7 Things to Expect During a Hospital Stay

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Most people find the hospital a bit stressful. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and minimize your anxiety.

You and your loved one should be ready for:

• Lots of paperwork. Different departments within the hospital may need to ask you the same questions you’ve answered before.
• Lots of decisions. Your loved one may be required to make decisions, and/or has named a health care “proxy” to make decisions for him or her.
• Many tests with lots of coming and going. During the course of a day, or even a few hours, your loved one may need to have blood drawn, X-rays taken, an MRI or PET scan, blood pressure readings, pulse and his or her temperature taken.
• Not much privacy. Even with a private room, the staff will be in and out a lot.
• Hospital gowns. To reduce infection and lost clothing, as well as to facilitate many medical care procedures, all patients are asked to wear hospital gowns.
• Fair Food. “Hospital food” may not be the kind of food your loved one is used to. It may also follow dietary restrictions that are not what your loved one would prefer (for example, no salt, no sugar, or fat free). Ask the staff if you can bring some snacks from home.
• Being moved unexpectedly or often to a different department. If your loved one’s condition changes, he or she may be moved to a different part of the hospital that can better meet his or her needs.