Jordan Ellis
Staying in a hospital for an extended period can be a challenging and lonely experience. Patients often feel vulnerable and yearn for the comforts of home. However, there are ways to make a hospital stay more bearable and even comfortable. This involves packing the right items, making use of available amenities, and maintaining connections with people. By taking the time to prepare and adapt to the hospital environment, patients can enhance their experience and create a sense of comfort and normalcy during their stay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Personal items | Books, favourite pyjamas, comfortable bedding, familiar toiletries, laptop, phone and charger, headphones, tablet, magazines, puzzle books, brightly coloured pillowcases, soft blankets, cosy robes, soft shawls, fuzzy socks, non-slip slippers, eye masks, earplugs, etc. |
| Entertainment | Soothing music, small lamps, card games, adult colouring books, knitting, scrapbooking, etc. |
| Comfort food | Favourite snacks and drinks |
| Privacy | Privacy curtains, control over lighting, window blinds, room temperature, etc. |
| Security | Safe for valuables, independent access to belongings |
| Social connection | Visitors, easy access to phones and personal computing devices |
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What You'll Learn
- Bring comfort items from home, like books, music, bedding, and entertainment
- Wear loose, warm, and comfortable clothing, like hoodies, cardigans, and soft shawls
- Pack familiar toiletries, lotions, creams, and other self-care items
- Maintain a strong sense of connection to people by staying in touch with loved ones
- Prioritise privacy, accessibility, and comfort in your room, including lighting and temperature control
Bring comfort items from home, like books, music, bedding, and entertainment
Staying in a hospital for an extended period can be a challenging experience. Preparing for your hospital stay by packing some comfort items from home can make your experience more comfortable and peaceful. Here are some suggestions for comfort items to bring from home:
Books
If you enjoy reading, bring your favourite books or magazines to pass the time. You could also bring puzzle books, adult colouring books, or a journal. If you're not much of a reader, you could bring your laptop or tablet to watch your favourite movies or TV shows.
Music
Music is good for the soul, especially during a hospital stay. Bring your favourite music or a pair of headphones to listen to comforting songs or focus your mind on something positive.
Bedding
Hospital bedding may not be to your liking, so bringing your own bedding can make a significant difference in your comfort. Consider bringing your own pillow, as hospital pillows tend to be firm and sometimes covered in plastic. You could also bring a soft blanket, a cosy robe, or your favourite pyjamas to make you feel more at home. Fuzzy socks and slippers can also add to your comfort and warmth.
Entertainment
Hospital stays can be draining, so bringing some entertainment can help keep you occupied. Bring items that you enjoy, such as knitting supplies, card games, or an iPad. Decorating your room and IV pole can also add a personal touch and brighten your environment.
Remember, the key is to bring items that will make you feel comfortable and create a sense of familiarity during your hospital stay.
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Wear loose, warm, and comfortable clothing, like hoodies, cardigans, and soft shawls
Staying in the hospital can be a lonely and upsetting experience, and patients often long for the comforts of their own bed and home. However, there are ways to make your hospital stay more comfortable. One way to do this is to wear loose, warm, and comfortable clothing, such as hoodies, cardigans, and soft shawls.
Firstly, it is important to consider what type of surgery or treatment you are having, as this will determine what clothing you can wear. For example, heart surgery patients need to have accessible chests, so wearing a cardigan or shawl that can easily be opened or removed is a good option. Similarly, if you have a chemotherapy port, you may want to wear a button-up shirt or a zip-up hoodie that can be easily moved without causing discomfort.
Secondly, hospitals can often be cold, especially if you are receiving cancer treatments, which can reduce your red blood cell count and make you feel chilly. Therefore, bringing warm clothing such as hoodies, cardigans, or jumpers can provide much-needed warmth and comfort. These items can also make you feel more at home in an unfamiliar environment.
Thirdly, loose and comfortable clothing can make it easier for hospital staff to tend to you, especially if you need assistance with dressing or undressing. Yoga pants, wide-neck tank tops, and loose pyjamas can be both comfortable and practical during your stay.
Lastly, consider bringing a variety of clothing options to suit your needs. For example, if you plan on leaving your room, getting dressed in regular clothes can help you feel good and pass the time. Don't forget to pack shoes, socks, or slippers, as these can provide warmth and safety, especially if you need to walk around your room or go for a walk outside.
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Pack familiar toiletries, lotions, creams, and other self-care items
Packing familiar toiletries, lotions, creams, and other self-care items can make your hospital stay more comfortable and homely. Hospitals provide basic necessities, but bringing your own toiletries can make your stay feel more like a trip. Familiar items can create a sense of comfort and normalcy, helping you feel more at ease.
You can bring travel-sized versions of your favourite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and other toiletries. These items can make showering or washing an exciting and anticipated event. You can also bring your favourite creams to help relieve dry skin, and lip balm to keep your lips moisturised. Hospital air can be dry, so having these personal care items will help you feel more comfortable and maintain your skin's health.
In addition to toiletries, you can also bring other self-care items such as a soft blanket, a cosy robe, or fuzzy socks to provide warmth and comfort. These items can help you feel more at home in an unfamiliar environment. Bringing your own pillow can also drastically improve your sleep quality. Hospital pillows tend to be firm and sometimes covered in plastic, so bringing your own pillow can give your head a well-deserved rest. U-shaped pillows are a good option, as they let you sleep comfortably on your back, and they can also be useful if the top half of your bed needs to be raised.
If you are undergoing cancer treatment, it is important to consider that it may reduce your red blood cell count and make you feel cold. So, in addition to packing familiar toiletries and lotions, bringing a soft blanket or cosy robe can provide extra warmth during your hospital stay.
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Maintain a strong sense of connection to people by staying in touch with loved ones
Maintaining social connections is essential for a comfortable hospital stay, and staying in touch with loved ones can help bridge the gap between the hospital and home. Here are some ways to maintain connections and stay in touch with your support system:
Devices and Entertainment
Bring your laptop, tablet, or phone to stay connected with friends and family. These devices can also provide entertainment and a sense of familiarity. If you don't have access to these devices, ask your nurses about accessing a hospital iPad or television. Additionally, consider bringing items like books, knitting, card games, or adult colouring books to pass the time and keep your mind engaged.
Communication and Updates
Share your health updates and experiences with your loved ones. Keeping them informed can reduce their worries and help them understand your situation better. Consider keeping a journal or blog to document your thoughts, feelings, symptoms, and progress. This can be a more comfortable way to express yourself than verbal communication, and it ensures your loved ones are informed without requiring frequent phone calls.
Visits and Activities
Encourage your loved ones to visit you in the hospital and participate in activities together. Take them on walks, especially outdoors, to change your environment and boost your mood. If possible, involve them in hospital-provided activities, such as arts and crafts, music, yoga, or pet therapy sessions. These shared experiences can create positive memories and strengthen your connections.
Privacy and Comfort
Discuss with your loved ones the importance of privacy during their visits. Ensure they are aware of your needs and preferences regarding privacy curtains, bathroom usage, and controlling your surroundings, such as lighting and temperature. Their understanding of these aspects will contribute to a more comfortable hospital stay for you and help you maintain a sense of dignity.
Emotional Support
Be open and honest with your loved ones about your feelings and emotions. Hospital stays can be challenging, and it's essential to express your emotions and seek emotional support from those closest to you. Their understanding and encouragement can provide comfort and help you navigate the difficulties of being away from home.
By incorporating these suggestions, you can maintain strong connections with your loved ones during your hospital stay, making it a more bearable and comforting experience.
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Prioritise privacy, accessibility, and comfort in your room, including lighting and temperature control
A hospital stay can be a challenging experience, and prioritising privacy, accessibility, and comfort in your room can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Here are some detailed suggestions to achieve this:
Privacy:
- Control your privacy by using a privacy curtain at the room door. This prevents you from being "on display" to people in the hallway and gives you a sense of control over your surroundings.
- Ensure you can use the bathroom without being seen or heard by visitors. This adds to your privacy and dignity during your stay.
Accessibility:
- Keep your personal items, devices, and belongings within reach. This includes your phone, laptop, and charger, as well as any entertainment devices like books, puzzles, or a tablet.
- Have easy access to a safe for your valuables, ensuring their security and peace of mind.
- If you have visitors, sit close enough to touch and have eye-level conversations. This helps maintain a strong sense of connection and makes your interactions more intimate and comfortable.
Comfort:
- Bring your own pillow and bedding for added comfort and familiarity. Hospital pillows may not offer the same support as your own, and familiar bedding can make you feel more at home.
- Adjust the lighting to your preference. Consider bringing a small lamp or asking the nurses to dim the lights if the standard lighting is too bright or harsh.
- Control the room temperature to your liking. Hospitals can often be chilly, so bring a soft blanket, a cosy robe, or a fluffy dressing gown to stay warm.
- Reduce unwanted noise by using earplugs or earphones. This can help block out the sounds of medical equipment, other patients, or staff movements, aiding in a more peaceful rest.
By implementing these suggestions, you can create a more comfortable and private environment during your hospital stay, contributing to a more positive overall experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Familiar items can create a sense of comfort and normalcy, helping you feel more at ease during your stay. Decorate your room and bring your own toiletries, bedding, and pillows.
Pack comfort items such as a soft blanket, a cozy robe, fuzzy socks, and non-slip slippers to keep you warm. Also, bring earplugs, an eye mask, and entertainment such as books, music, magazines, and puzzles.
Maintaining a strong sense of connection to people is important. Keep your phone and charger with you, and consider bringing a laptop or tablet to stay in touch with friends and family.
Bring items that you would typically use at home, such as your favourite shampoo, lotion, or other toiletries. You can also bring your own pillow and comfortable clothing.
Set easy goals or tasks to complete that are not hospital-related. For example, you could bring a scrapbook or take up knitting. Keeping a journal or blog can also help you stay positive and connected with your loved ones.
