Put together a Covid-19 Go Bag – just in case.
During the Corona Virus pandemic, anyone with a compromised immune system or over age 50, needs to be prepared to go the hospital at a moment’s notice with a Covid-19 Go Bag. While shelter-in-place orders and social distancing seem to have made a difference to slow the virus, states are starting to re-open and we may see a spike in cases.
Normally if you need to be hospitalized, your family or friends would take you and stay in the waiting room. Your room would be adorned with flowers, cards and loved ones could bring you stuff you needed. Not so in the days of Covid-19.
During Covid-19 you need extra preparation
Your family’s own safety is at risk. You need to get prepared now with a “Covid-19 Go Bag” that contains your medical information, medication and a connection to the world. It needs to be at the ready.
This advice comes from my husband’s physician who came down with Covid-19 like a ton of bricks.
Dr. Berman and his wife both got the virus at the same time in March after traveling to a wedding. Whether they caught the virus at the wedding or on the flight home, they will never know.
While recovering, Dr. Berman said his energy was so low, he was exhausted from eating two bites of toast and out of breath emptying the dishwasher. After 4 weeks, he was back to work doing telemedicine and talking with my husband.
Dr. Berman had some good advice for all of us: put together a “go bag.”
Your bag needs to contain essentials in case you have to stay at the hospital due to Covid-19.
“While you’re healthy, write down a list of medications you take, any allergies, and any relevant health history, and put it in the bag. In that bag, put a phone charger cable, a plug, and some kind of back up battery phone charger.”
Dr. Berman
Checklist For Your Go Bag
Paperwork:
Identification – copy of your passport or driver’s license
Copy of your insurance information
Medical power of attorney
Advanced Healthcare Directive
List of emergency phone numbers
Health history
List of medications
Stuff:
Small weekender bag that’s easy to grab
Extra pair of reading glasses
Phone charging station
If you are religious, a prayer book
A journal
Pens
Favorite book
A cosmetic bag – with travel sized skin care and foundation
Hairbrush
Travel zipper pouches to organize your clothes and undies
Comfy clothes for when you head home
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Go Bag Checklist
Put together your emergency “Gotta Go” bag with this checklist. Then get out and enjoy your day knowing you are prepared. Watch for tips on living a life of adventure over age 50 in your email box.
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Nancy’s Covid-19 Go Bag
Color copy of my passport for identification
Medical power of attorney – Advanced Healthcare Directive
Road ID dog tag – Contains all my medical information, list of medications, insurance and two emergency contacts
List of important phone numbers – in case my phone is not available
Extra pair of reading glasses
A Rosary
Empty journal and pens
Small cosmetic bag
Hairbrush
Zipper travel pouches to organize my clothes
Extra cloths for dismissal
Jay’s Covid-19 Go Bag
Copy of his driver’s license
List of medications
Medical power of attorney- Health Care Directive
Phone charger
Phone charging station.
Hopefully you won’t need yours
Hopefully the precautions — social distancing, staying home as much as possible, and washing our hands — will work and we’ll all stay safe and sound.
If not, let’s be ready.
7 thoughts on “Women Over 50: Get Your Covid-19 Go Bag Ready”
Hi
This is really excellent. We are in NC, and have been at home sine the beginning of March, taking all precautions. I actually did not think about putting all these items together, but such a wise idea! I take medication for my EDS and it is important to have all things in one place ready. I made a note to do this.
Thank you
Jessica
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Jess,
Sounds like you are being extra safe! Who wants to get the Corona Virus – it sounds just awful.
The other thing is the phone charger – your phone is your lifeline to family and friends. You’d never forget it but an extra charger would be super helpful in the hospital if – God forbid – you had to go!
Stay safe (and sane!)
Nancy
This is a great thing to do! I have had many hospitalizations, and you’re right, I have always had time to prepare for my stay. I think the entire list can be done in less than 30 minutes and if needed, will be priceless! Stay healthy!
Phyllis,
This time your friends can’t bring you things you forgot!
It took me about 20 minutes to get mine done and it’s a great feeling knowing I have it ready to go.
Just in case.
Nancy
This is great, Nancy! The extra chargers and list of contacts are great reminders. This is good during this time period, whether you’re dealing with coronavirus or something else. Once you’re dropped off, no one can come in and bring you something you have forgotten. So timely.
Melanie
This is so smart! I hadn’t thought of creating a go bag, but it makes so much sense, for COVID and anytime, really. Excellent idea! Thank you!
Lori,
You’ll never believe this but my Go Bag already came in handy. There was a wildfire across the hill from us and we prepped in case we had to evacuate. Well, guess who was already packed with a a change of clothes, ID, and my makeup? Yep. Me.
Fortunately, we didn’t have to evacuate and the firefighters got it under control.
It’s reassuring to know I already have clothes for a day or two.
Nancy