Imagine your husband deciding what you would need if you were gone for 5 days?  Would you have everything you needed or wanted?

I know I could pack my husbands bag (and better than he could himself) but God help me if he packed mine.  The one and only time I was in the hospital it took him three visits to remember my earphones.

My son would be pretty hopeless, and my daughter would agonize over making sure it was perfect, and if I am in the hospital she’s already worried, she doesn’t need extra stress.

Having a go bag, is handy for unexpected weekends away, emergencies or the basics for when you have a longer trip.

But in case of emergency, use a roomy bag with a shoulder strap so if  someone is helping you get where you are going, and they have their hands free if they need them.

So Here is the list of what should be in your bag- 

• a weekly medicine thingy – date this so you know when you filled it up, medicines can change.  If you do it today, and don’t use your bag for 6 months or a year, it could be filled with pills you don’t take anymore, or missing something vital.
• A list of what’s in your medicine dispenser and why you take it,
• Underwear, ( put some pretty nice stuff in here, as you may be in a place where privacy is not assured)
• Comfy pj’s that are warm and modest.  You don’t necessarily want to be wearing that red and black lace thing if you are in a shared hospital room.
• A warm scarf, if you feel crappy having a warm neck is the difference between levels of misery and adds comfort.
• Socks
• Slippers
• Copies of paperwork, power of attorney, contact numbers etc.
• Cry shampoo
• Sweaters
• A change of clothes
• Unique toiletries – a favourite lipstick or lip balm,
• Hairbrush,
• Toothbrush,
• Facial wipes
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Glasses
• Hearing aid batteries
• Entertainment options -a good book, tablet, or hand-held hobby like crocheting, there is nothing worse than boredom! 
• Chargers for phone and tablet
• Earphones
• Writing material
• Contact list or a link if its online
• List of Regular health care providers
• Faith items, a bible or prayer book if it’s your thing.  

Other documents that may be needed are copies of:

• Insurance card (front and back, as authorization numbers often are on the reverse)
• Medicare/Medicaid card/health card
• Medical power of attorney/Durable power of attorney
• Living Will, do-not-resuscitate order
• Organ donor affidavit if applicable
• Denture cleaning supplies
• Small bag for securing jewelry or other valuables
• A small amount of cash
• Comfort items like copies of family photos, prayer book, Bible, rosary, etc.