I recently completed an unexpected five-day hospital stay for a health condition. While I hope you never have to go to the hospital during emergencies, like all life events, advanced preparation will help you make the best of an unexpected hospital stay.
Here are my top tips for preparing for a hospital stay.
Hospital Stay Tips
Emergency hospital stays can leave you feeling unprepared, frustrated, and scrambling to get all the pieces together. To take the stress out of these situations, here is a quick rundown of everything you’ll need to gather when these unexpected moments occur.
Your Medical Information
It doesn’t matter if you store these things digitally or have a physical folder, compile a list of your medical information in an easily-accessible place.
You should include things like:
- Your health insurance card
- Medical history
- Any medications
- Pharmacy address
- Emergency Contact
This will get your doctors all the information they need to start treating you, and they can alert your loved ones should they not be present during your admission to the hospital.
Also, if you have a specific medical condition, like type 1 diabetes or epilepsy, you’ll want to ensure your medical ID bracelet, necklace, or tattoo is visible.
Personal Care Items
If you have even a little head’s up that you’ll be headed to the hospital, do your best to grab essential items that you’ll need.
For some, this may be extra contacts, contact solutions, glasses, and your contact case. For others, this could be your daily medications and backup medical supplies if you have a specialized medical condition.
While most hospitals will have what you need in a pinch, it’s always better to err on the safe side and bring what you know you’ll need daily.
You could also throw in a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush, slippers, socks, lotion, lip balm, feminine hygiene products, or other personal care items if you know you’ll be staying awhile.
Comfort Items
This is another one for the nice-to-have column, but it’s worth mentioning.
If you have a chronic illness that regularly lands you in the hospital, you should have a comfort bag packed. Add a blanket, pillow, headphones, book, puzzle book, game, or anything else.
Even these small things can make a difference when you’re waiting for tests, sitting in your hospital room, or unable to sleep at night.
Other Essentials
Whether you stay in the hospital for one day or several weeks, don’t forget your chargers! You’ll want a way to charge your phone, watch, game, medical devices, and anything else.
In addition, you may want to grab your favorite snacks, so you don’t have to rely on hospital food or vending machines.
Prepare For A Successful Hospital Stay
While having the things mentioned on this list may make your stay more accessible and comfortable, don’t stress if you must rush to the ER. Most people don’t have much preparation time for a hospital stay when it’s urgent.
If you’re in a hurry, focus on the medical aspects of this list and throw in a charger and deodorant, and you’ll be able to navigate what you need to and get the right care.
As I mentioned, if you have a chronic health condition, a little prep work, like having a medical ID bracelet on and your daily medications and medical devices, can go a long way toward doctors helping you quickly and efficiently.
A hospital stay is no fun, but with the tips on this list, you can feel prepared for your next overnight stay. Here are some secrets to keeping families safe and healthy during hospital visits.
