Call ahead for rules and suggestions
1. Do they allow cellphones, iPods, or portable CD players?
2. What is the phone situation? When can you make phone calls, and can you receive them? Do you need a phone card?
3. What are visiting hours for friends and family?
4. What are smoking policies? 14 states have prohibited smoking inside or outside, and most likely it won’t be allowed. Ask about bringing a nicotine patch or gum. Most likely the nurse’s station will keep them for you and dispense as needed.
5. Do you need to bring your own meds?
6. What does the individual hospital recommend you bring and what to leave behind?
What to pack and what to leave behind:
First let me say the hospital will provide toiletries, blankets, linens, everyday items you need. But you can bring your own to make you more comfortable if they allow. Consider how long you’ll be staying and how much you want to lug, but I prefer some of my own things for comfort. Some items to think about:
1. Comfortable clothes. Sweats, leggings, shorts, jeans, pj pants, T-shirt’s, undergarments, sweatshirts, sweaters, or jacket (even in summer as A/C can make it cold). No strings allowed on any clothing or shoes. Pack for 3-5 days. Laundry facilities are usually available so if you have a much longer stay, you’ll have clean clothes.
2. Lace less shoes for support during the day or non-slip slippers with support. Socks. Slip-less socks are offered. Some people like them, some find them uncomfortable.
3. Pillow and cozy, warm blanket. A/C sometimes makes it pretty cold.
4. Brush, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, nice smelling lotion if you want to bring your own. Try to bring travel size so you don’t have to lug a huge bag. No glass bottles, metal, or alcohol in ingredients. No aerosol or pressurized cans. No metal combs or metal hair clips.
5. Book and a journal. Pens seem to be a sought-after item, ask if you are allowed to bring your own. I brought my own set of professional artist ink pens. They just had to search to make sure the tips were okay.
6. Phone, iPod, or portable CD player may be allowed (don’t forget the charger) call ahead and ask.
7. You need to bring a medical insurance card and maybe your own meds. (Call ahead to find out.)
8. Do not bring anything with cords, keys, belts, wallets, anything glass or aerosols, metal.
9. Do not bring any food, drink, candy, or gum.
What to expect
1. Your belongings will be gone through and checked so that everything you packed fits within their rules.
2. Three big meals with choices and snacks and drinks throughout the day, including coffee.
3. Usually, a shared room with one person, but can be two. Some have private bathrooms, some don’t. If bathrooms and showers are in the hall, consider bringing a robe.
4. Some offer hair dryers that you check out, some don’t.
5. You will have different group therapy throughout the day, including outside time if weather permits, and some downtime. Some offer art classes and music therapy.
6. Individual times with your medical team.
7. Art supplies are usually offered. Coloring seems to be a favorite pastime.
8. Puzzles and games are usually available.
9. Community TV
10. There’s usually a calming quiet room for one person at a time to use when needed.
The positive thing about going is that it gives you a break from everyday life and the stresses of home life to focus on healing.
There is social interaction, depending on each person, but I’ve always found several people to talk to, play games with, and chill out in front of a movie.