Which item should be included when a resident from an assisted living facility is admitted to a hospital?

• A. Copy of advance directives
• B. Jewelry and money
• C. Large kitchen appliances
• D. Pets

Answer: (A)

When someone from an assisted living setting goes to the hospital, the most important thing to have on hand is copies of their advance directives. These documents spell out the patient’s wishes about life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, and who should make healthcare decisions if the patient can’t communicate. Providing copies to the hospital ensures clinicians can quickly read and honor the patient’s preferences, even if the originals aren’t immediately available or if the patient is unable to speak for themselves. Advance directives may include a living will, a durable power of attorney for healthcare, and any DNR or physician orders, which guide medical decisions and help avoid unwanted interventions.

Personal items like jewelry or money, large kitchen appliances, or pets aren’t relevant to medical care during admission and don’t influence treatment decisions, so they aren’t needed for the admission process.