Important Items to Pack for the Hospital

With chronic conditions such as COPD, many people spend a significant amount of time in the hospital, whether for COPD exacerbations, or complications of other illnesses.While nobody enjoys this home away from home, there are things you can do and items can you bring, which may help your stay feel just a bit cozier.

Certainly, everyone is different, but here is a list of 10 important things to bring with you when you are admitted to the hospital. With the anxiety that comes with heading to the hospital, many people find that they forget a few of the things that would have made the admission process a bit easier, and later wish they had brought that special book or a list of phone numbers. You may even wish to partially pack a bag—leaving less to gather when the time to head to the hospital arrives.

Legal Documents

During the admission process, you will be asked to provide the hospital with the following legal documents. Having these documents available right away can help you avoid repeated visits from admitting during your stay.

• Driver's license or identification card.
• Health insurance cards — Make sure you have your most up to date cards on hand, especially if you have had any changes in insurance. As a quick note, at the time of admission, you may want to make sure the staff has your most current information. It's all too common to have hospitals bill a former insurance company based on hospital records, leading to headaches as you work to straighten this out later on.
• Copy of power of attorney, living will and/or advance directive (if applicable).

List of Medications

A complete list of medications is one of the most important things that you will need upon admission to the hospital, yet one of the most commonly overlooked. Many a nurse has worked with a patient trying to figure out what that "little white pill" may be. It's just as important to list any vitamins or nutritional supplements you are taking. Keep all of your prescription and non-prescription medications in their original containers if possible. Also, make sure to remember to list your inhalers, and if you use them regularly, or just as needed. Be sure to include the following on your list:

• Name of medication
• Dosage of medication
• Frequency of medication
• Time of the last dose

List of Important Phone Numbers

Providing the hospital with a list of important phone numbers will ensure that family and close friends will be notified in the event of an emergency. Be sure to include complete names and phone numbers, including area codes.

It's also very helpful to have these numbers for yourself. Whether you find yourself needing to call a relative whose number you haven't memorized or need the number for an airline to cancel a flight, you'll probably be very pleased that you took the time to pack your address book.

Small Amount of Cash

While it is best to leave credit cards at home, a small amount of cash will allow you to purchase a newspaper or other items from the vending machine. To avoid the possibility of theft, keep money in an inconspicuous place, like a sock or tied bandana.

Comfortable Clothing

Most patients will tell you that there is nothing worse than a hospital gown, so bringing your own comfortable clothing is a must. If you get chilled easily, bringing your own robe (rather than wearing the thin and flimsy hospital robes) is wise. Items that you may want to pack include:

• Nightgown or pajamas
• Socks
• Underwear
• Robe and slippers
• Some people enjoy also bringing their own special pillow or blanket
• Remember too, that you may be required to wear a heart monitor or have an IV while in the hospital, so loose clothing is best.

Glasses

When you check into the hospital, don't forget your glasses if you wear them. You will be required to sign consent forms and other hospital documents which may be impossible to read without them. Too many people find themselves in the hospital with time to finally read that novel, but can't because they left their readers at home.

Prepaid Phone Card

Many hospitals do not allow cell phones, so bringing a prepaid phone card will help you stay in close contact with family members and friends during your hospital stay.

Toiletries

While many hospitals supply basic toiletry items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, they are usually of lower quality and may be undesirable to some patients. Bringing your own toiletries may work best for you, especially if you use items such as a conditioner or hair gel. Don't forget items such as deodorant, lip balm, and a razor. One woman found that the most distressing thing about her hospitalization is that she forgot to pack her tweezers to pluck those pesky chin hairs that appear with menopause.

If you style your hair, you may also want to grab your curling or straightening iron and a hairdryer. Early on in your hospitalization, this may seem like a low priority, but as you get nearer to discharge you'll likely be wanting to spruce up a bit. This can be especially helpful if you're feeling discouraged about your health. Sometimes, investing a moment in your outward appearance at that point can help you feel a bit better inwardly as well.

Don't Forget Entertainment

Let's face it, hospitals are not designed to be entertaining and things can get pretty boring laying around in bed all day. Bringing a few of your favorite things will not only help you pass the time but will help keep your mind off of your illness, too. Here are a few suggestions:

• Books or magazines
• Crossword puzzles, sudoku, or brain teasers
• Knitting or crochet
• Cell phone and charger
• Journal to record your thoughts
• iPod, radio or CD player and CD's
• Laptop or portable DVD player
• Stationary, notecards, and stamps (for sending letters that you may finally have time to write)

Family Photos

Surrounding yourself with family photos will help keep those who are closest to you near and dear during your hospital stay. They will also remind the hospital staff that you are a real person, and not just a medical record number.

Eye Covering and Ear Plugs

If you are bothered by lights, bringing something to cover your eyes with during rest or sleep will help you remain undisturbed should the lights be turned on. A set of earplugs also work well if you are sensitive to noise.

Remember, most hospitals will advise you during the admission process that they are not responsible for personal belongings that are lost or stolen during hospitalization. With this in mind, it is best to leave valuable items, such as jewelry, wallets or purses, at home.