Be Prepared: First Aid and Emergency Kit Items for Seniors

You should always have an actual First Aid Kit, which contains medical supplies necessary in case of an at-home injury, but it's also important to have an Emergency Document Binder containing important medical information forms prepped and ready for yourself and your senior loved ones.

First Aid Kit for Seniors

Print this list out to use while assembling your First Aid Kit and Emergency Document Binder for your Emergency Kit.

• Hand sanitizer or soap
• Thermometer
• Gloves
• Bandages in various sizes (including knee, elbow and butterfly)
• Wrap bandages (such as Ace bandages)
• Over-the-counter medications (including antihistamine, fever reducer, anti-inflammatory, and hydrocortisone cream)
• Antiseptic ointment and alcohol wipes
• Blanket
• Gauze and tape
• Scissors
• Tweezers and safety pins
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Sterile eyewash
• Ice pack
• Activated charcoal
• Plastic bag to dispose of waste
• If needed: Blood sugar meter, blood pressure monitor and AED (automated external defibrillator)

5 Main Emergency Document Binder Items

1. Contact Names and Numbers
   • Primary physician
   • Specialists (rheumatologist, cardiologist, neurologist, pulmonologist, etc.)
   • Eye doctor
   • Dentist
2. Medication Tracker
   You'll need a comprehensive list of your current medications and dosages, including insulin and any over-the-counter pain medication and vitamins. Remember to update the list every time a new medication is added. (It also helps to have a copy of this medication list on your person in case there is ever an accident because it will help medical professionals determine the best emergency care.)
3. List of Ailments and Allergies
• Foods
• Seasonal allergies
• Medications
• Heart problems and concerns
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Macular degeneration
• Other conditions
4. Health Care Paperwork
• Driver's license and birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Medicare/Medicaid and other health insurance cards
• VA benefits information
• Health care proxy and durable power of attorney
• Advance directives, including: A living will, DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order, and organ donation info
• Last Will and Testament
5. Symptom list
   Jot down those symptoms when they appear, to keep a running list in case those small ailments turn into something bigger. That way you won't have to worry about remembering when the pain started, how often it occurred, etc.

In Cases of Long-term Hospitalization or Care

These items are important to have within easy access should extended hospitalization or long-term care be needed.

• List of utility providers, newspaper, post office, bank accounts -- in case they need to be stopped/turned off/paid
• Religious officials
• Accountant
• Attorney
• Safe Deposit Box
• Power of Attorney
• Insurance Agents and Policies

Aging in Place with Hoveround

Having a First Aid Kit and Emergency Document Binder of medical information forms is vital when you're a senior who is aging in place—and Hoveround can help you remain aging in place in more ways than one. Call to speak to one of our Mobility Specialists today at (800) 542-7236 to learn how you can retain your mobility and regain your independence!