Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Most pregnant mothers are advised to pack a suitcase for their upcoming visit to the hospital. Everyone, but especially seniors, should keep a packed bag at home. It should contain the obvious things like nightclothes, toiletries, an outfit to go home in, slip on sneakers and a book to read.

The bag should also include a copy of your medical records and your legal documents. The physicians at intake do not know your medical wishes/directives, so it is important to have them with you at the time of arrival.

Packing in advance is a great gift to your adult children or neighbors, who can come to the hospital immediately without taking a detour to your home to go through drawers and attempt to select what you need. On a humorous note, my mother has a packed bag in her apartment, and when she had emergency gall bladder surgery, she asked the paramedic to grab it. He took an empty suitcase rather than the correct one. Now, only one bag is laid out for emergency purposes.

For free advice, referrals and more information contact the OSHD at 407-678-9363 or visit http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org.