Pack a Suitcase

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.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room

visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs.

www.JewishPavilion.org

The Orlando Senior Help Desk at the Jewish Pavilion (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org