Claire Dawson
Planning ahead for a hospital stay can help you feel more in control and ensure you receive the best care. It's important to be prepared to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Before you go, make sure to pack comfortable clothing and essential items such as toiletries, and don't forget to bring any medications you're currently taking. If you have pets or children, arrange care for them in advance. During your stay, stay alert and be your own advocate by speaking up if something doesn't feel right. Keep yourself occupied with reading materials, puzzles, or streaming services, and consider using social media to stay connected with others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Documents to bring | Two pieces of personal ID, health-care insurance ID card, advance directive, ICBC or WorkSafeBC information, list of medications, etc. |
| Items to bring | Washable and comfortable clothing, change of clothes, nightwear, glasses, dentures, toiletries, headphones, sketchpad, yarn and needles, etc. |
| Things to do before arriving at the hospital | Cancel deliveries and appointments, arrange childcare, clean your house, contact social services, etc. |
| Things to do during the hospital stay | Stay alert, meet the staff, get moving, stay warm, engage in enjoyable activities, etc. |
Explore related products
$6.99 $6.99
What You'll Learn
- Prepare your home: Cancel deliveries, appointments, and ask someone to care for your pets
- Pack essentials: Medication, IDs, insurance, clothing, toiletries, and entertainment
- Plan for recovery: Prepare for discharge, arrange transport, and consider a temporary carer
- Choose a hospital: Research hospitals in your area, including infection rates and amenities
- During your stay: Stay alert, ask questions, and get moving to aid recovery
Prepare your home: Cancel deliveries, appointments, and ask someone to care for your pets
Preparing your home is an important step in getting ready for a hospital stay. Here are some things to consider:
Cancel Deliveries and Appointments
Make a list of any regular deliveries you receive at home, such as newspapers, milk, or groceries, and be sure to cancel them for the duration of your hospital stay. Similarly, review your calendar and cancel any appointments, such as hairdresser, dentist, or other non-essential visits. If you have any outstanding bills or financial issues that may arise during your stay, contact your utility or credit card company to discuss your options.
Pet Care
If you have pets, it is important to arrange care for them while you are away. Ask friends, family, or neighbours if they can look after your pets. If that is not an option, consider contacting a charity or organization that offers fostering services for pets while their owners are in the hospital, such as The Cinnamon Trust.
House Preparation
If you live alone, consider hiring a cleaner to ensure your house is tidy before you leave, making your return home more pleasant. You may also want to take care of any outdoor tasks, such as mowing the lawn, to prevent worrying about them while you are recovering.
Planning for Your Return
Before you leave for the hospital, it is a good idea to plan for your return home. This includes arranging transportation and having a support person to help you when you get back. If you anticipate needing help once you are discharged, don't hesitate to contact social services or look into hiring a private carer.
Cord Blood Donation: Overlake Hospital's Offering
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pack essentials: Medication, IDs, insurance, clothing, toiletries, and entertainment
Preparing for a hospital stay can be stressful, but planning ahead can help make your stay more comfortable. Here are some essential items to pack:
Medication
It is important to bring all your medications in their original containers, including non-prescription medications. However, do not bring any opioid pain medications. Also, have a list of your current medications, including non-prescription drugs and herbal products. If you have any medical devices that you normally use, bring those as well.
IDs and Insurance
Bring at least one primary ID with your legal name and date of birth, such as a government-issued photo ID, driver's license, or passport. Additionally, bring a secondary ID that shows your name, signature, and/or photo, such as a credit card. If you have extended health insurance, bring your insurance ID card or relevant paperwork.
Clothing
Pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothing made from washable, soft fabrics. This can include tracksuits, nightwear or pyjamas, and warm socks. If you plan to walk during your stay, don't forget to bring comfortable shoes with non-skid or rubber soles.
Toiletry
Bring essential toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, hand soap, shampoo, tissues, deodorant, nail clippers, a razor and cream, and a comb or brush. Remember to only bring fragrance-free products as strong scents can trigger allergies in patients and staff.
Entertainment
To make your stay more enjoyable, bring items that will help pass the time and keep you entertained. This can include books, magazines, crossword puzzles, adult colouring books, or sketch pads. If you prefer digital entertainment, load up your devices with movies, shows, music, or audiobooks before your stay. Don't forget to bring all the necessary chargers and headphones.
Improving Hospital Quality with ACOs
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plan for recovery: Prepare for discharge, arrange transport, and consider a temporary carer
Planning for your discharge from the hospital is an important step in preparing for a hospital stay. Here are some things to consider:
Arranging transport
It is important to arrange for someone to bring you home from the hospital, especially if your visit involved sedation or anaesthesia. Ensure that the person driving you home has a vehicle that you can easily get into and out of, which is particularly important if you have limited mobility or a broken limb. If you do not have someone who can drive you home, you may need to arrange alternative transportation. Some hospitals provide information and resources to help plan travel, so be sure to check with them.
Having a support person
It is a good idea to have a support person or helper to assist you during your hospital stay and after you return home. This could be a friend or family member who can advocate for you in conversations with medical staff and help you with your recovery. If you do not have someone who can take on this role, you may want to consider hiring a private carer or arranging a temporary stay in a care home. Social services can also provide advice and support.
Preparing your home
If you live alone, consider leaving your house clean and tidy before your hospital stay, so you have less to do when you return. You might also want to pay a cleaner to come in for a few hours before you go to the hospital. If you have a pet, ask friends, family, or neighbours to look after it, or contact a charity that provides fostering services for pets during hospital stays. Don't forget to cancel any deliveries or regular appointments that may clash with your hospital stay or recovery period.
Planning for recovery
During your hospital stay, it is important to stay alert and be your own advocate. Trust your instincts and speak up if you sense that something is not right. Research suggests that one-third of hospital patients do not receive the necessary follow-up care once they return home, so be sure to arrange for any monitoring or services you may need. It is also a good idea to have a list of your doctors' contact information and any important medical records or paperwork.
Keeping yourself occupied
While in the hospital, you can keep yourself occupied by watching shows, reading books or listening to music. You can also play games, draw, knit, meditate, or engage in complementary services provided by the hospital, such as pet therapy, art therapy or massage.
Superbugs in US Hospitals: A Common Concern?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Choose a hospital: Research hospitals in your area, including infection rates and amenities
Choosing a hospital is an important decision that can impact the quality of care you receive. Here are some factors to consider when researching hospitals in your area:
Infection Rates
Infection rates can vary significantly between hospitals, and this can affect your recovery. Look for hospitals that prioritize infection control and have lower infection rates. About 1 in 25 patients develop healthcare-associated infections, so it's crucial to consider this factor when choosing a hospital.
Specialization and Experience
Consider whether the hospitals you're researching specialize in treating your specific condition. Hospitals that perform certain surgeries or treatments more frequently are likely to have higher success rates and more experienced medical staff. Ask your doctor or surgeon for their recommendations and opinions on specific hospitals.
Amenities and Comfort
If you expect a prolonged hospital stay, amenities and comfort become essential. Visit the hospital and request a tour to inspect patient rooms, cafeteria services, and other amenities. The little things can make a significant difference in your overall comfort and satisfaction during your stay.
Insurance Coverage
With healthcare costs being a concern, insurance compatibility is crucial when choosing a hospital. Contact the hospital administration and your insurance provider to confirm coverage details and whether they have agreements in place. This step can help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Visiting Rules
If having friends and family visit you is important, consider the visiting rules of the hospitals you're researching. Some hospitals have stricter visiting hour policies than others, and you'll want to choose a hospital that accommodates your preferences and allows loved ones to provide support during your stay.
Hospital Room Privacy: Cameras Allowed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
During your stay: Stay alert, ask questions, and get moving to aid recovery
During your hospital stay, it is important to stay alert, ask questions, and get moving to aid your recovery.
Staying alert can help you notice any potential problems or errors in your care. For example, always check that your care team checks your hospital wristband before giving you medication. If you notice any unexpected responses to medication, be sure to let someone know. It is also important to know what your medicines look and taste like. If anything seems different, ask why.
Asking questions is a crucial part of your hospital stay. Remember that there are no dumb questions! Ask your doctor as many questions as you need to before you leave the hospital. Spend time with the nurse and ask about anything you don't feel confident about. You should also ask about your doctor's qualifications and experience, which should help you feel more informed and comfortable with their ability to perform any necessary procedures.
Getting moving and staying active can also aid your recovery. If possible, ask a relative or friend to come with you and encourage you to get up and walk around. Falls are a significant problem in hospitals, especially for elderly patients, so always ask for help if you need to get out of bed. Bringing activities to occupy your time can also promote mental and physical healing.
Tiger Woods' Hospitalization: What We Know So Far
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is important to bring a form of identification with you, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID. You should also bring your insurance ID card, a list of your current medications, and any relevant medical devices, such as glasses, dentures, or hearing aids.
You can bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and warm socks. You may also want to bring some reading material or activities to pass the time, such as books, magazines, or puzzles.
If you have pets, ask friends, family, or neighbours to look after them. If that's not possible, try a charity such as The Cinnamon Trust, which offers a fostering service for hospital stays. If you are a carer, let the hospital staff know, and consider asking family members or friends for help or contacting social services for advice.
It is important to find out as much information as possible about your hospital stay, including the hospital's infection rates. You should also have a list of your medications and any important medical records or paperwork. If you live alone, you may want to cancel any deliveries or appointments and ensure your house is clean and tidy before your stay.
It is important to stay alert and speak up if you sense that something is wrong. You can also take steps to prevent infections, such as using fragrance-free products and avoiding powders and aerosol sprays.
