And do everyone a favor when you list a medication, give the trade name and generic name, the dosage units (which is usually the number after the name and in milligrams or grams or some measure),the administration units (how much your child is supposed to take like 1 tablet), and any concentration/dosage strength. Too many companions. I just thought of this!! Daniel Loria, the . Much of the time, facing a hospital stay is daunting. "Zero" is the only acceptable goal related to patient . Hand cream. Be sure that it is weather-appropriate. I got a bluetooth transmitter that plugged into the TV and noise canceling bluetooth headphones which not only blocked unwanted noise, but also allowed him to listen to phone, radio, audiobooks, TV, etc. You should also write down and have the following information on hand: In the rush to focus on getting your child the care he or she needs, its important not to forget to take care of things at home. At Mayo Clinic, we understand that providing a safe, welcoming environment is essential to the health and happiness of our patients, visitors, and staff. shampoos, soaps and some are the no rinse body wash/shampoo type. If this is a planned admission check which clothes to pack it may be that you will be in hospital gowns. Extra clothes. For real. Everything has to come through the pharmacy. Give them a small journal or pocket notebook so they can write down any thoughts and questions that come to mind regarding their care. Label all food items to prevent food from being taken by other patients. Sweaters or cozy sweatshirts because hospitals are cold! What to pack for hospital. Your child will likely have many questions as you discuss their upcoming visit. Books are great, but you willprobably be reading more than your child. Any clothing you take may be subject to loss and/or stains. Focus on packing items that bring comfort and provide your child with something to do. In these cases, an alternative process will be followed. Most of the items you'll need during labor and delivery will remain the same, experts say. They're not the most comfortable or private places, and the days can be long and dull. Our Vision reflects how patients, caregivers, family and friends like you see CaringBridge: A world where no one goes through a health journey alone. Here are a few of our favorite self-care tips for caregivers: We understand that this can seem like a nearly impossible task when you have so much else going on. Having photos of family and friends around is a great reminder of how much love and support is in your loved ones life. Patient Registration at (901) 595-2010, Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or. Youll use wash cloths for everything. It helps everyone remember what was said, what the plan is, etc. We now keep a go bag that fits neatly in the hospital locker. When my kids were little, they could visit the hospital before they were scheduled for a procedure. Paper and pencil. By Terri Isidro-Cloudas, Emily Turnier , and Virginia. Quality tissues and toilet paper. According to HealthyChildren.org, Children learn by watching everyone around them, especially their parents. That is why we go through our drug lists with several people at check in, to make sure all needed meds are given daily. Work-Life Integration vs Work-Life Balance: Is One Better Than the Other? constipation. Consider what you'll want to wear, personal hygiene items you'll need, things to ensure your comfort, and how you'll entertain yourself. Baby wipes/face wipes are amazing. Paper and pencil. Not allowed. It can be helpful to bring copies of important documents such as your childs birth certificate, Social Security numbers for the patient and parents or guardians, insurance documents, copies of any custody papers, and other legal papers that pertain to the patients health. An upcoming hospital stay is nerve-racking for everyone: parents, caregivers, children and siblings. What to pack depends on the child's age and the duration of his or her hospitalization. Our people, patients, community and world deserve to have a children's hospital where transforming the safety and quality of care we deliver is a never-ending priority. In the end, your presence is what matters the most when figuring out how to prepare your child for a hospital stay. This isnt to say that you should hide your emotions from your child. It would be a tragedy if the FAVE lovie went into the trash outside the hospital or into the big washers on the bottom floor (and then in the trash.) The more information you can share, the more your child will be mentally prepared for their stay. The hospital has a great collection of DVDs (ask the Child Life Services dept where to find them), but if your child has a favorite (Jurassic World!!! Go through the bag every three months or so to check expiration dates on snacks, etc. They need to rest. Books and magazines, eye glass cleaner, manicure set. Light reading. I want to emphasize that sick patients are not on a vacation so dont stay to long. Important: Please note these guidelines when bringing outside food and drinks into the hospital: If you decide to eat at the hospital, remember quarters and dollars for the vending machines. Hospitals tend to be dry and lips get cracked! Use it to write down questions and instructions!! The kitchen would still on occasion bring me trays with wrong foods on it, so I was thankful my husband made sure to keep my plug-in cooler stocked with safe foods for me. The Together Blog is a resource that delivers timely topics on childhood cancer from providers, families, patients. Most hospitals have recognition programs for their employees. One important layer of security is the passive weapons detection system. If unnecessary items can be sent home please do because there is less chance of loosing it and less clutter is better in a small hospital room. Also, be sure to bring a household cord and not one of those humongous orange commercial ones. Save those for hospital stuff. Consider bringing comfort items such as blankets or toys. It's ultimately your call as to whether you're willing to risk it or take out a short-term insurance policy to cover the loss. Doctors, nurses, phlebotomists need to draw blood, take blood pressures, examine you dont waste their time waiting for you to remove clothing. Is there any updates on how he & Family are doing? (With Examples), Why Do I Get Distracted Easily? Save those for hospital stuff. While we understand how challenging this time can be, try to build in moments of joy for your child in the days leading up to and throughout their hospital stay. I was in hospital for 23 days, and even by the end of the stay I was astounded that I still occasionally received meals that were not good for me. If possible, schedule a tour of the hospital in advance. ALL of our daily meds had to be brought in and given by the nurses. Your child's nurse will be able to tell you how often these assessments will take place based on your child's needs. Your prescription drug insurance card and preferred pharmacy name, address, city, state and ZIP code. While you may feel the need to actively do something to help your child, what often brings the most comfort is simply being present. But its ok just to make and send them to the hospitals pastoral care. You dont know what germs can lurk or when it was cleaned last. Extension cords can come in handy since plugs may not always be in the most convenient locations. Being prepared can help you focus on getting the answers to your medical concerns. If you absolutely have to, then go ahead and bring the numero uno. Copy of referral, if appropriate. A list of your medications (prescription, over-the-counter and supplements) including doses and why you take them. Sweat pants for warmth and modesty when they make you get up and walk thru the halls. Water bottle. The hospital bed speaker has an earphone jack and I like to us that. Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, canes, walkers, crutches and other assistive devices you use for daily activities. As your child prepares for their hospital stay, theyll look to you to determine how they should react to their current situation. Let them help you and their sibling pack for the stay. A few indulgent treats for those rough moments. I also like to take things to decorate her room if we know ahe will be there for a while. A notebook and pen is a must. Hospitals are NOT quiet at night. Make a list of those items and their locations in your home, and tape it to the top of the bag. Maybe 3. Preparing for your inpatient stay. : probably not the best time to do your online banking). after-care items, like witch hazel . This involves packing everything you need not only to be comfortable, but to make up for some common shortcomings of the hospital (such as food or the lack of privacy). A word of caution: You may find yourself wanting to sugarcoat the situation for your child. One hospital allowed my personal BiPAP machine and a heavy duty computer type, surge protection plug-in strip. This technology's state of the art screening capabilities provides a more accurate and efficient screening process. We know that what you and your child are facing right now isnt easy. I always bring my own slippers and soft socks, my own jammies, and a bathrobe. aaa252. Some people bring their own pillows. ), be sure to bring it along. Norstrom PE, Brown CM. Hospital bag checklist for your baby What not to pack in your hospital bag Moms' tips for what to pack in a hospital bag Having everything you'll need for your hospital stay organized well in advance of your due date can help you feel more secure and prepared. Theres nothing more aggravating than having to stop in the middle of a movie to plug in your laptop wayyyyyy over there, by the window in the corner of the room, when your child is stuck in bed wayyyyy over here. Articles like this, featuring the experience of patients and family caregivers, are compiled by our staff. Together powered by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Bone Marrow / Hematopoietic Cell Transplant, See more side effects of cancer treatment, Learn more about psychology and mental health services, Relapse - When Childhood Cancer Comes Back, Communicating with the Palliative Care Team, Waiting on Test Results: How to Manage Scanxiety, Learn how to navigate the healthcare experience, Katie's Story: Building Relationships with Health Care Providers, Learn more about being your own health care advocate, How to Make the Transition from Pediatric to Adult Health Care. It also works to make the medical team happier. Schoolwork, if appropriate. To.test this that. What to pack? Make sure to pack a few of your favorite books and magazines to keep your mind busy. Work with your health care team to learn the best ways to talk to your child. That will only encourage them to hide theirs. Jewelry, especially anything sentimental or precious. While modern hospitals are designed to be more people-friendly than ever, function, hygiene, and durability are more important than comfort. @Amalmom, Wondering what to pack in your hospital bag? (You would be surprised how many people forget their readers and cases for glasses and hearing aids!). There are many germs in hospitals, so all blankets, toys should be washed in between visits . IS THIRE SOME HELP FOR ME When my dad was in the hospital we had some issues with noise, especially TV volume for the other person in the room. Keep it to a minimum, keep it loose, soft, easily removable, disposable. Here are 12 of the most important items to pack in your hospital bag for a long stay: 1. When the child comes home have a larger gift for them to unwrap.. Perks include upgraded rooms, no waiting in lines and special treatment, like extra linens, free coffee and being allowed to stay in the room during change-of-shift. Bringing your own food and drinks can help you eat healthier and save you money. All rights reserved. When your child has cancer, packing for a hospital stay can seem overwhelming. These include: You want your phone at full battery to stay in touch with other family members and friends. The Importance of Time Management: 6 Ways It Matters, Poor Sleep Quality Comes from All the Things You Do Since Morning, 12 Time Wasters That Suck Your Productivity While You Work, How to Live a Full Life (Without Compromising on What Truly Matters), Achieving Goals: The Ultimate Guide to Goal Achieving & Goal Setting in 2022, What Is Motivation And How To Get Motivated (Your Ultimate Guide), How to Increase Mental Focus and Stay Sharp, How To Get Fit If You Have a Busy Schedule, What Is Motivation And How To Get Motivated, What Is Procrastination And How To Stop It, Achieving Goals: The Ultimate Guide to Goal Achieving in 2023. Also as a suggestion take things with you to the hospital like family pictures little items that help you feel comfortable and water as well as snacks so you can stay healthy while at the hospital. Additional items we recommend packing for your childs hospital stay include: Focus on packing items that bring comfort and provide your child with something to do. Expensive technology devices or other valuables. Ask nurses first. Engage siblings in conversations about the hospital stay. Offering to bathe your child daily. Give one gift a day. First pack your hospital bag for yourself. No to OTC drugs. Feminine hygiene products. The screening process is efficient and timely: Unlike other security systems, simply walk through at a steady pace, keeping all your belongings with you. We can help you find a Hassenfeld Children's Hospital doctor. It doesnt matter theage, most children loathe the hospital. Slippers are great for short walks, trips to the bathroom or lazy walks to the cafeteria when its been so many days you dont care what people think anymore. Zip Lock those bad boys and label the bag with your childs name. Sometimes hospitals have a way to turn off the overheads and use only s softer hospital light. A common recommendation on how to do this involves gift-giving: Wrap little gifts for each day they are in the hospital. Headphones. For more ideas of what to pack, read about 12 additional items we recommend. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This will allow them to quickly look through the journal to see if any questions remain unanswered. Monitoring your child's "Ins and Outs" (also called I&Os). Dont spend another minute alone! But its ok just to make and send them to the hospitals pastoral care. I was surprised at the advice to take your own OTC s that has not been allowed at any hospital I have been in or worked at. Our last two stays, things were stolen and not by staff, but by loved ones. Sad. Most treatment facilities have cafeterias for patients, families and staff. But knowing what to bring to the hospital can provide comfort for your child and peace of mind for you as parents. Hospital staff, including social workers, should be able to help you find lodging that is close to the treatment facility. Here are 12 of the most important items to pack in your hospital bag for a long stay: Your softest blankets and plushest pillows can help you feel more relaxed and at home, which is especially helpful during long hospital stays. Download some favorites from one of the multiple sites for free. You won't be able to pack some items ahead of time, like your child's favorite toy. Hospitals have resources please use them. As a former 40 yr. hospital employee, I would question the advice to bring an extension cord to the hospital. Hospitals are busy. recently where I needed to have an airway placed because I was barely breathing. Zero Now Program. Always bring a notebook and pencil or pens to write down the names of the caregivers and doctors you see. Please remember there are three (3) shifts of nurses and that they rotate their days off. This information is general education and does not replace medical advice. If you're uncertain whether to bring a valuable, ask yourself if you're willing to lose it. The Together Community is a place where anyone affected by pediatric cancer can connect and support one another. A cooler may be permitted in your hospital room, especially if you have an extended stay, and if you have special diet needs. Snacks or homemade food, but ONLY if its approved by your childs doctor. A free CaringBridge online health journal allows you to update everyone at once and offers a scheduling tool to help you coordinate caring tasks. limited cosmetics. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Someone can trip over them and wheels of carts may have trouble crossing over them. The scale is from 1 to 5. This article will help you think through what you may need to take with you so you're not stuck doing without during your hospital stay.
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