Caregiver Preparedness Bag
As a caregiver, you will likely spend many hours in cancer centers for treatment sessions. Likewise, patients can spike a fever and must go immediately to an emergency room. Unfortunately, hospitals aren’t typically designed for caregiver comfort.
We recommend creating a caregiver “go” bag to have at the ready. Being prepared can make treatment sessions go a little faster or the unplanned trip to the hospital a little easier – for both the patient and you. Customize it for your needs, but here’s a starter list:
A copy of your loved one’s medication list, medical history, and physician list/contact information
- Insurance cards
- Family and friends contact list
- Cell phone and tablet or computer
- Headphones/music player
- Chargers for your electronic devices
- Healthy snacks – nuts, granola, popcorn, and a bottle of water
- Magazines or a good book
- Entertainment items such as crossword puzzles or knitting
- Pen and notepad
- Comfortable clothes that you can wear in layers (some facilities get cold)
- Socks
- A favorite blanket for your loved one and a small travel blanket for you
- Moisturizing lotion
- Tissues
- Antibacterial hand gel
- A small flashlight
- Toothbrush/travel size toothpaste
- Small pillow
- Lip balm