12 Ways To Make A Hospital Stay Better
If you’re a spoonie with a chronic illness, you probably know how challenging it can be to be hospitalized. It can be overwhelming and scary, not to mention the physical and emotional toll it can take. However, there are ways to make your hospital stay less miserable. Here are some tips to help make your experience more comfortable and manageable.
1. Advocate for Yourself
It’s important to advocate for yourself while in the hospital. Make sure to communicate your needs and preferences to your healthcare team. If you’re not comfortable with something or have questions, don’t be afraid to speak up. Remember, you are the expert on your body and your care.
2. Have a Patient Advocate
It can be hard to advocate for yourself. You’re there because you’re feeling terrible, and you’re not getting quality rest. If you have a friend or family member that you’re comfortable discussing your health with, ask them to be your advocate for you. Also, sometimes doctors don’t listen to you, for whatever reason, but will listen if someone else backs up what you’re saying.
3. Bring Comfort Items
One of the best ways to make your hospital stay more comfortable is to bring items that will make you feel at home. This can include your favorite pillow, blanket, and even a stuffed animal. Having these items around can help ease your anxiety and make your hospital room feel more like your own space.
Bonus: Bring a puffy blanket to put between the mattress and sheets to add cushion. It also helps reduce how uncomfortably hot it can feel since hospital mattresses are covered with vinyl or nylon for easy cleaning. The pillows are also plastic, so put double the pillowcases to reduce how hot they feel.
4. Wear Comfortable Clothes
There are moments that you have to be in a hospital gown, such as while getting an MRI or prepping for a procedure, but if you’re there for multiple days you probably don’t have to 100% of the time. Ask the hospital staff if you can wear your clothes, even if just for bedtime. If you’re able to wear your clothes, have someone bring you your favorite pajamas and comfiest clothes.
My favorite hospital outfit is a tank top and pajama shorts. It leaves my limbs visible and keeps my chest, back, and abdomen easily accessible. Also, ponchos are better than sweaters in the hospital because you can still take them off when you have an IV.
5. Use your own toiletries
If you don’t have any toiletries don’t worry, hospitals typically have mini ones available that you can ask for. While these are way better than nothing, they might not be the best for you or to your liking. For example, the shampoo/body wash always dries out my hair and skin so I prefer to being my products from home. If you know you may suddenly have to go to the hospital, keep a bag ready with your favorite travel-size products.
6. Have the Bed Made Every Day
It might sound silly but this can make a big difference to your mental health. I’ve been hospitalized 15 times and I always think that it’ll be a hassle, but it always makes me feel better. You might not be able to do it yourself, but you can ask your nurse if it would be possible for someone to help you or do it for you. You can also ask for new sheets, which is especially great if you’ve been sweating.
7. Something For Entertainment
Bringing entertainment options such as books, movies, or games can help pass the time and keep your mind occupied. Hospital rooms all have TVs, but they don’t always have the best things to watch. If you want to stream something you can use a laptop, tablet, or even your phone. They’re also versatile and give you much more entertainment than just watching something. If you don’t want to be staring at a screen all day you can also bring some hobbies, such as crochet, drawing, journaling, and others. Many hospitals have restrictions on what you can bring, so be sure to check with your healthcare team before packing.
8. Stay Connected with Loved Ones
Being in the hospital can be isolating, but staying connected with loved ones can help combat this. Make sure to bring your phone or computer so you can stay in touch with family and friends. You can also ask them to visit if possible or send care packages with items that will lift your spirits. Remember that there is no shame in being sick and being hospitalized. People who love you want to be there for you, especially during hard times like this.
9. Create a Routine
Establishing a routine can help you feel more in control and create a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic environment. The hospital has its schedule, so most of your day is decided by them. Someone comes and wakes you up before 6 am to take your blood, every couple of hours someone else comes to take your vitals and give you medications, twice a day your nurse changes, and at some point, the doctor will come to see you, and you can order your meals only until certain times.
You can add personal activities like meditation and journaling to your schedule, but communicate with your nurse beforehand so you can plan for that time together. Also, let them know when you want to shower because they have to cover your IV, and you can also ask in advance if they could help make your bed while you shower, which will help you feel extra refreshed.
10. Order All the Meals
When you order your meals don’t just order the minimum that you think you will eat. If your insurance is covering the meal, you might as well take advantage of the situation and order what you can, as long as it won’t go to waste. Shelf-stable snacks are great to have to eat hours later when you suddenly get hungry. You’ll thank me for this when you’re craving a midnight snack.
Taking advantage of the full menu is also great for when you have someone visiting you, especially if they’re there for hours because cafeteria food can be expensive and it’s nice to share. Some hospitals also let visitors order their own meals for a reasonable price. You can also ask your nurse if they can give you a snack like gelatin or crackers, but it’s not guaranteed that they’ll have some.
It can be hard to remember to order within the given time frame, and if you don’t order anything they’ll send you a random tray with foods you might not like. To avoid this, ask if you can order meals ahead of time, like ordering what you want for breakfast the evening before so you don’t have to stress about waking up on time to order it.
11. Stay Active
Although it may be challenging, staying active during your hospital stay can help improve your physical and mental well-being. You can do simple exercises in your bed or take short walks around the hospital floor. If you’re unable to move around, you can do simple stretches or breathing exercises to keep your body active and your mind calm. Ask your healthcare team what exercises would be ideal for you, and what your limitations are.
12. Reach Out for Support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Many hospitals have social workers or patient advocates who can help connect you with resources and support. You can also reach out to support groups or online communities for spoonies who are experiencing similar challenges.
Being hospitalized can be challenging, but implementing these tips can help make your stay more comfortable and manageable. Remember to advocate for yourself, stay connected with loved ones, and prioritize self-care activities. By taking care of yourself during your hospital stay, you can help ensure a smoother recovery process.