What to Bring for an Overnight Hospital Stay

The older you get, the more likely you’ll happen to stay overnight at a hospital, especially if you’re a caregiver or have a spouse who is in a different level of care. Planning for a stay is easier when procedures are expected, so if this is a typical event, it might be a good idea to prep an overnight bag with the following items.

Valuable Belongings

When preparing for your stay, think about what you might take on a quick weekend trip and omit anything of value, like jewelry, wallets, or electronics. If you must bring valuable items, ask ahead of time if the hospital provides safe storage options. Some hospitals offer lock-enabled bedside tables to ensure your belongings are safe. Many hospital policies remove responsibility for stolen or missing items, so bring them at your discretion.

Important Documents

You might be responsible for your loved one’s medical history or want to keep abreast of their medical needs. Bring along any important documents pertaining to their needs, such as a list of medications, photo ID, insurance or Medicare cards, physician reports, contact information, and advance health care directives, like a living will and durable power of attorney for health care.

Comfortable Clothes

Wearing comfortable clothes like pajamas or sweat clothes will help you sleep better at night. Hospitals can get cold, and their floors are also tiled, so bring socks and comfortable, supportive shoes like sneakers. You may even want to consider packing compression or fingerless gloves to stay warm and partake in whatever activity while you’re waiting. If your stay turns into a longer visit, you may also want to pack extra underwear!

Pillow and Blanket

Hospitals have blankets and pillows for patients only, so consider bringing things to sleep comfortably and pack a blanket and pillow depending on how likely you are to stay overnight with your care recipient. The hospital might issue you one blanket, but their pillows and blankets are often designed to be cleaned easily, so they’re not optimized for comfort. You might also want to bring a sleep mask and earplugs to block out busy noises and fluorescent lights.

Toiletries and Personal Items

Showering at a hospital isn’t always an option. So, pack things to ensure you can maintain a reasonable degree of hygiene. This includes your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, dry shampoo, lip balm, hairbrush, comb, and washcloth. And don’t forget your medication and glasses or contacts if you have them!

Cash

While hospital cafeterias might be available for important meals of the day, they aren’t open 24/7. There are often multiple vending machines for you to use, but you’ll have to remember to have cash on you. Some places also require cash for parking, so it’s best to pack a little money when planning your hospital stay.

Snacks

Depending on the reason for your stay, you may not want to risk going to the cafeteria during rounds. And if the doctor is making rounds, it could be some time before they get to you. Packing snacks will help hold you over if you don’t want to leave the room. Make sure to bring water and single-serve snacks that don’t pose a problem for the hospital or patient, such as food that could cause an allergic reaction.

Pen and Paper

Depending on whether or not you are in the habit of taking notes on your phone, you may want to bring a pen and pad of paper in case you have to take notes on something. It is also nice to be able to journal or draw during long waiting times.

Electronics

Don’t forget electronics like your phone or laptop to stay connected with others or get work done if you like. Be sure to pack chargers and extension cords for any electronics you bring, and check the hospital’s policies on cellphone use. Some hospitals do not allow them to ensure patient privacy.

Games and Entertainment

Bring something else to entertain you when you get sick of watching daytime programs. Load fun apps on your phone or bring a book, journal, games, or cards to enjoy with your loved one.

Something Special for Your Loved One

A trip to the hospital is no fun for anyone, so this is a great opportunity to make an unfortunate situation a little nicer by bringing a small gift or treat for your loved one. And if they have dementia or Alzheimer’s, this experience can be very uncomfortable since they are in a new place. Consider bringing small familiar items to them, such as pictures or small decor, so the new location won’t feel as jarring to them.

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At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.