I were admitted to hospital, or if either of us had to stay in hospital with one of the dc, it would be quick and easy to grab without having to rifle through cupboards or go to the shops. The one not at the hospital could then bring clean clothes etc as necessary but if I was single I think I'd also include a pack of knickers and a list of any regular medications

OP, you are rather over thinking this! When I got hospitalised with Covid, I just had time to grab my phone, charger, medication and house keys. The isolation ward provided me with pyjamas and individual toiletries such as deodorant, toothpaste and brush etc on arrival.
If you are an emergency admission, you need nothing, and if you are elective you will have plenty of time to pack at leisure.

Babdoc
“If you are an emergency admission, you need nothing, and if you are elective you will have plenty of time to pack at leisure.”
Well said Babdoc! This helped my anxiety! 😊

Baby wipes and hand gel to freshen up with.

I'd always want earplugs and an eye mask. Can't sleep without them.

As someone in the, ahem, older age group, these are what DH and I take:

Nightwear
Pants
Dressing Gown
Slippers
Tissues
Shower gel
Toothpaste
Tooth brush
Hairbrush
iPhone charger and phone
iPad charger and iPad
IWatch charger and watch
Kindle and charger
Deodorant
Ear plugs
Snacks and sweets
Prescription drugs

In a blue lights emergency we still take our gadgets and chargers!

Up to date list of medications.
Pen

Ear plugs, eye mask, phone charger, toiletries, nightie, puzzle book, pen, notepad, cardigan, sweets, cereal bars, medication, comb, underwear, piece of paper that lists all your health conditions, medical history, medications, GP and next of kin contact details.

You’re packing a bag just in case you ever have to go to hospital? Even though you’re well?

You dont need one. But if you want an emergency bag generally it might be a good idea to pack in a few things and add a list of things to grab. I have one and did use it for a an unexpected hospital emergency admission.

To pack as these are good emergency things for even power cuts all in one place.

Book
Battery pack, phone plug and lead
Pen and note pad

Maybe pack as cheap to get spares
Toiletries and ear plugs

For a list
Empty or 5 days worth of prescription drugs
Where leggings, long tshirt, underwear is in the house to grab in emergency. Slippers
Drink and snacks. Chrochet or similar

In fact I also grabbed this when my mum.had a fall

Change. Lots of change.

I would also take a very long phone charger lead.

Thanks everyone, so nice of you all to write with such good suggestions. My son lives a good hour and a half away, and would struggle to find things if I was ever hospitalised. I just thought having a grab bag ready was a good idea - hopefully I'd be able to grab it myself :)

It's handy to have medications on the Contacts for your mobile. I have all mine under "Medicines" - medicine/dosage/time/day.

When I thought I might be having a heart attack I took my mobile, charger, medication, earplugs and a book. I second the long charger lead, power outlets are situated for medical staff, high up.

In an emergency I would still like to grab phone and charger. I’ve been looking for long leads but I don’t think you can get genuine Apple ones, only cheap makes.

I'm going into hospital and currently packing my bag, so thanks for this helpful thread!

Why are people packing PJs and nighties? Don't we all sleep in hospital gowns?

Hospital gowns are used for emergency admissions and for going to theatre. They gape open at the back, so if you don't mind your bum being on show when you get out of bed, don't pack pyjamas.

It's far more comfortable to wear your own nightclothes and certainly, in my local hospital, expected that you will have some with you to wear.

Thank you!

They do normally give you a gown, but as pp has said unles you wear two ( one with ties at the back and the other one with ties at the front) your going to expose yourself.

they are handy as dressing gowns though. Leggings, long T-shirt and fit flops are good as you can shuffle off around the hospital. I was told to stay on the ward but was worried about being in bed for 5 days so did wonder around.