## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) # Hospital Safety Guide Advocate for your best care with the Hospital Safety Guide. ![Couple looking at the Hospital Safety Guide on a tablet](/sites/default/files/styles/1902x600/public/images/Hospital-Safety-Guide-2025-hero.png?h=83615a45&itok=0v6qfmlM) IN THIS SECTIONIN THIS SECTION - [Understanding Parkinson’s](/understanding-parkinsons) View Menu - [Understanding Parkinson’s](/understanding-parkinsons) - [What is Parkinson's?](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons) - [10 Early Signs](/understanding-parkinsons/10-early-signs) - [Causes](/understanding-parkinsons/causes) - [Movement Symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms) - [Non-Movement Symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms) - [Getting Diagnosed](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed) - [Statistics](/understanding-parkinsons/statistics) - [Living with Parkinson’s](/living-with-parkinsons) View Menu - [Living With Parkinson’s](/living-with-parkinsons) - [New to Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons/new-to-parkinsons) - [Our Care Programs](/living-with-parkinsons/care-programs) - [Finding Care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care) - [Treatment](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment) - [Management & Lifestyle](/living-with-parkinsons/management) - [Emotional & Mental Health](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health) - [Legal, Financial & Insurance](/living-with-parkinsons/legal-financial) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) View Menu - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline) - [In Your Area](/your-area) - [PD Library](/resources-support/pd-library) - [Hospital Safety Guide](/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide) - [Online Education](/resources-support/online-education) - [Events](/resources-support/events) - [Community Grants](/resources-support/community-grants) - [For Care Partners](/resources-support/carepartners) - [For Professionals](/resources-support/professionals) - [Find Your Chapter](/resources-support/find-your-chapter) - [Blog](/resources-support/blog) - [Advancing Research](/advancing-research) View Menu - [Advancing Research](/advancing-research) - [Finding A Cure](/advancing-research/finding-cure) - [Our Research](/advancing-research/our-research) - [Understanding Research](/advancing-research/understanding-research) - [Join A Study](/advancing-research/join-study) - [Advocate for Research](/advancing-research/advocate-research) - [For Researchers](/advancing-research/for-researchers) - [Drug Discovery and Development](/advancing-research/parkinsons-drug-discovery) - [How You Can Help](/how-to-help) View Menu - [How You Can Help](/how-to-help) - [Donate Now](/how-to-help/donate) - [Why Support Us](/how-to-help/why-support-us) - [Make a Tribute Gift](/how-to-help/tribute) - [Fundraise](/how-to-help/fundraise) - [Volunteer](/how-to-help/volunteer) - [Corporate Sponsors](/how-to-help/corporate-sponsors) - [Planned Giving](/how-to-help/more-ways-to-give/planned-giving) - [More Ways to Give](/how-to-help/more-ways-to-give) - [Policy & Advocacy](/how-to-help/policy-advocacy-priorities) ## 💡 Quick Summary - People with Parkinson’s are at higher risk during hospital stays and should prepare ahead to manage symptoms and prevent complications. - The Hospital Safety Guide offers tools like medical alert cards, medication forms and step-by-step planners to support safe hospital visits in the U.S. - Planning includes [surgery](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/surgical-options/other-surgical-options "Focused Ultrasound & Other Lesion Therapies") preparation, alternative medication methods, device-specific needs and using smartphone Medical ID for emergencies. People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are at a higher risk of hospitalization and face many challenges while in the hospital. It is important for all people with Parkinson’s to be aware of the risks, prepare ahead of time and know how to advocate for their needs while in the hospital. The Hospital Safety Guide is a resource for people with Parkinson's and their care partners filled with useful tools and information to prepare for and navigate a hospital stay. ### The Importance of Hospital Safety For most people, being in the hospital is a stressful experience. People are usually sick or experiencing some kind of health crisis. For people with PD, symptoms may get worse, and new symptoms, like confusion or [thinking changes](/resources-support/carepartners/advanced/dementia "Thinking Changes & Dementia"), can develop because of stress, infection, fatigue, sleep disturbances, surgery or new medications. Already a delicate balance, PD symptom management can be even trickier in the hospital because: - People often do not get enough movement opportunities. - Parkinson’s medications may not be given following the at-home schedule. - Medications that worsen PD are sometimes prescribed. - PD medication doses are often delayed or missed. ![Symptom Spiral Infographic](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Symptom-Spiral-graphic-2025.png?itok=1H7NDMvI) These issues can lead to additional complications and set up a vicious cycle that puts you at risk for falls, swallowing changes, muscle deterioration, medication side effects, mental and physical decline or decreased independence. This is known as “The Symptom Spiral.” ### Order your free Hospital Safety Guide At the Parkinson’s Foundation, it is our mission to help people with Parkinson’s disease live better lives, and that includes staying safe while in the hospital. Our Hospital Safety Guide is available to everyone in the Parkinson’s community at no cost to order or download. [Order Now](/resources-support/pd-library/order-publications) [DOWNLOAD NOW](/library/books/hospital-safety-guide) ![Hospital Safety Guide Cover](/sites/default/files/styles/412x398/public/images/Hospital-Safety-Guide-Cover-NEW.png?h=5193ff8a&itok=uruMBxwc) We currently only ship the guide within the U.S. If you are outside the U.S., we recommend downloading the guide and printing the essential resources outlined below. ### Next Steps Following a Difficult Hospital Stay If you or someone close to you has PD and experienced a difficult hospital stay, there are resources available for documenting what happened. The [Processing a Challenging Hospital Experience Form](https://forms.fillout.com/t/sqJD2KhX9hus) can help you reflect on and record the details. Use this form to help you write about what did not go well and what you want others to understand. This form can be printed and brought to your next hospital stay or Parkinson's appointment. [USE THE FORM](https://forms.fillout.com/t/sqJD2KhX9hus) ## Guide Resources The Hospital Safety Guide is filled with useful tools and information to help a person with Parkinson’s during their next hospital visit, planned or unplanned. Print these resources when you have used the copies within your guide, or share additional copies with care partners and loved ones. ### Hospital Safety Forms **[Medical Alert Card](/sites/default/files/documents/Medical-Alert-Card-2025.pdf "Medical-Alert-Card-2025.pdf")** Fill in your card with emergency contact information and place it in your wallet. **[Medication Form](/sites/default/files/documents/medication-form-fillable-2025.pdf "medication-form-fillable-2025.pdf")** Complete this form every time your medication routine changes. Keep copies with your guide for use at the hospital. If you download the form, you can fill it out on your device before printing. [**Parkinson’s Care Summary for Health Professionals**](/sites/default/files/documents/care-summary-health-prof-2025.pdf "care-summary-health-prof-2025.pdf") Hospital staff may not be familiar enough with PD to understand your symptoms, know why they fluctuate or that they can worsen quickly if you do not receive your Parkinson’s medications at the scheduled times. Share this summary with health professionals providing your care to ensure they know what you need. [**Doctor’s Letter: Parkinson’s Hospital Care Needs**](/sites/default/files/documents/doctors-letter-2026.pdf "doctors-letter-2026.pdf") Ask your primary Parkinson’s care provider to sign this letter, which highlights the impact that infections can have on Parkinson’s symptoms and the importance of adherence to the Parkinson’s medication schedule. [**Device-Specific Needs**](/sites/default/files/documents/device-specific-needs-fillable-2025.pdf "device-specific-needs-fillable-2025.pdf") If you have received any surgical treatments for Parkinson’s, fill out this form and keep any device-specific information with your guide. [**My Personal Care Details**](/sites/default/files/documents/personal-care-details-fillable-2025.pdf "personal-care-details-fillable-2025.pdf") Use this form to keep track of information that is specific to you and your care. [**Print All Forms**](/sites/default/files/documents/all-hospital-safety-guide-forms-2025.pdf "all-hospital-safety-guide-forms-2025.pdf") Print all forms from the Hospital Safety Guide, outlined above, as a single PDF document. ### Additional Important Resources [**Your Step-by-Step Hospital Planner**](/sites/default/files/documents/step-by-step-hospital-planner-2025.pdf "step-by-step-hospital-planner-2025.pdf") Review this planner before you need it. When it comes to hospital safety, planning is best. You can also use this planner to help get you up-to-speed quickly in case of an emergency! [**My 5 Parkinson’s Needs**](/sites/default/files/documents/5-parkinsons-needs-2025.pdf "5-parkinsons-needs-2025.pdf") Refer to these pages while you or your loved one are in the hospital. Each page outlines the importance of a Parkinson’s need, real-time steps to have each need met, common challenges and important things to understand. [**Preparing for Surgeries and Other Procedures**](/sites/default/files/documents/preparing-surgery-2025.pdf "preparing-surgery-2025.pdf") Review these recommendations before surgery and refer to them on surgery day. [**Other Ways to Take Your Medication**](/sites/default/files/documents/Other-Ways-Take-Medication.pdf "Other-Ways-Take-Medication.pdf") Review these options if you are told that food, water and/or medication must be withheld prior to a surgery or other procedure, or because of concerns with swallowing ability. **[Safe & Contraindicated Medications List](/sites/default/files/documents/safe-contraindicated-medications-2026.pdf "safe-contraindicated-medications-2026.pdf")** Review this list with your care team to quickly identify safe and unsafe medications. This list is also included on the Parkinson’s Care Summary for Health Professionals. ### Using Medical ID on your Smartphone Medical ID is a tool on Apple and Android smartphones that is used by first responders if you are unable to communicate and have your phone with you. [HOW TO SET IT UP](/sites/default/files/documents/setting-up-medical-id-phone.pdf "setting-up-medical-id-phone.pdf") ### Interested in having a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador speak to your group? Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors are trained volunteers who talk to clinicians, healthcare professionals, support groups and many others about the Hospital Safety Guide and hospital care for people with PD. If you are interested in inviting an ambassador to speak to your group, in person or virtually, please fill out a [Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador Engagement Request](https://forms.office.com/r/6BQjiH6JRi). If you are interested in sharing important hospital care information and becoming a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador yourself, visit [Parkinson.org/Volunteer](/how-to-help/volunteer "Volunteer"). [complete the form](https://forms.office.com/r/6BQjiH6JRi) [learn more](/how-to-help/volunteer) ![terri_weymouth](/sites/default/files/styles/535x680/public/images/terri_weymouth.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=jK2aM8qi) MY PD STORY: Terri Weymouth "My passion has become educating people with Parkinson’s and their families about how they can live a great life despite their PD diagnosis. I wanted to share how the Hospital Safety Guide could be a useful tool in achieving that.” [ READ Terri's STORY ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/terri-weymouth) - ### FAQs **Q. Does the Hospital Safety Guide replace the Aware in Care Hospital Safety kit?** A. Yes, the Parkinson’s Foundation Hospital Safety Guide is the updated and improved version of the Aware in Care Hospital Safety kit. While it has a new look and name, the Hospital Safety Guide remains a tangible critical resource that people can take with them to the hospital. **Q. How is the Hospital Safety Guide an improvement?** A. We added new, vital information, based on research and feedback, prioritizing what is most important — staying safe and empowered when hospitalized with Parkinson’s. We have also ensured that the Guide aligns directly with our **[Hospital Care Recommendations](/sites/default/files/documents/hospital-care-recommendations-april2023.pdf "hospital-care-recommendations-april2023")**, so that people with Parkinson’s and clinicians are working towards the same goals. Additionally, each form in our Guide is print-ready. **Q. How was the Hospital Safety Guide created?** A. The Guide incorporates feedback from a diverse review committee including the People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council and other Parkinson’s community members, Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline specialists and health professionals, including PD experts and those who work in hospitals. **Q. How much does it cost to order a Hospital Safety Guide?** A: The Hospital Safety Guide is available to order at **no cost** and shipping is free. **Q. Should I order a Hospital Safety Guide if I already have an Aware in Care Hospital Safety kit?** A. Yes! The Guide features new, vital information that is *not* included within the Aware in Care Hospital Safety kit. We recommend that every person with Parkinson’s either: - [Order a Parkinson’s Foundation Hospital Safety Guide](/resources-support/pd-library/order-publications "Order Publications") Or - **[Review the guide online](https://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/documents/Hospital-Safety-Guide.pdf)** and **[print all guide resources](https://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/documents/ALL-hospital-safety-guide-forms.pdf)** to add to your kit. We encourage you to use the original kit bag to store at least a two-day supply of your current medications in labeled pharmacy bottles. **Q. What if I need to order Hospital Safety Guide replacement components (like the medication form)?** A. All guide components are available for download at no cost. Download them below: - **[Medication Form](/sites/default/files/documents/medication-form-fillable-2025.pdf "medication-form-fillable-2025.pdf")** Complete this form every time your medication routine changes. Keep copies with your Guide for use at the hospital. If you download the form, you can fill it out on your computer before you print it. - **[Parkinson’s Care Summary for Health Professionals](/sites/default/files/documents/care-summary-health-prof-2025.pdf "care-summary-health-prof-2025.pdf")** Share this summary with your health professionals providing care to ensure they know what you need. *This replaces the Hospital Fact Sheet from within the Aware in Care kit.* - **[Doctor’s Letter: Parkinson’s Hospital Care Needs](/sites/default/files/documents/doctors-letter-2026.pdf "doctors-letter-2026.pdf")** Ask your primary Parkinson’s care provider to sign this letter, which highlights the importance of adherence to the Parkinson’s medication schedule and impact that infections can have on Parkinson’s symptoms. - **[Device-Specific Needs](/sites/default/files/documents/device-specific-needs-fillable-2025.pdf "device-specific-needs-fillable-2025.pdf")** If you received any surgical treatments for Parkinson’s, use this form to provide the details and be sure to keep any device-specific information with your guide. *This replaces the DBS and Duopa cards from the Aware in Care kit.* - **[View the full Guide here](/sites/default/files/documents/hospital-safety-guide-april-2026.pdf "hospital-safety-guide-april-2026.pdf")** ## Join the Fight Against Parkinson's Support ground-breaking research, care and community outreach [$35](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/Donation2?11283.donation=form1&df_id=11283&mfc_pref=T&l&set.DonationLevel=26812) [$50](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/Donation2?11283.donation=form1&df_id=11283&mfc_pref=T&l&set.DonationLevel=26813) [$100](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/Donation2?11283.donation=form1&df_id=11283&mfc_pref=T&l&set.DonationLevel=26814) [$250](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/Donation2?11283.donation=form1&df_id=11283&mfc_pref=T&l&set.DonationLevel=26815) [Donate](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/Donation2?11283.donation=form1&df_id=11283&mfc_pref=T&l&set.DonationLevel=26822&set.Value=) ## Related Materials Podcasts ### [ Episode 107: Advocating for a Safe Hospitalization ](/library/podcast/107) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/107) Fact Sheets ### [ Parkinson's Hospital Care Infographic ](/library/fact-sheets/hospital-care) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/hospital-care) Fact Sheets ### [ Hospital Safety and Parkinson’s ](/library/fact-sheets/hospital-safety) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/hospital-safety) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn