Prepare in Advance for a Hospital Visit

Prepare in Advance

At some point or another, people with Parkinson’s may end up needing to go to a hospital. Save time and worry by preparing an emergency hospital bag in advance.

What to Bring:

• A current list of all of your medications for Parkinson’s and other conditions and your schedule (dosage and timing) for taking them.
• Actual medications in their original containers and instructions about how you take them — for example, with water, with or without food, a list of phone numbers for your doctors, family members and friends.
• A list of your particular PD symptoms and any activities with which you need help (for example, dressing or turning over in bed).
• If you are participating in a clinical trial, bring information describing it.
• A list of your allergies.
• A letter from your doctor saying that you can take your own PD medications if hospitalized.
• A letter from your doctor listing the medications that should NOT be taken by a person with PD.
• Copies of legal documents, including your health care proxy and living will.
• If you’ve had DBS, information about your device (call Medtronic Patient Services at 800-510-6735).

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR YOUR NEXT HOSPITAL STAY?

Did you know three out of four people with PD in the hospital don’t receive their medications on time and have a 1 in 4 chance of complications because of medication errors? We recommend every person with Parkinson’s have an AWARE IN CARE KIT. The kit is designed to help you:

• Understand the risks associated with hospital stays.
• Have the tools to play an active role in your care.
• Be prepared for a hospital visit, whether planned or unplanned.
• Have a plan to get the best possible care in the hospital

Learn more about the kit here.
Click to order FREE AWARE IN CARE KIT