1. First Aid Plus
Older people bleed like everyone else, but they also have other needs that children and younger athletes may encounter. A good first aid kit is a small box or case that is full of the things that will get a person through an emergency until they can get to the doctor. It takes foresight and knowledge of the person's individual health issues. For example, you wouldn't need insulin needles for a senior who doesn't have diabetes.
2. Take Inventory
While a senior may never need a first aid kit, it is better to be ready for anything. Inventory the current health situation of the senior for whom you are preparing the kit. Find out what life-saving medications they are taking and fill a small pill box with extra doses in case the daily meds are lost or misplaced. Include a small, laminated list of emergency phone numbers that include after-hours numbers of regular doctors and family members who know the senior's health history.
3. Better Access for Seniors
Seniors all lose some of the sense we take for granted when younger so consider your senior and where he or she is failing. Put a spare pair of cheap bifocal glasses in case glasses get broken or lost. Label small bottles and items with large print labels. If the senior resists carrying a cell phone, get an emergency throwaway phone and stick it in there. An instant cold pack can bring quick relief for heat exhaustion and a hot pack can sooth aching joints and back pain. Find out what pain reliever the senior uses and make sure there is plenty in stock. Tape a quick inventory of the senior's health issues inside the lid of the first aid kit.
4. Include the Basics
Include all the basic first aid materials you would put in any emergency kit such as adhesive bandages and antiseptic cream. Tweezers, alcohol wipes and disposable gloves will come in handy for anyone using the first aid kit to administer treatment to someone else. Gauze, ACE bandages and butterfly stitches are great to have if you have room in the kit. Antacids and stomach medicine help when they will be eating out on the trip.
5. See Your Way to Safety
Even with eyeglasses, seniors often have trouble seeing everything, so include a small magnifying glass to make sure he or she can make out directions on first aid ingredients. Put a small flashlight in the kit so they can find their way in the dark.
