Caregiver Tips: What's in your Bag?

Ever since I was a teenager, I have carried a rather large pocketbook with me. With its ability to hold a range of items, this bag became a symbol of preparedness and adaptability, qualities that would prove invaluable in my role as a caregiver for my father with Alzheimer's.

The side pockets allowed me to stash away things like a small pack of tissues and spare change, which would often be handy during our outings. The sturdy zipper kept my contents secure, like how I strived to keep my father safe and comfortable. This sense of security and comfort was a constant companion, just like my trusty pocketbook was a reliable companion in my caregiving journey.

My pocketbook, always ready for action, was a hit with family and friends on outings. They relied on its space for small items. When I took on the role of caregiver for my father, the contents of my pocketbook evolved to meet his specific needs, showcasing its adaptability.

Caregiving: Learning while doing

As one of my father's primary caregivers, I constantly learned new things about meeting his needs as he and our family faced his Alzheimer's head-on.

At the same time, some things stayed consistent, like his love of birds, taking walks, and his appetite for ice cream.

However, over time, there were the expected changes. My father's attention span, ability to recall, and independence were challenged. Never giving up on him, I adapted and overcame.

Out and about

Dad and I had outings or appointments daily. As they became more frequent, there were times when I needed a little something, but I didn't have it in my bag. One afternoon, when returning from an outing, I gathered the necessary contents for my bag so Dad and I could be all set.

I was thinking ahead. As Dad's needs progressed, there were things I could not do without. I purchased a durable backpack for the following items to help with our outings. These staples supported my father and me during doctor visits, restaurants, stores, and the park.

While my bag at the beginning of my caretaking was a little small, we progressed to placing these items in a larger, padded backpack that stayed in my car and could be quickly passed along. The backpack I chose fit securely and comfortably over my back, and I could promptly assist Dad with its contents when he needed a helping hand.

The backpack of supplies we added to my bag for my father helped us in more ways than one. Whether traveling near or far, long or short, our backpack was more than a bag; it became our must-have companion. Allow me to share what Dad and I gathered for our travel bag.

What was in our backpack?

Our must-haves included:

• Wet wipes to clean hands before and after a snack or visit to the restroom.
• A first aid kit for those minor cuts and scapes that occur when you least expect it.
• Ibuprofen and Pepto-Bismol for pain and upset stomach relief.
• Chapstick for dry lips.
• Juice boxes and a water bottle to quench thirst.
• A bag of mixed nuts, crackers, or applesauce pouch to cure instant hunger pains.
• An eyeglass kit for when a screw needs replacement.
• Fidgets like small stuffed animals or a sensory book as a transition during car rides and restaurant visits.
• A change of clothing, including clean underwear, an adult diaper, shorts/pull-up pants, and socks.
• Nail clippers for trimming and hang nails.
• A wallet with a few small bills inside for your loved one to use if they want to help pay.
• Photographs of family and friends placed inside a mini album offer support with conversation.
• A pen and paper for notes, but also sketches and scribbles.
• A laminated sheet of emergency contact numbers, including family members and doctors.

Sharing is caring

Do you have a travel bag? Are you thinking of preparing one? What do you currently have, or might you place in one? I would love to learn your tips for caregiving outings. Let's share our knowledge and support for one another in this caregiving journey in honor of those we love and care for. Thank you.