Caregiver Resources
Ask any experienced caregiver what’s in their pockets and you’ll get a surprisingly consistent list. Whether you’re new to home health care or just want to tighten up your daily kit, here’s what’s worth carrying on every shift.
Identification and badge holder
Your ID badge should be visible and secure — clients, families, and facility staff need to be able to confirm who you are at a glance. A badge holder that clips securely (not just a flimsy clip-on) means you’re not fishing for it or losing it between visits.
Trauma shears
A good pair of shears is one of the most-used tools in a caregiver’s kit — for clothing, bandages, packaging, or an emergency. Keep them in an easy-to-reach pocket, not buried at the bottom of a bag.
A watch with a second hand
Checking pulse or respiration doesn’t wait for your phone to unlock. A simple, reliable watch keeps your hands free and your timing accurate.
Phone and a small notebook
For check-ins, documentation, or reaching a supervisor or family member quickly, your phone stays close. A small notebook is still worth carrying for quick notes when you don’t want to interrupt a moment with a client to type something out.
Hand sanitizer and gloves
Non-negotiable, and worth keeping a backup of each in your bag in case your pocket supply runs out mid-shift.
A pen that actually works
Simple, but it’s the tool you’ll reach for most for signatures, logs, and notes. Carry two — one always runs out at the worst time.
A snack and water
Long shifts don’t always leave room for a proper break. Something small and easy to eat one-handed keeps your energy steady between visits.
Carrying all of this comfortably comes down to having the right pockets in the right places. Our Badge Holder Kit and Starter Kit bundle the essentials so you’re not piecing it together yourself — see the kits.