Caregiver Guidance
On the Verge of a Crisis: When That Moment Comes
Sometimes life hangs by the ring of a phone. The phone ringing in the middle of the night, an ambulance suddenly at your door, or minutes that start with a vague feeling of unease... If you have a loved one with dementia, you know all too well that you must always be prepared for emergencies. When we think of that heartbreaking night of Aunt Gülseren's daughter Dilek, it becomes inevitable to question how prepared we really are. That is why the so-called 'emergency bag' is of vital importance: for the safety of your loved one with dementia and your peace of mind.
Dementia and Emergencies: Why Should We Be Prepared?
Dementia is not merely memory loss. Nine out of ten people with dementia will, at some point, experience another disabling condition that requires urgent medical intervention. According to the World Health Organization, around 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, and this number increases by 10 million every year (Source: WHO). The most common causes include heart attacks, strokes, severe head injuries, febrile illnesses, infections, and sudden disappearances. Field observations by the Turkish Alzheimer Association show that more than half of elderly residents in care homes have to visit the emergency room.
A person living with dementia often has difficulty communicating, expressing their own needs, or conveying their medical history, which can lead to delays or even mistakes in emergency care. Here, an emergency bag is much more than a medical tool: it becomes that person’s voice, identity, and protective shield.
What Is an Emergency Bag? Who Needs One?
An emergency bag is a pre-prepared bag that contains the basic essentials to make life easier for both your loved one with dementia and yourself in cases of unexpected health problems, hospitalization, getting lost, or sudden need to leave the house. It is recommended not only for advanced stages but for all levels of dementia. It is especially necessary for those living alone, with mobility limitations or chronic illnesses, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, or vascular dementia.
The Core Components of an Emergency Bag
According to recommendations by the World Alzheimer’s Association and various health authorities, an effective emergency bag has six key components:
Personal Information and Identification Documents:
Copy of ID, identification card, and if available, passport
Information about relationships and a list of people to contact in an emergency
A brief note introducing the relative, explaining the illness stage, and contact details
Medical Documents:
Complete medical history (diagnoses, illness stage, allergies, chronic illnesses)
A current list of medications used (times, dosage, brand names)
Copies of recent lab results, ECGs, X-rays, family physician or hospital reports
Summary reports of previous hospital stays
Preferred medical institutions (if any), family doctor, and specialist contact info
Necessary Medications and Supplies:
Daily pill organizer and at least a 72-hour supply of meds
Prescriptions or photos of medication boxes with barcodes
Necessary skin protectors, band-aids, cotton, gloves, and other basic first aid products
If needed, hearing aid, glasses, denture container
Personal Hygiene and Cleaning Items:
Wet wipes, disposable masks, hand sanitizer
Spare underwear, adult diapers, clothing – climate-appropriate spares
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and a small towel
Psychosocial Support and Comfort Items:
Photo album or favorite object (bracelet, keychain, toy)
Small notebook and pen
A familiar pillow or small blanket
Nutrition and Hydration Supplies:
Bottled water (minimum 1.5 liters)
Non-allergenic, easy-to-eat snacks (crackers, biscuits, fruit puree, food in easy-open packaging)
Behind every aspirin, every report, every photograph lies the vital importance of correct and timely information while racing against time in an emergency room. Your prepared bag provides both tangible and emotional security.
Personal Notes and Communication Methods: Vital Details for the Person with Dementia
One important point not to forget: your loved one may struggle to explain themselves in a crisis. They may use body language or other means to communicate basic needs like drinking water or using the bathroom. The following items in a well-prepared emergency bag help:
A short paper summarizing the patient's name, dementia stage, and preferred form of address for comfort
Primary person to contact and their relationship (e.g., "Güner Hanım’s daughter; available 24/7")
Specific fears, likes and dislikes – such as loud noises, unfamiliar touch, etc.
Notes like "gets more agitated around unfamiliar people during a crisis"
These personal touches help emergency responders or hospital staff communicate more appropriately and gently with your loved one.
Maintaining and Keeping the Bag Ready
Preparing an emergency bag requires great responsibility, as having up-to-date medications or documents is critical. Pay attention to the following when preparing the bag:
Update medications and reports monthly.
Renew clothing according to the season.
Make sure identification, contact notes, and photos are easily accessible and in a waterproof folder.
Attach a label to the bag reading “Emergency – Dementia Patient.”
Let all family members and, if possible, caregivers or neighbors know where the bag is kept for added safety.
Extra Measures for Wandering/Missing Risk in Dementia
People with dementia, especially in early and middle stages, face a high risk of going missing. Research shows that 60% of people with dementia get lost at least once during their lives (Source: Alzheimer Association). In case of disappearance, your emergency bag must include:
A current ID photo (both digital and printed)
ID card stating "Person with dementia, has difficulty with directions"
Bracelet or necklace with address and nearby phone number (medical alert bracelet)
If available, a GPS tracking device or a simple Bluetooth location tracker
For a person at risk of getting lost, such precautions are crucial for quick identification and proper communication when found.
The Hospital and Ambulance Process: How Case Management Is Simplified
In a crisis, most of us are anxious, exhausted, and panicked. Thus, the information in the emergency bag greatly eases the work of healthcare professionals in the ER. Studies show that rapid access to accurate information can improve the quality of healthcare by up to 40% (Source: NCBI). Especially if the patient cannot communicate:
“Thanks to the emergency bag, we discovered our patient’s previous drug allergy and changed our approach. This prevented serious complications.”
Such a bag is more than a collection of evidence and medications; it offers hope and order to both healthcare workers and families.
The Emotional Toll: Prepare an Emergency Bag for Yourself Too
According to research, caregivers of people with dementia are among the groups with the highest psychological burden. Up to 70% experience burnout and anxiety, and one in three is at risk for depression. Therefore, there is also a way to prevent emotional crisis: your own mini emergency measures... For instance, a stress ball, a cherished photo, a few motivational quotes, the contact information of a trusted friend, or even a brief action plan for potential crises with loved ones.
What Should You Do in a Crisis? Step-by-Step Action Plan
Stay Calm: Breathe and try to sequence the events.
Take the Emergency Bag: Have the bag within reach.
Assess the Situation: Check consciousness, breathing, and any obvious signs of trauma.
Call for Emergency Help: When calling 112, immediately state that the patient has dementia and explain the situation.
Be Prepared for First Aid: Apply your first aid training if you have any. Keep identification and medical notes ready.
For the Hospital Trip: Do not forget identification, medical reports, medications, and personal needs (e.g., dentures, devices).
Clear Communication with Doctors and Healthcare Staff: Clearly and succinctly explain the situation, special sensitivities, current medications, and allergies.
Bring a Trusted Companion: Try not to be alone, especially in a severe crisis.
Where and How Should the Emergency Bag Be Stored?
The bag should be kept in an easily accessible, fixed, and secure place. Suitable spots include the kitchen entrance or behind the bedroom door. If you live on the ground floor, you can keep it right next to the exit door. Its contents should be in an easy-to-open zippered handbag or small duffel bag. Clear labels such as “Emergency”, “Dementia”, or “Personal Information” may be on the bag.
Family members, caregivers, or trusted nearby neighbors should all know where the bag is kept.
Cultivating a Culture of Emergency Preparedness in Dementia Care: The Importance of Social Awareness
Today, dementia is not only an individual concern but also a matter for the whole community. In Turkey, 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 live with dementia. This reality necessitates broadening emergency preparedness culture. Safe living environments, neighborly relations, community support, and coordination with official institutions—these are key parts of a crisis-resilient ecosystem.
Final Words: Start Building Your Safety Net Today
An emergency bag is not just a collection of items; it embodies the essence of careful preparation filled with love, knowledge, and solidarity. With every document and every medication, you tell your loved one with dementia, “You are not alone. Whatever happens, we are ready.” Remember, this journey is not only for your patient—it is a valuable step for your own peace of mind and resilience, too. Once you are prepared, you will feel a newfound sense of security rising within you.
References
Turkish Alzheimer Association: Dementia and Emergency Care Preparedness Reports
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