The older you get, the likelier it is that you’ll end up in an emergency room unexpectedly. If you do, who’ll bring your favorite nightgown and music? Who’ll feed the cat or walk the dog?
Planning ahead has two components: making provisions for what must be done in your absence and consolidating what you’ll need for a hospital stay.
Line up a few people willing to do needed chores and prepare a list of what must be done: bills to be paid, appointments to be cancelled, location of important papers (advance directives, will, list of people to be notified in various eventualities) and so on.
Pack a small suitcase with things you’d like to have if you’re hospitalized for a few days. Put a second copy of your to-do lists and important papers in with your personal amenities.
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