How to Survive a Hospital Stay
HOW TO SURVIVE A HOSPITAL STAY
THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU, or not TO THE HOSPITAL
- POWER OF ATTORNEY – Make sure the hospital has copies of the patient’s healthcare durable power of attorney that states who will make decisions if the patient can no longer do so for themselves.
- CONTACT INFORMATION – of family or involved loved ones
- MEDICATION LIST – Make sure the hospital has the patient’s current list of all the medications your loved one takes.
- MEDICAL HISTORY
If possible, bring a list of surgeries, doctors, previous tests run (and results) and diagnoses.
- REMOVE ALL VALUABLES – Do not leave valuables with your loved one at the hospital
- PERSONAL ITEMS – Things that are good to have are glasses, hearing aids and dentures, but be careful with them! If you leave items such as glasses, a cane, a walker, or dentures, make sure they are labeled and also listed in the patient’s chart on the “personal belongings” sheet.
BEING AN ADVOCATE
1- PEOPLE TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH — Make friends with the discharge planner
– Get to know the nurses
- TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF – Make sure the caregivers / advocates are taking good care of themselves during the hospital stay.
- HIRE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE – An advocate such as a geriatric care manager knows how to navigate the medical system. They are invaluable. You can search for the closest Professional Geriatric Care Manager on www.AgingPro.com’s Eldercare Directory.
