Six Things To Do Before a Hospital Stay

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Outside of the paperwork, there are many logistical things you can do to plan for a hospital stay that will help prevent unexpected challenges and help things go more smoothly for everyone:

• Finalize transportation. How will your loved one get to the hospital? Who will help them return from the hospital?
• Find a “buddy.” It’s very helpful to have a friend or family member present who can address nonmedical requests, alert the staff if there is a sudden change in your loved one’s condition and take notes during the doctor’s daily visit.
• Find out if you can sleep in your loved one’s room. Some hospitals have recliners or can provide you with a blanket and pillow so you can spend the night in your loved one’s room.
• Finalize lodging. If you live far from the hospital, find out if the hospital has a guesthouse or if there are hotels in the area that offer discounts to family members of patients.
• Pay household bills and arrange for needed pet care or house sitting. There is no need to add worries about home while your loved one is recuperating.
• Gather friends and family contact information. Collect a list of email addresses and phone numbers of people who want to be kept informed of your loved one’s progress. Create an email list or phone tree to notify friends and family about changes or updates to your loved one’s condition.