Things to Take on a Trip Out
Plan ahead
To avoid stress (for both of you), make sure you plan ahead and know where you're going, and allow plenty of time for any appointment (within reason - not so much that waiting becomes a problem).
If using a prepay ticket for parking consider paying for quite a lot more time than you expect to take, so you don't have to worry.
Checklist
NB we also have a separate checklist of things to include in a hospital bag for unplanned trips to hospital.
Depending on the nature of the visit and the weather, consider the following checklist, bearing in mind that things may take longer than expected:
- any medication that may be needed during the time out (securely held, and drink etc for taking it with)
- warm clothes including warm hat, snood, gloves, shawls
- sun hat, headscarf, sunglasses, suncream
- raincoat or rain cape, umbrella
- drink and cup
- food (such as apple puree baby food pots) and teaspoon to eat it with
- a pack of 'pocket tissues'
- a pack of 'hand wipes'
- alcohol gel to wash hands with
- a few plastic bags to keep things clean
- incontinence products
- entertainment e.g. book of photos, music on a mobile/cell phone (or radio) with headphones
- list of medicines taken, for health appointments
- notebook and pen, especially for health appointments
- if using taxis, the phone numbers for several companies (especially if using a wheelchair)
- plenty of change for parking fees.
A backpack is useful for carrying things and keeping both hands free to help.
Identification
Just in case they wander off or you get separated, for example if you need to go on an emergency mission to get something for them, make sure they have some identification with your mobile/cell phone number on them, and that you have a photograph of them to show to people (e.g. take a photo on your mobile/cell phone that shows what they're wearing that day). I know, we worry too much.