Be Prepared for a Hospital Stay

by Katheryn Howell, ISR Senior Director – Community Programs

Not many people make it through life without at least one hospital stay. But, whether it’s a birth, a planned procedure, or an emergency, you’ll likely need to be hospitalized one day. Over the last two decades, I’ve visited hundreds of clients and family members in hospitals and rehab centers. Here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare for that inevitable hospitalization. 

Pack a to-go bag

Hospitals can be mind-numbingly boring, so you need strategies to stay engaged and alert. First, pack a “to-go” bag. You’ll most likely be stuck wearing the “oh so fashionable” green short-sleeve gown with the slit down the back. Pack a comfy throw and cozy slipper socks. Medications and dry hospital air may lead to a dry mouth, so put some lozenges or gum in your bag. Being in the hospital is lonely sometimes, so bring a few pictures that connect you with loved ones and bring a smile to your face. Pack stationary or note cards. You’ll have plenty of time to write to people you care about. Make a list of audiobooks you want to catch up on; the TV in your room will grow old fast. Don’t forget to put headphones in your bag that you can plug into your cell phone and a charger and cable. Make small talk with everyone that comes in to treat you. As the nurse switches out your saline bag, ask them about their family and what they are doing for dinner tonight. The better you feel and the more alert you are during your stay, the better your chances of getting well swiftly. Bring a notepad, reading glasses, and pens. During your stay, you’ll want to jot down questions for your doctor and other providers. Once you’ve packed your bag, let your emergency contact know where you put it. If you go by ambulance or get admitted from the community, you won’t have your bag. Don’t forget to update the contents of your bag yearly. 

Identify an Emergency Contact

Identifying your emergency contact is essential. This person may not be your spouse or even a family member. Discuss your expectations with your person and decide if you want to ask them to be your Power of Attorney. When you assign a Power of Attorney, copy the document and put it in your “to-go” bag with a list of your current medications, medical providers, and a medical directive. If you have a cell phone, enter your emergency contact into your Contacts titled ICE, and make a card for your wallet titled: In Case of an Emergency; be sure to include any care responsibilities you have. Clearly identify if you have a disabled person or pet for whom you are the primary caretaker. If you prefer, there are printable emergency contact cards online. 

Once you are admitted to the hospital, write down the name of your admitting doctor and your admitting diagnosis. You’ll want that for your records. You’ll have a whiteboard in your room showing the names of your nurse and doctor for each shift. Request to speak to a discharge planner within the first couple of days you are there. Consider sharing with them your discharge plans and any needs regarding caregiving, and discuss the possibility of discharge to a rehab facility if needed. Provide them with your emergency contact to assist with discharge planning. Consider going to this website to print a discharge planning checklist as provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation:  https://www.rwjf.org/en/insights/our-research/2013/01/care-about-your-care-discharge-checklist—care-transition-plan.html. The discharge checklist can help you and your emergency contact track all the information needed before you leave the hospital. 

Be Prepared for a Hospital Stay

by Katheryn Howell, ISR Senior Director – Community Programs

Not many people make it through life without at least one hospital stay. But, whether it’s a birth, a planned procedure, or an emergency, you’ll likely need to be hospitalized one day. Over the last two decades, I’ve visited hundreds of clients and family members in hospitals and rehab centers. Here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare for that inevitable hospitalization. 

Pack a to-go bag

Hospitals can be mind-numbingly boring, so you need strategies to stay engaged and alert. First, pack a “to-go” bag. You’ll most likely be stuck wearing the “oh so fashionable” green short-sleeve gown with the slit down the back. Pack a comfy throw and cozy slipper socks. Medications and dry hospital air may lead to a dry mouth, so put some lozenges or gum in your bag. Being in the hospital is lonely sometimes, so bring a few pictures that connect you with loved ones and bring a smile to your face. Pack stationary or note cards. You’ll have plenty of time to write to people you care about. Make a list of audiobooks you want to catch up on; the TV in your room will grow old fast. Don’t forget to put headphones in your bag that you can plug into your cell phone and a charger and cable. Make small talk with everyone that comes in to treat you. As the nurse switches out your saline bag, ask them about their family and what they are doing for dinner tonight. The better you feel and the more alert you are during your stay, the better your chances of getting well swiftly. Bring a notepad, reading glasses, and pens. During your stay, you’ll want to jot down questions for your doctor and other providers. Once you’ve packed your bag, let your emergency contact know where you put it. If you go by ambulance or get admitted from the community, you won’t have your bag. Don’t forget to update the contents of your bag yearly. 

Identify an Emergency Contact

Identifying your emergency contact is essential. This person may not be your spouse or even a family member. Discuss your expectations with your person and decide if you want to ask them to be your Power of Attorney. When you assign a Power of Attorney, copy the document and put it in your “to-go” bag with a list of your current medications, medical providers, and a medical directive. If you have a cell phone, enter your emergency contact into your Contacts titled ICE, and make a card for your wallet titled: In Case of an Emergency; be sure to include any care responsibilities you have. Clearly identify if you have a disabled person or pet for whom you are the primary caretaker. If you prefer, there are printable emergency contact cards online. 

Once you are admitted to the hospital, write down the name of your admitting doctor and your admitting diagnosis. You’ll want that for your records. You’ll have a whiteboard in your room showing the names of your nurse and doctor for each shift. Request to speak to a discharge planner within the first couple of days you are there. Consider sharing with them your discharge plans and any needs regarding caregiving, and discuss the possibility of discharge to a rehab facility if needed. Provide them with your emergency contact to assist with discharge planning. Consider going to this website to print a discharge planning checklist as provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation:  https://www.rwjf.org/en/insights/our-research/2013/01/care-about-your-care-discharge-checklist—care-transition-plan.html. The discharge checklist can help you and your emergency contact track all the information needed before you leave the hospital.