We have to be ready for unexpected situations: it can happen at any time that a member of our family gets sick and goes to the hospital. It comes in handy if the person has a separate bag pre-packed and the most important medical papers are also kept in one place. Why do you need to pay attention to so much? If it is only for a day or two, cutlery, glasses, toiletries and much more are still needed. What should be taken to the hospital if the patient is kept in the hospital longer than this? We have listed the most necessary ones.
Let’s prepare for everything!
If not based on our own experience, then we know from acquaintances and relatives what we face if we have to go to the hospital for a long time. In many cases, basic equipment is also missing, and patients have to take care of most of the necessary things themselves. It is not enough to bring in our medicines and documents, we must also pack toilet paper.
The sad situation is that there can also be problems with care: in most hospitals, doctors are quite overburdened, and patient rooms are often overcrowded. We don’t want to scare you with all of this, we just draw attention to the fact that there are problems in the health sector – it doesn’t hurt to prepare for this!
The most important things to take with you are your personal papers and medical records. These are very important. If we have to stay inside for the night, put away our medicines, clean clothes, pajamas and toiletries. (Even if we pack for someone else and we don’t know if they keep it inside.)
What if we go to the hospital for a longer period of time?
In that case, it is also worth using plastic, disposable cutlery. Put away napkins and glasses, as well as washing-up liquid and sponges. A water bottle is also a good idea, or a water bottle. In addition to basic cleaning products such as a toothbrush, toothpaste and shower gel, you will also need shampoo and conditioner. Women should take care of their menstrual needs, put away pads, etc. It’s good to have hair elastics, combs, nail clippers, files, deodorant, fragrance-free body care and face care products on hand. If someone needs an incontinence pad, don’t forget it either.
In addition, you may need a mouth mask, a robe, several changes of pajamas and warmers, underwear, socks. We also have to bring our own towels, and we can even bring our own pillows for our own comfort. In case of long-term lying down, Medifleur gel should be purchased and used as a preventive measure against bedsores, i.e. pressure ulcers.
To make the time pass faster, take a phone, charger, tablet, earphones, book, notebook and pen with you. You can ask your relatives for magazines, crossword puzzles – in fact, anything that can keep you engaged and doesn’t disturb your fellow patients is possible.
Anyone with a serious health problem must also prepare the following documents:
- a statement on the prohibition of resuscitation, mechanical ventilation or a document on the demand for disposal
- prohibition statement against becoming a donor
What else is worth thinking about?
If possible, pack clothes that are comfortable, made of cotton and do not complicate the tests, blood sampling or the course of the infusion. A plain t-shirt and cardigan are the best for this. A robe would also come in handy, as well as slippers instead of shoes. If someone has trouble sleeping, be prepared with earplugs and an eye mask, because a hospital is usually noisy.
It is a great help for healthcare workers to pack everything in a sports bag. Thus, if the patient needs to be moved to another place, there is no need to bother with smaller bags and bags.
