A long hospital stay is worrying for a lot of reasons. You’re ill and in an unfamiliar, strange environment. You might feel frightened, alone, worried about what your health insurance will cover. If you have to stay in the hospital for a long time, use these tips to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
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Remember that it’s normal to feel worried about staying in hospital, and you aren’t alone in feeling this way. However, you are being cared for by professionals, and it’s very rare for problems to occur. Even if they do, there is help out there, either from the hospital itself or in the worst-case scenario, a medical malpractice attorney.
Stay Connected With The Outside World
Spending some time with your friends and family will help to break up your time in hospital, and can help to distract you from the stress of a long stay.
Your loved ones might feel helpless while you’re sick, and ask what they can do to help. Be honey, and ask them for little things that will cheer you up, like bringing in a home-cooked meal (or your favorite takeout), painting your nails for you, or dropping off a stack of magazines.
If you can’t have an in-person visit, remember that you can still stay in touch via video chat. You might be able to touch them, but you can still speak to and laugh with them, play some virtual games, and get some much-needed support.
Ask About Bringing Your Own Food
A lot of hospitals allow patients to bring in their own food, so it’s worth asking. Hospital food is known for not being all that great, so whether you’re on a special diet, have allergies or intolerances to cater for, or just want to eat something delicious and nutritious, it can be much nicer to bring it in. Ask family members or friends who want to help to bring you something.
Take Advantage Of Healing Arts Services
Lots of hospitals offer other healing arts or allow patients to access them during their stays, such as reiki, art therapy, or music therapy. Ask and see what is available to you at the hospital you will be at. They might not make you less ill, but they can make your stay less uncomfortable and stressful.
Get Comfy
Nothing makes you feel more like a patient than having to wear a hospital gown. If you can, take and wear your own underwear, sweats, and pajamas instead.
Loose t-shirts and button-down pajama shirts are the best choices, as they allow access for IVs. You could also wear the hospital gown with your own pants underneath.
Take your slippers and keep them by your bed so you can put them on easily, and keep your bare feet off the cold hospital floor.
Ask if you can take your own blankets, sheets, or pillows. A warm, familiar blanket or your pillow from home can bring you comfort and help you to sleep better.
