Parkinson's Away-From-Home Kit
Explore our range of tools to help people with Parkinson’s advocate for their Parkinson’s medications on time, every time, in hospital.
If you have Parkinson’s, it’s important to take your Parkinson’s medication within 30 minutes of the prescribed time. Even short delays can worsen your symptoms and put you at risk. Yet over half of people with Parkinson’s don’t get their medications on time, every time, in hospital.
The Parkinson's Away-From-Home Kit is a range of tools to help people with Parkinson’s, and those who love and care for them, advocate for their Parkinson’s medications on time, every time.
The kit has been created in partnership with people with Parkinson’s and carers. You never know when you might need to go into hospital, so it's a good idea to prepare in case of an emergency stay.
Choose your tools
Because your Parkinson’s is unique to you, you may not need all of the tools available as part of the kit. You can choose and create a kit that works for you.
The tools on this page can be ordered from the Parkinson’s UK shop. There are also documents that you can print off at home and apps that you can download to your devices.
'What matters to me' form
Complete this form to record the information you want to share with health professionals so they know what is important to you and how your Parkinson’s affects you.
We recommend that you keep this document and an up-to-date copy of your prescription with you at all times. This will help hospital staff to quickly understand the medications you take if you go into hospital unexpectedly.
Preparation checklist for a hospital stay
This short booklet sets out some things to think about if you have Parkinson’s and you’re going to hospital.
- Download the preparation checklist (PDF, 190KB).
- Order a free printed copy of the preparation checklist from our shop.
Letter to hospital staff
Ask your Parkinson’s specialist to fill out and sign this letter. It explains that your medication is time critical and that you should be allowed to take your own medication if it’s safe to do so.
It’s a good idea to take this letter to your next appointment with your Parkinson’s team. If you have a planned admission, please contact your Parkinson’s team to let them know and ask them to fill out the letter.
- Download the letter to hospital staff (PDF, 84KB).
- Order a free printed copy of the letter to hospital staff from our shop.
Medical alert card
A laminated card that fits into a wallet or purse. It can be shown discreetly if you need assistance in a public place or if you’re having difficulty communicating. The card explains that you have Parkinson’s and the main symptoms you may be experiencing.
Parkinson's medication card
A concertina card for you to list the medication you take, the doses, and the timings. Folds up to business-card size.
Wristbands
These wristbands come in a set of 2 and show others that you have Parkinson's. They say, 'I have Parkinson's. Please give me time.'
Going into hospital when you have Parkinson's
This booklet includes further detailed information on how you can prepare for going into hospital, what you can expect when you’re admitted, how Parkinson’s may affect surgery, and how to get the most out of the time you spend with professionals.
- Download our 'Going into hospital when you have Parkinson's' booklet (PDF, 551KB).
- Order a free printed copy of our 'Going into hospital when you have Parkinson's' booklet from our shop.
- You can also read our information about going into hospital when you have Parkinson's on our website.
Washbag
Our branded washbag can help keep your tools from this kit together, but you can use your own outer bag if you prefer.
More resources for you
Many people prefer to keep a record of their medication information in a device or app. Read about the various apps and devices that can help you take your pills in our Tech Guide.
We share our top tips for preparing for both emergency and planned hospital admissions to help you feel more in control.
Some people with Parkinson’s use a QR code medical ID to store their medical information. Find out how QR codes work and how they can be useful if you have Parkinson's.