Caring
How to get the best hospital care
No one wants to wind up in hospital, but the reality is most of us will likely be admitted for one reason or another. That’s why it’s essential to have a plan, just in case the worst should happen. Here are eight easy tips to ensure you get the best possible hospital care… and avoid paying a return visit!
- Plan your stay – Unless your hospital trip is a surprise, chances are you’ll have had ample notice about your upcoming stay. Use this time to put together all your important documents, pack a bag with all the essentials, and find out as much as you can about your procedure – admission, duration, discharge and everything in between. As they say, knowledge is power.
- Get support – Choose a family member or close friend to be by your side throughout your stay. Not only is it helpful to have another set of eyes and ears, but you’ll instantly feel better just knowing someone has your back. If, for some reason, no one is available to accompany you, there are professional patient advocate services that can help.
- Take notes – If you’ve ever been in hospital before, you’ll know just how easy it is to forget everything the doctor just said. Make like a uni student and jot down everything you think is important, just in case your memory decides to betray you.
- Stay clean – Hospitals are hotbeds of germs and bacteria, so there is a heightened risk of post-surgery infection. Prevent any nasties that could extend your stay by using the antibacterial soap provided by your hospital, and make sure any visitors do the same.
- Use your voice – You have rights as a patient to speak up if anything you see or hear from your doctors, nurses, or other professionals doesn’t sit quite right with you. If medication has been changed, tests taken or anything else without your prior consent or knowledge, feel free to ask questions and consult professionals to resolve any issues.
- Always be prepared – You might not expect to find yourself in a hospital bed any time soon, but sadly these things can often catch us unawares. Ensure you have an enduring guardian or power of attorney set up, as well as a heath care directive should you be admitted in an emergency. It’s also a good idea to carry around a list of your medications and conditions with you in your wallet.
Do you have any hospital care tips to add to our list? Share them with us in the comment section below.
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