How to Pack for a Hospital Stay

There will come a time when one of our loved ones is admitted to the hospital. Of course you'll need to pack them a overnight bag but, what should you take? First off, you will need to speak with their nurse, or Dr. to see exactly what is or isn't allowed. For example if the patient is in intensive care, they will not be allowed to wear their own pajama's. However, if the patient is "on the floor" for observation, or recovery they will be able to wear their own clothes, and use their own person hygiene products. Packing the correct items for your loved one will help make their hospital stay more comfortable, and perhaps even promote healing.

Packing For A Child:

The hospital is a scary place for children, so making their stay feel more like home is very important. Now is not the time to buy all new items for your child's hospital stay. By packing items they use regularly at home, the child will feel more at ease.

PJ's : You should pack a clean pair of pj's for each night they will be staying at the hospital. Remember they will be wearing their pj's night and day, so it is important to change them. If the child is feeling really ill then you should only change them at night. Once the child starts to feel better, you can change their clothes in the morning, and again at night.

Undies: Don't forget to pack some undies. You will need to pack two pair for every nights stay.

Slippers: Slipper socks are comfortable, and will keep them from slipping down once they are able to walk around the room. Most hospitals provide their patients with slipper socks but there very generic. You can find fun slipper socks for kids in a variety of colors, and patterns. Slipper socks only cost a few dollars a pair, and you can find them anywhere that socks are sold.

Personal Hygiene: Make sure to pack your child's toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, and any other product they use daily. It's not a bad idea to pack some chap stick for dry lips, and some baby lotion for foot rubs.

Bringing Home To The Hospital: Your child needs to feel as comfortable as possible. You should remember to pack their favorite stuffed animal, or small toy. Also, take your perfume to the hospital, and lightly mist their pillow. That way they can smell you at all times, and know your never far away. If your child has a favorite pillow or blanket at home, bring it to the hospital. If they have to spend time in a hospital bed they might as well make it their own.

Killing Time: Once your child starts to feel better, time will seem to stand still. You can make the days go by faster by giving them things to play with. Hand held video games, coloring books, puzzles, and easy craft projects will help pass the time. You can also read story books to or with them, or watch movies together. Most hospitals have VCR's, or DVD players, and movies for patients to use, ask the nurse if your hospital provides these. If they do not, you can always pick up a portable DVD player. A portable CD player also comes in handy.

Going Home: The most important thing! Remember to pack a set of clothes for when they are able to come home, and don't forget shoes.

Packing For Adults:

Adults aren't much different then children. Almost everyone would rather be at home, in their own bed, wearing their own pajama's.

Pajama's: You will need to pack two pair of pajamas for every night they will be staying. If they prefer night gowns or boxers, that's okay. Pack the clothes they normally sleep in.

Robe: Not everyone wants to be seen in their pajamas. Make sure to pack their robe.

Undergarments: Just like the pajama's you will need to pack two pieces of undergarments per night that they will be staying. If you are packing for a women, be sure to pack a bra. Some women just feel better knowing one is there.

Slippers: Slipper socks are wonderful. They keep your feet warm, and they keep you from sliding down once your able to get out of bed. You should also pack them a pair of house slippers, for when they are able to walk around for any distance.

Home Away From Home: Just like with a child, some adults prefer sleeping on their own pillow.

Personal Hygiene: Don't forget to pack their toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lotions, perfume, razor, make-up, hairbrush, chap stick, and anything else they use daily. You loved one might not feel like putting on make-up, but just knowing it's there offers some relief if they never leave home without it.

Killing Time: What is your loved ones hobby? For example, if they like to crochet, then be sure to pack their yarn and needles. Other great time killers include, magazines, books, movies, music (personal CD player), cross word puzzles, and even coloring books.

Going Home: No one wants to leave the hospital looking worse then when they walked in. Remember to pack a set of clothes to come home it, and a pair of shoes.

A short stay in the hospital can seem like a lifetime to the patient. Your support will go along way! Try to visit them daily, and spend as much time with them as you can afford to. Let them know that they are loved. By packing the right stuff, your loved one will feel more at ease. If you have any questions about an item ask your loved ones Dr. or the floor nurse. The rules aren't as stiff as people think, I found that out the hard way. Most hospitals provide the item the patient needs during their stay, but have no problem with the patient bringing their own stuff. Also, if the patient is not on any food restrictions, you can take them food they like, such as a Big Mac, and fries.