Hospital visits are daunting and drain all the energy out of you. And a longer stay there means that all these feelings will be intensified. It is human nature to feel uncomfortable with changes in our surroundings. Hence, making the hospital our home for a long time might be harder than you think.
While we pray that there doesn’t come a time in anyone’s life where they have to stay in the hospital for long, there are plenty of things to make it less agonizing. We have prepared a list of ways you can survive this period comfortably. So continue reading to make your long hospital stay comfy for yourself.
1) Keep track of your medicines and allergies
Hospitals are one place where mistakes are common. It is alarming that almost 400,000 medication errors occur annually in the US. You could also be a victim of the nursing staff’s confusion. Hence, closely monitor what medicines they are giving you. Ensure you ask them questions before they administer the drug to you. Doing this will encourage them to double-check the drug chart and see if it is correct.
Allergies are another thing you need to remind the hospital staff about regularly. Ask the people responsible if your allergies have been kept in mind before you eat the food they provide. Let them know about such things early on, so they don’t make any mistakes.
2) Ask questions
It is usual for people to be confused about their diagnosis and treatment. We find it difficult to understand the medical jargon. A wise way to solve this issue is to ask questions from professionals. Request them to explain everything to you in a non-expert’s language. For example, a person suffering from mesothelioma can begin by simply asking, “what is mesothelioma?” Being aware of your condition before you get treatment is necessary.
Also, ensure you ask questions about the treatment they think is best for you. Take advice on whether you should get a second opinion or not. Remember that you can say no to any drugs and tests. You will be able to do this only when you understand the purpose of each medicine and lab. Hence, ask questions.
3) Know your people
Knowing the people caring for you is necessary when you are in the hospital for a long time. Maintain a mental list of all nursing staff’s and practitioners’ names and visiting times. Doing this is vital for your safety at the hospital. Ask questions if you see a new face. Ensure they are aware of your condition and treatment.
Choose a resourceful person to be your point of contact. It is common for your requests and questions to go unheard in the hospital. So, select a person who you think has connections with everybody. They will be of great help to you whenever you need answers.
Remember that the caregivers play a vital role in making your stay comfortable. Please treat them with respect and make small talk with them. Doing this is necessary when your stay is long. You don’t want caregivers to think you are rude. You can get on their good side if you appreciate what they do and mingle whenever needed.
4) Make it feel like home
This advice is the best for people who get homesick quickly. Hospital is nowhere as peaceful as your own home. But you make a few changes to make it less scary. Small things like bringing your pillow and blanket will make a huge difference. They will give you a feel of your bed.
Decorating your room might cheer you up. Bring pictures of your family members and a few throw pillows. These things will make the hospital room look less washed out.
You can also bring all electronics that can keep you busy during the day. Ask your doctor about the amount of screentime that is safe for you. For example, play video games or watch a movie on your laptop. You can also bring a novel to read. Indulging yourself in activities will give you less time to ponder your medical condition. The distraction might make the journey easier for you.
5) Load up on snacks and homemade food
Hospital food can not beat the satisfaction that homemade food brings. Take permission from your doctor to have homemade food at least once a day. You can keep a light hand on the spices and restrain from using ingredients that might harm you. The easiest way to make this a safe option is to ask your doctor to list down all the items you should not be eating.
Snacks can instantly brighten up your mood at the hospital. Make sure you always have your favorite crisps and candies in your room. It is a fact that eating dark chocolate can improve your mood. You might need an unlimited supply of it in the hospital.
6) Walk around
Being in a hospital bed all day can make you feel isolated and inactive. Both these things are not optimal for your mental health. So ask your doctor if you can take regular walks. Take tips from professionals on how to make this easier.
Walking will ensure you get daily exercise and lift your mood. Take a stroll outside in fresh air if you are allowed. You might even be able to make a few friends this way. Socializing is a great way to keep yourself busy.
7) Do not forget your hobbies
You have to treat the hospital like your home for the amount of time you are there. Continue doing activities that you did at your house. It can be painting, drawing, or crocheting. You are good to go as long as you are not disturbing the other patients!
Conclusion
It is safe to say that it is difficult to feel at home in a hospital. However, small efforts can at least make your time there somewhat better. Keeping yourself busy might be the key to survival at the hospital. But, ensure that everything you do is safe for you and other patients. Remember, your health and safety should be your utmost priority.