What to Bring a Dementia Patient in the Hospital: An Essential Caregiver's Checklist

Oct 19, 2025 5 min read •

Dementia Care caregiving Hospitalization

Hospitalization can be especially disorienting for individuals with dementia, with studies showing an increased risk of delirium. Knowing exactly what to bring a dementia patient in the hospital is crucial for ensuring their comfort, safety, and a smoother experience for everyone involved.

Quick Summary

Packing a hospital bag for a person with dementia requires careful planning, from essential medical documents and personal items to comforting keepsakes and familiar routines for a smoother stay.

Key Points

Prepare a Comprehensive Go-Bag: Assemble a 'go-bag' with essential medical documents, clothing, and comfort items to reduce stress during both planned and emergency hospital visits.
Compile a Personal Information Sheet: Create a one-page document detailing the patient’s routines, preferences, communication tips, and potential triggers for hospital staff.
Bring Comforting, Familiar Objects: Include items like a favorite blanket, family photos, or a music player to provide comfort and reduce confusion in an unfamiliar environment.
Prioritize Comfort and Safety: Pack loose-fitting, personal clothing and non-slip footwear to ensure the patient is comfortable and safe from falls.
Encourage Nutrition and Hydration: Pack preferred non-perishable snacks and special drinking aids to help prevent dehydration, but always clear food and drinks with staff first.
Communicate Effectively and Advocate: Be prepared to inform and educate hospital staff about your loved one’s specific needs, and do not hesitate to advocate for their comfort and safety.
Create a Calming Environment: Help minimize sensory overload by reducing noise, managing lighting, and personalizing the hospital room with familiar cues.

A hospital stay is a stressful event for anyone, but for a person with dementia, it can be particularly frightening and confusing. The unfamiliar environment, changes in routine, and interactions with strangers can lead to increased anxiety, agitation, and disorientation. Caregivers play a vital role in minimizing this stress by preparing a 'go-bag' with everything needed for a smoother, more person-centered experience. This comprehensive guide details the essential items and information to prepare, whether the hospitalization is a planned procedure or an unexpected emergency.

The Importance of a Prepared Hospital Bag

Having a pre-packed bag can alleviate significant stress during an urgent medical event. It ensures that critical information and comforting personal effects are readily available from the moment of admission. This proactive approach helps hospital staff understand your loved one's specific needs, which is essential, as not all staff members have extensive training in dementia care. A well-stocked bag provides a sense of control for the caregiver and offers reassurance for the patient in a foreign setting.

Essential Medical and Legal Documents

Accuracy and completeness of medical information are paramount in a hospital setting. Having all documents organized in a folder or binder can save crucial time and ensure proper care.

Comprehensive Medication List: Include all prescription and over-the-counter medications, dosages, and the times they are taken. Also, list any allergies or adverse reactions.
Medical History Summary: A brief overview of current and past medical conditions, surgeries, and recent treatments.
Insurance and Identification: Copies of insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid cards, and a form of identification.
Advance Directives: Bring copies of all relevant legal documents, including a Medical Power of Attorney and a Living Will.

The "Personal Information Sheet"

One of the most important tools for a dementia patient's hospital stay is a detailed, single-page sheet that humanizes their care. This document should be placed prominently in the hospital room and at the nurses' station.

Preferred Name and Communication: Note what the patient likes to be called and the best way to communicate with them (e.g., talk slowly, use simple sentences).
Routines and Habits: Describe their normal daily routine, including sleep patterns, eating habits, and toileting schedule.
Likes and Dislikes: List favorite foods, music, or activities, and any specific dislikes or triggers that cause agitation.
Behavioral Information: Explain typical behaviors, potential triggers, and effective calming techniques.

Familiar Comfort Items to Reduce Anxiety

Hospitals are sterile and unfamiliar places. Bringing items from home can provide a sense of continuity and reduce anxiety for a person with dementia.

Favorite Blanket or Pillow: A personal blanket or pillow can offer warmth and a comforting, familiar scent.
Family Photographs: A small photo album or a few framed pictures of loved ones can be reassuring.
Music Player with Headphones: A music device pre-loaded with favorite songs can provide a calming distraction from hospital noises.
Fidget Toys or 'Twiddle Muffs': These can occupy restless hands and provide a soothing tactile experience.

Clothing, Toiletries, and Personal Care

Hospital gowns can be uncomfortable and confusing. Bringing familiar, comfortable clothing and personal care items can boost morale and independence.

Comfortable Clothing: Pack loose-fitting, easy-to-put-on clothing like pajamas, elastic-waist pants, and front-opening shirts. Choose clothes that accommodate potential IVs.
Non-Slip Footwear: Ensure you have non-slip socks or slippers to minimize the risk of falls.
Personal Toiletries: Include the patient's preferred toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, lotion, and any specific denture or hearing aid care supplies.
Essential Aids: Pack glasses, hearing aids with extra batteries, and denture supplies. Keep these items secure and ensure they are worn.

Nutrition and Hydration Support

Poor nutrition and dehydration are common risks during a hospital stay for dementia patients.

Favorite Non-Perishable Snacks: Bring easy-to-eat snacks that are a favorite of the patient, but always check with staff before offering them.
Specialized Drinking Aids: Pack a familiar cup, a cup with handles, or a straw to encourage hydration.
Label Everything: To prevent confusion and loss, label all clothing and personal belongings with the patient's name.

Activities and Engagement

To combat boredom and agitation, bring simple activities that can provide distraction and comfort.

Simple Reading Materials: Magazines with lots of pictures or a favorite book can provide a quiet activity.
Notebook and Pen: A notepad can be used for drawing or for caregivers to jot down notes from staff.
Prayer Book or Rosary: If the patient is religious, these items can offer comfort.

Working with Hospital Staff: Tips for Caregivers

Effective communication is the caregiver's most powerful tool. The staff needs your expert knowledge of the patient's unique needs and behaviors. This includes being able to effectively communicate with the patient, understanding their routines and patterns, and being able to spot signs of distress.

Creating a Calm Environment in the Hospital Room

Small adjustments to the hospital room can make a significant difference in a patient's comfort and well-being.

Reduce Noise: Keep the TV off and minimize background noise. Using headphones for music can be very effective.
Manage Lighting: Natural light can help regulate circadian rhythms. Consider an eye mask for rest if needed.
Familiarize the Space: Display photos and use a whiteboard to write reminders about the date, time, and why they are there.
Address Wandering Risks: Inform staff of any wandering history and take walks with the patient if medically approved.

Comparison: Go-Bag for Emergency vs. Planned Stay


Item	Emergency Go-Bag	Planned Hospital Stay
Documentation	Copies of essential IDs, insurance, and medication lists stored in a sealed envelope.	Original documents, a detailed 'Personal Information Sheet,' and advanced directives.
Medications	A few days' supply of daily medications, though the hospital will likely administer its own.	A detailed, updated medication list is sufficient; the hospital provides the medication.
Clothing	At least one change of comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing.	Several days' worth of loose-fitting pajamas, tops, and non-slip socks.
Comfort Items	A small, familiar item like a music player, small blanket, or fidget toy.	A wider range of familiar items, including photos, books, and favorite snacks.
Personal Care	Basic toiletries like a toothbrush and wipes.	Full toiletries kit, denture supplies, hearing aid batteries.
Caregiver Items	Snacks, water, phone charger, and a notebook for the caregiver.	All of the above, plus comfort items for the caregiver during an extended stay.

Conclusion: Preparation is Key to a Smoother Hospital Stay

For a person with dementia, a hospital admission is often more than a physical medical event; it is a profound disruption to their reality. The caregiver's role in preparing a comprehensive hospital bag transforms a potentially traumatic experience into a manageable situation. By bringing essential documents, familiar objects, and personal care items, you provide continuity and comfort. Equally important is your proactive communication with hospital staff to ensure the patient's history, routines, and preferences are understood. Through thoughtful preparation, caregivers can effectively advocate for their loved one's comfort and well-being, paving the way for a calmer and safer hospital stay. For more resources on navigating a hospital stay, you can consult the National Institute on Aging's tips for caregivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

A hospital stay can be difficult because the unfamiliar environment, changes in routine, and new people can increase confusion, anxiety, and agitation. This disruption can make it challenging for the person with dementia to understand their situation and cooperate with care.

A 'Personal Information Sheet' is a document for hospital staff that provides crucial details about the patient, including their preferred name, communication style, daily routines, likes, and dislikes. It helps staff deliver more person-centered care and understand the individual better.

You should bring a comprehensive list of all current medications, dosages, and times. While some hospitals may allow you to use your own supply, they will typically provide and administer all required medications. Always check with the hospital staff first.

If the patient has a history of wandering, inform the hospital staff immediately upon admission. They can implement safety measures, such as alarms or electronic tracking tags. You can also help by providing reassurance, distraction, and accompanying them on walks if medically approved.

It is not always required to wear a hospital gown. You can pack comfortable, loose-fitting personal clothing like pajamas, sweatpants, and front-opening shirts. Wearing their own clothes can help the patient feel more at ease and can help distinguish day from night.

To reduce noise and stimulation, you can turn off the television, put the phone on silent, close the door, and use headphones for music. These actions can minimize sensory overload and prevent agitation.

Yes, you can bring the patient's favorite non-perishable snacks and drinks. However, you must always check with a hospital staff member or nurse before giving them anything, as it could interfere with medical tests or treatment plans.

Caregivers should also pack a bag with their own essentials, including a phone charger, snacks, water, a book, a change of clothes, and personal toiletries, especially during emergency visits.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.