How to make your hospital stay more comfortable

Includes a list of items to pack for your hospital stay.

By Eldercare Services, Local Business

Oct 27, 2016 8:30 am PT | Updated Oct 27, 2016 11:30 am PT

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

Thanks to the miracles of technological advances and medical research, not all surgeries require a postoperative hospital stay. While convalescing at home may sound more relaxing, the benefit of a short hospital stay for recovery is having the continuous support of nurses, care assistants, and daily face time with your physician. That being said, the hospital environment is not particularly restful for patients, with being woken every few hours of the night for medications and vitals, predawn waking for physician rounds, noisy hallways, rigid meal scheduling, and lack of privacy. Despite these limitations, when planning a surgery, here are five ways to make your hospital stay more comfortable:

Bring comfort items from home:

A book, kindle, or magazines.
A tablet or laptop pre-loaded with movies.
Preferred toiletries: face wash/hand lotion/deodorant/lip balm/wipes/toothbrush/toothpaste.
Sleep mask and earplugs.
Chargers, cell phone, and earbuds, with music or podcasts pre-loaded.
Washable fleece throw blanket.
Changes of underwear. You won’t need socks/slippers, as most hospitals provide and require fall precaution socks with nonslip bottoms.
Pump bottle of hand sanitizer to keep at bedside for you and any guests to use frequently.
Clorox wipes for initially disinfecting the remote control and bed buttons.
Pen and pad of paper for keeping track of questions and provided information.
Eyeglasses case/contact lens supplies.
Folder containing current medication list, medical provider info, copy of advance directive, and relevant legal paperwork such as trustee/power of attorney and DNR wishes, etc.

Embrace pain management: The immediate recovery period following a surgery usually involves discomfort and sometimes pain. Controlling patient pain is of primary importance in postoperative care. Being in relentless pain disrupts the healing process, by raising one’s blood pressure and interrupting the ability to sleep. Don’t be stoic! It can accelerate your healing to accept the prescribed medications for pain relief and closely follow the recommended schedule for gradually reducing and discontinuing the meds.

Limit visitors: While we all think we are going to want visitors in the hospital, the truth is that after surgery we may feel uncomfortable, fatigued, irritable or out of sorts (or all of the above!). It is okay to decline visitors until you return home, or to limit visits to a manageable 10 or 15 minute timeframe. Do not worry that this is being rude to your guests: if they care enough to want to visit, they should understand and prioritize protecting your health and promoting your healing.

Streamline progress updates: It can be exhausting to feel that you need to call and keep all of your loved ones updated on all the nuances of your recovery. Thanks to technology, it is very easy to have a family member be in charge of sending updates to an email list of close friends and family, or even to set up a blog to keep health updates available with minimal effort from the patient. These updates can include your wishes for visitation, meal delivery for once you return home, or any other needs.

Be flexible: As a patient, a crucial part of recovering from surgery is embracing flexibility. Rather than having rigid expectations for how you think you should be doing, or how long you think progress should take, take a deep breath and challenge that need for control. Being flexible and present in the moment as much as possible will allow you to prioritize your most pressing needs and not waste energy on things that can wait. Let others take care of you, and allow yourself to rest and follow the recommendations of your medical team. This will facilitate healing, and before you know it, you will be able to resume your normal routines.

If you have any concerns about determining potential changes in your care needs based on upcoming surgeries or new medical issues, please contact our expert team at Eldercare Services. No matter where you live throughout the country, we can connect you with the resources you need!

How can you make your time in hospital more comfortable?

If you’ve ever had to stay in hospital for an extended amount of time. Either due to illness or surgery, you’ll know that it can sometimes be an uncomfortable experience. Especially when you don’t have the same level of mobility as normal. The same can also be said for family members staying in care homes. It’s at times like these that you realise the small things you normally take for granted. Like bathing and personal hygiene, suddenly become a daily hurdle. We understand and have a range of products that can help you and your loved ones through these difficult times. Below we’ve detailed a few selected products that can help to make your stay in hospital as comfortable as possible.

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

How to wash when you can’t bathe

Most of us get into the routine of showering every day. Being fresh and clean can have a positive effect on your mood and confidence. But if you’re mobility is affected, either by illness or age. You may not be able to bathe for a specific period of time or as frequently as you used to. Although assisted bed baths can help to keep you clean. There is nothing more comforting than knowing you have the option of freshening up on your own terms.

Our bed bath wipes take the effort out of bathing. These simple pH neutral wipes not only clean, they also moisturise. Traditional bed baths involve soap, water, washcloths and towels, but our wipes provide all of this in a convenient wipe. Depending on your needs you can either use a pack of 8 bed bath wipes for a full body wash. Or if you’re due to stay in hospital for a longer period of time. Our body care wipes can either be used warm or straight from the pack.

Tricks for staying clean

If you’re bed bound you can end up feeling clammy very quickly. Sometimes you just want to freshen up, but getting up for a quick hand or face wash isn’t always an option. Our Patient Wipes are perfect for keeping you and your surrounding area clean. The wipes are made from gentle spunlace and have a mild antibacterial action. The 0% alcohol formula means they are gentle enough to be used on your skin and are ideal for frequent use. The great thing about these wipes is that they can also be used to clean a variety of surfaces (from bed tables to handles). The aloe vera contained in the formula kills germs, providing you with the confidence that you are the things around you are sanitised.

The importance of discretion

No matter whether you are experiencing problems with your bowel and bladder, or whether you’re not in a position to reach the places as well as you normally can, we understand the need for cleanliness as well as discretion. We all need to go to the toilet and our ability to clean ourselves afterwards can have a direct impact on our sense of wellbeing.

In order to address this problem we recommend Continence Care Washcloths which work in seven different ways. As well as cleansing, they also moisturise, they provide barrier protection, they’re antibacterial, antipruritic, deodorising and most importantly, soothing. These wipes are dermatologically tested in order to be used on sensitive skin. Your happiness and outlook has a major impact on your recovery. Rather than stressing about the things you normally take for granted, we have a range of solutions available to help you stay clean and comfortable during your hospital stay.

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10 Ways to Be More Comfortable During Hospital Stays

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable Last Friday, my 18 month old daughter had her cleft palate repaired and we stayed two nights in the hospital. Due to various medical issues with my children, I’ve spent my share of nights sleeping on pull-out hospital beds and have learned that staying in the hospital is probably one of the most uncomfortable places to stay. I have written an article to help parents prepare for their child’s surgery and now have decided that parents also need some encouragement on finding ways to be more comfortable during their hospital stay with their child. Simple things, like knowing how to silence the iv machine alarm can really make a big difference during your child’s stay. I’ve also stopped being afraid of bothering the nurses when my child or I need something.

Here are 10 ways to make your hospital stay a little more comfortable:

Go home to shower and get a couple hour nap or break if possible. Allow a friend or family member to stay with your child while they are resting while you go home and recuperate a little.
Learn how to silence the alarms on those machines. Once you’ve paged your nurse that their iv pole bag is empty, there is no need for you to endure the loud, annoying beeping that accompanies the empty iv pole bag.
Bring a portable DVD player with headphones and rent a good chick flick.
Don’t be afraid to ask your nurse for things you need (like a rocker, extra pillows, to start the coffee maker in the family kitchen, etc…) and more importantly, keep asking until you get it!
If you think your child needs pain medicine, then communicate that to your nurse. I have felt at times like I sounded like I was overly drug-seeking for pain medicine for my child, but staying ahead of the pain after surgery can be the difference of being slightly uncomfortable and completely miserable during your hospital stay. If the pain medicine is not working, ask your nurse to page your doctor to see if there is something else you can try.
Make friends with your child’s roommate. Conversations with other parents can really help the time to go by quicker.
If you’re not happy with your nurse, ask to speak to the charge nurse to share your concerns.
On the flip side, make sure you let the charge nurse know when you have a fantastic nurse! We had the best nurses we’ve ever had this past weekend and was sure to let the charge nurse know what fantastic nurses we had this weekend and named them to her.
Don’t feel the need to get up when the nurse comes in your room in the middle of the night to check vital signs or mess with the iv pole. If your child does not need you to tend to her, keep getting as much sleep as you can!
Ask questions about the care your child is receiving. Learn the dosages of your child’s medication and/or special precautions that should be taken with your child while recovering in the hospital. We have had a couple of incidences with improper dosages and medications with our children which were caught because I was aware of their medication.

What are some ways you have become more comfortable during your child’s hospital stay?

2 Responses to 10 Ways to Be More Comfortable During Hospital Stays

We would always bring pictures from home and put them up in the room. Also, we brought Ethan’s favorite toys. If the stay was unexpected, we were sure to be in touch with Child Life Dept. to accomodate our play needs.

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

Last week around this time I had to stay in with my 3 week old daughter. Since I couldn’t leave her there (or have anyone else stay with her) I couldn’t duck home to shower or anything or take a break at all. What I found most helpful was taking in my carrier (I used a babyhawk mei tai). My baby couldn’t breathe and she was also in pain, not exactly a recipe for laying placidly in a crib. And besides that, we cosleep at home. The nurses at the hospital were fine with my holding her all day and night in her carrier – it made it easier for me to keep Zoe calm and soothed the entire time. I had my husband bring me in a bag of candy, a great book, and a bunch of magazines to help the time pass. Also don’t be afraid to ask someone for a drink! I was dying of thirst (since as I mentioned I couldn’t leave the room) until I thought to ask the nurse to bring me in a jug of water and a glass.

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Make Your Stay Comfortable

Elaine Hinzey is a fact checker, writer, researcher, and registered dietitian.

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

When you are planning a stay in the hospital, whether it is for surgery, childbirth, or an inpatient procedure, it is important to be prepared. This involves packing everything you need to not only be comfortable but to make up for some of the common shortcomings of a hospital stay (such as food or the lack of privacy).

While modern hospitals are designed to be more people-friendly than ever, they are still functional by nature and stress hygiene and durability over comfort. So, if you are the type who is easily awakened by noise or can’t sleep without your favorite goose-down pillow, you need to either bring along your creature comforts or make concessions.

The Basics of Packing

In preparing for your stay, think about all of the things you would bring on a weekend trip and then pare back by omitting anything of value, including your wallet, jewelry, or electronics. If you really must bring something of value (such as a laptop for work), ask the ward in advance if there are any facilities in which to store your belongings under lock and key. While some hospitals offer lockable bedside tables, make certain that your belongings can fit inside.

In the end, if you’re uncertain whether to bring a valuable or not, ask yourself if you’re willing to lose it. If not, keep it at home. Hospital policies are such that they won’t take responsibility if a personal belonging is stolen. It’s ultimately your call as to whether you’re willing to risk it or take out a short-term insurance policy to cover the loss.

Once you’ve pared back to the basics, you should take only those things which can help you sleep comfortably, maintain your daily hygiene, provide you with greater privacy, or keep you healthy. You should also bring along something to entertain yourself and maybe any snacks or drinks that your treatment or procedure allows.

Your Hospital Stay Checklist

You won’t have a lot of space to store things, so try to fit everything you need into a standard roll-on bag. Be sure that is well labeled and is lockable as an extra layer of security.

Among the things you should include on your packing checklist:

If you’re one of the many people who has found themselves wearing a face mask during quarantine, there’s a good chance that you’ve become frustrated at some point with the covering. Yes, it’s important for us to fight the spread of COVID-19, but that doesn’t change the fact that face masks can be cumbersome, inconvenient, and downright uncomfortable.

Fortunately, there are some hacks to make your face mask wearing experience less troublesome. One easy and fast fix to make things smell more pleasant instead of breathing in your mask’s scent all day is to spray your mask with antibacterial laundry sanitizer, as cardiac intensive care nurse Jenny Rusin told Today. “It helps that what I have to breathe in all day smells really good,” she said.

Another simple hack, courtesy of dentist Nancy Rosen, is to place a tissue at the tip of your nose and under your lower loop. This can help you combat skin irritation caused by your mask.

Here’s what to do if your face mask straps are hurting your ears

If your face mask is hurting your ears, a simple paper clip can be your best friend. Ashley Hilmes, who owns VEGA Vitality, a company offering various medical and beauty services, told Today that looping your elastic straps through the clip allows you to attach your mask by extending the straps around the back of your head, thereby saving your ears.

Double-sided body tape can also be a lifesaver, said hairstylist Jill Chambers. “It can be attached to the side of the mask and stuck to the cheek,” she said. “It’s safe to use on skin and keeps the loops off the ears.”

If neither of those options work for you, HuffPost recommends opting for face masks with ties rather than elastic bands. You can also buy one of the many solutions on the market to save your ears from elastics, such as ear loop extenders for your hat, which you can attach your straps to, or headbands with buttons to loop the straps over.

Emma Dufficy

Hospitals can feel like unfriendly places with bright lights, noise and medical equipment. But, however clinical the room, there are things you can do to create more relaxing and comfortable surroundings.

The ideal environment to give birth in is warm, safe, private, quiet and dark. A little planning ahead can help to create your own little nest, even in a hospital room.

If possible, take a tour of the hospital to find out what the rooms look like. This will give you some idea of what you might want to take to hospital with you. If your hospital doesn’t offer tours, then see if there is a virtual tour online.

Failing that, ask your midwife what your hospital provides. You will also need to check with her about what you are allowed you to bring with you. Some hospitals provide birth balls, mats and wall bars, to help you lean or squat during labour. Most will let you bring in your own pillows, birth ball, or a bean bag.

Even if the hospital does provide certain items, you might be happier using your own. Infection control measures often mean that everything in the room must be wipeable, so pillows, for example, can be rather clinical. You might prefer to bring pillows from home.

Once you get to hospital there are some adjustments you can make to the room. Have your birth partner push the bed to one side if possible. This gives you more room to move around, and you are less likely to lie on the bed. Staying mobile will help progress your labour.

If there is a dimmer switch, use it to keep the lighting low. If not, there is always an anglepoise lamp in the room. Turn this to face the wall, and turn off the overhead lighting. It will create a softer, warmer glow.

Take some magazines, books or games as well. Early on in your labour you may want the distraction.

Playing some of your favourite music can help to relax and soothe you too. You probably won’t be able to bring in any electrical equipment which is mains powered, unless it’s been checked by the hospital’s electrician. Some hospitals have CD players in birth rooms, so you can take in your own CDs. Or, you could wear your own MP3 player.

In early labour it’s best to stay at home as long as possible, unless advised otherwise by your doctor or midwife. First time labours can be slow, and even a little boring at times. Early labour could even last days, and you will feel more comfortable at home.

No one enjoys spending time in the hospital. Spending even just a day or two in a hospital room feels like three times longer, compared to when you are having a vacation where time seems to fly by so fast. Waiting for the results of a surgery or a laboratory test makes the experience even worse, especially if your loved one is battling a serious illness.

Since you and the rest of the family play a big role in your loved one’s recovery, you need to do things that can lift the patient’s spirits. Here are some of the things you can do to improve your loved one’s stay at the hospital and make him feel more comfortable.

Bring Gifts

It is a universal gesture for people to bring something with them whenever they visit someone in the hospital. It can be food and drink hampers or flowers, or any particular item that can show the patient that you care for him.

For instance, you can provide the patient with a pillowcase from home or handcrafted gift you made on your own. Or, you can decorate the hospital room to make it feel more like home. You can also combine all your ideas and create an entire package for your loved one.

Empathize With the Patient

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

Try to observe your loved one’s situation whenever you visit him in the hospital. Does he look comfortable on his bed? If he is tall, then he must be feeling cramped on his bed for days. Choose the best time to speak with any of the nurses and ask them to see if they can extend the bed for him. Most hospital beds have an extendable feature to ensure that all patients are comfortable no matter what their height may be.

Meanwhile, if your loved one has been in bed for several days already, bringing a bed pad designed to increase blood circulation is a great idea, too. Patients can develop bedsores if they have only been lying down for an extended period. To avoid this problem, put a bed pad to make the hospital bed more comfortable for the patient.

Do Not Forget the Entertainment

One of the most common struggles that any patient has to bear in the hospital is boredom. So, consider bringing your tablet or books with you on your next visit. You can also subscribe to movie streaming sites so he can watch his favorite series. Or, you can simply bring a deck of cards that you can all play. Finding ways to make your loved one’s stay a little more tolerable is a great way to spend your hospital hours.

The bottom line here is that there are several ways you can make a loved one feel better while in the hospital. So, try to make the most out of your hospital visit and have fun. Doing so will help your loved one forget momentarily what he is going through. Although it may seem too small of an effort, making him feel that everything will be alright already means a lot.

Introduction: How to Make Your Child Feel More Comfortable While in the Hospital

Hello,
I am a Girl Scout and I just completed my Girl Scout Gold Award. The Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouts and is equivalent to the Boy Scouts Eagle Award. For my Gold Award project I provided welcome kits to the children at the UC Davis Children’s Hospital. The welcome kits included a pillowcase, a “Get Well Soon” card, a math game packet, and a copy of Barf’s First Flight–Lessons in Helping Others. The children decorated the pillowcases to make their room at the hospital feel more personal and comfortable. In addition, I provided the hospital with hand sanitizers, tissues, coloring books, crayons, fabric markers, and teddy bears. Throughout my project, I got to spend time with the children staying at the hospital and hear their stories. The pillowcases were a huge hit with the kids. It was very important to them to be able to do something for themselves. They got to pick what went on the pillowcase and they got to keep it. The children loved being able to make their own decision; it gave them a sense of independence and control. In addition, the “Get Well Soon” cards were what the parents loved most. The cards were made by students in my community, and it meant so much to the parents that someone somewhere was thinking of their child and hoping that they get well soon. I don’t have the perfect answer on how to make a child comfortable while staying in a hospital, but this is meant to be a helpful start.

Step 1: Step 1

Ask director of children’s ward what activities they have to make your child more comfortable during their hospital stay? Will my child receive a welcome kit? Will my child be exposed to playtime activities? Will my child have the opportunity to participate in an art project/musical activity/storytime? Will their be volunteers to spend time with my child if I can’t be there?

Step 2: Step 2

Art projects give the kids an opportunity to remove their minds from their illness and enjoy creativity. It allows them to make their own decisions and gives them a sense of independence.

Step 3: Step 3

If your child is able, special field trips like going to the zoo offer them a break from their illness.

Step 4: Step 4

Give yourself time to take a break and take advantage of the kindness of the volunteers and nursing staff.

Step 5: Step 5

Above all, remain calm, supportive, and loving. Count each day as a blessing.

Diet, Health, Fitness, Lifestyle & Wellness

A long stay in the hospital usually isn’t pleasant. But, with some planning and preparation, it can be a relatively decent time off. You should come with all of your favorite pastimes and be sure to get the most out of the professionals at your disposal.

Prepare a bag. You will need a large bag of luggage to carry all of the things with you that can make your stay comfortable. If you know that there is a high likelihood that you or someone you love will need to be rushed to the hospital, keep a bag packed by the door. That way you can run off as soon as it is necessary.
This is very common among couples who are expecting the birth of their child, but it is a good idea for those with chronic diseases as well. In the case of an emergency, you will already be prepared for a trip to the hospital.

Bring your medication. Most doctors will want an accurate list of current medications. Typically, a comprehensive list of medications will be sufficient in lieu of the actual medication. But, the pharmacy might not carry your preferred brand of non-prescription medication, so sometimes it is best to bring everything with you.
Keep in mind that most hospitals in North America will refrain from giving home medications due to health and safety regulations. Unless medication is specialized (very expensive oral chemotherapies, etc.) then general medication for common illnesses will be provided by the hospital.

Bring a cell phone. The hospital phone might be hard to reach from your bed and your friends will probably have difficulty getting through to you when calling on the hospital line. A cell phone will make it easier to reach people, and, as an added perk, can provide a good source of entertainment.

Bring a notebook and pen. You will want to keep this on hand so you can write down questions for your doctors and record the things that they tell you. You often won’t have much time with your doctor, so you need to be prepared to get and give as much information as possible. This will also be useful, for example, when providing a record of your medication.

Bring ear plugs. Hospitals can be loud and you never know when your roommate will want to watch TV. Bring in ear plugs to block the sound. Alternatively, consider noise canceling headphones.

Bring your favorite toiletries. Consider bringing your body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, brush, shampoo, powder, and deodorant. The hospital should have some of these things, but they are typically of low quality. If you are attached to a particular product, especially a luxury product like a moisturizer, consider bringing it with you.

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Pack a robe and slippers. Unless you want to share your rear end with the rest of the hospital, for the sake of your fellow patients, you should consider bringing something that is comfortable and covers you up better than a hospital gown. Bring non-slip slippers so that you can get in and out of bed with ease. If you are inclined to be cold, consider bringing a hat or coat as well.
Alternatively, ask your nurse for multiple hospital gowns. You can wear one facing forward, the other backward, so that you are fully covered up.The hospital may also have pajama pants or a robe you can wear.

Ask for extra blankets. Hospital mattresses are generally encased in plastic. Though there should be a fitted sheet on top of the plastic, this can make the mattress hot and get your bed sweaty. Ask for a couple of extra blankets to place under you for more comfortable bedding.
Ask about warm blankets — many hospitals can bring you a warm blanket for additional comfort.

Move around a bit. If you lie in the same place for too long, it will detrimentally affect your circulation and may ultimately produce bedsores. The nurses and certified nursing assistants are trained to help prevent bedsores, but you can also do your part by moving around a bit yourself if you can. This might mean getting up for a walk, but even moving around to different positions in the bed can help. Try to reposition yourself a little bit every couple of hours.

Appreciate your caregivers. You are more likely to get good care if you are nice and appreciative with your nurses. Ring for help only when you need it. How much your nurses visits will vary considerably with the severity of your condition.
After surgery, you are likely to be checked on every two to four hours. As time goes on you will be checked on less frequently.
Remember that you are not the only patient in the hospital, and the nurse has many patients she must care for. It is important to be patient while being a patient.

After a few years of sleeping on a dorm room mattress (that, if I had to guess, was stuffed with newspapers and the broken dreams of freshmen), IвЂ™m now a ridiculously huge fan of things that make my bed more comfortable. In fact, IвЂ™m now 100% positive that adulthood has hit me full force, because in addition to knitting, purchasing vegetables, and being the one who insists upon a pre-Thanksgiving dinner photograph, lying down in my comfortable and cosy bed at night is one of my favorite things to do in the world.

In fact, sleeping in general is one of the greatest things about being an adult. I, for one, am thrilled that itвЂ™s no longer considered cool to stay up all night, and that people stopped asking me to attend their slumber parties. A bedroom should be a sanctuary вЂ” a place of rest, rejuvenation, and comfort, and if youвЂ™re not getting several hours of uninterrupted sleep every night, I really, honestly feel for you. ThatвЂ™s why I compiled a list of the best ways to turn your bed into the most cloud-like, rest-inducing wad of fabric youвЂ™ve ever fortunately laid down upon. Superior sleep experience, here you come.

1. Make Any Mattress More Comfortable With This Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper

If your mattress isnвЂ™t the best, but you donвЂ™t have the funds or the patience to replace it, this gel-infused memory foam topper is an awesome alternative. ItвЂ™s two inches thick and supports all your curves and contours, without feeling overly warm or suffocating. Thousands of reviewers have left glowing reviews on Amazon claiming itвЂ™s like sleeping on a cloud, and their old, painful mattress got a facelift overnight. And at $50, you won’t find a better deal.

2. Invest In This Really, Really Good Pillow

Spending $60 on pillow may seem like a lot. But according to over 14,000 glowing Amazon reviews and even several editors here at Bustle, this pillow is actually life-changing. The pillow is filled with high-quality memory foam and microfiber, has medium-firm support, and is completely adjustable. It even comes with an extra half pound of filling that you can add if you want a plumper pillow. The pillows liner is stretchy, lightweight, and designed to support different sleep positions. The outer case is made of a soft, breathable blend of bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester which is both hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant.

3. Support Your Whole Body With A U-Shaped Pillow

This high quality U-shaped body pillow effortlessly molds to the contours of your body, providing ultimate comfort and support from head to toe, but especially in your lower back and hips. ItвЂ™s really soft and warm, and the cover slips off for easy machine washing. Whether pregnant, recovering from surgery, or just a fan of a good nightвЂ™s sleep, reviewers are in love with this pillow; they say theyвЂ™ll never again sleep without it.

4. Sleep On These Super Soft (Yet, Durable) Microfiber Sheets

These Lullabi linen sheets have thousands of glowing reviews, and for a good reason. TheyвЂ™re made from the highest quality microfiber material, and even though theyвЂ™re dust-mite and stain-resistant, theyвЂ™re still entirely breathable. They come in an array of different colors and sizes, and they wonвЂ™t fade or shrink when you wash them. Reviewers love the design and fit of these sheets, and they canвЂ™t stop raving about how soft, comfortable, and “like velvet” they are.

5. Night Sweats? Swap Your Pillow For A Cooling Gel Pillow

This memory foam pillow targets stress-collecting areas in your head and neck to provide the best nightвЂ™s sleep possible, all while molding to your shape. On top, thereвЂ™s a gel-cooling pad to keep you from overheating, and it comes with an aloe-infused cover to deliver a smooth and relaxing sleep. The pillow itself is also hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant, so waking up with irritated sinuses might just be a thing of the past.

6. Upgrade To A Silk Pillowcase With A Ton Of Benefits

Silk is arguably one of the most comfortable and luxurious fabrics, and this 100% silk pillowcase is great for creating the most blissful sleeping environment you can. It equates to a 600 threat count, and it’s entirely hypoallergenic, so even if you have sensitive skin, youвЂ™re set. ItвЂ™s also a great solution for hot and humid summer nights, as the silk stays cool all night long. If you hate waking up with your hair matted against your head, this oneвЂ™s for you.

7. Stay Warm With This Best-Selling Fleece Blanket

Although itвЂ™s soft and lightweight, this Polar fleece thermal blanket is no joke вЂ” even in the dead of winter. ItвЂ™s extremely comfortable, yet durable, and easy to care for because itвЂ™s machine-washable and shrink-resistant. If youвЂ™re the type of person whose body temperature drops the second you lie down, and you just canвЂ™t seem to get the feeling back in your toes, this is the blanket for you. Plus, both sides are the same plush fabric, which means even if you toss and turn, you’re always on the good side of the blanket.

8. Relax With Lavender Scented Silk

To entirely block out the world for an incredibly rejuvenating sleep, this Dream Essentials sleeping mask is made with super smooth silk, including a detachable lavender and chamomile sachet. The relaxing aromatherapeutic cover is gentle on skin and comfortable over your eyes, and because it has an ultra-thin strap and breathable fabric, it wonвЂ™t feel like youвЂ™re wearing anything. For total darkness, anytime of day or night, this is your solution.

9. Ease Into Sleep With White Noise

People often sleep better with white noise in the background, and thatвЂ™s why the sleeping sound machine is an innovative way to get a better nightвЂ™s sleep. This highly-rate option has six different sound options (including heart beat, ocean waves, rainforest, summer night, bird songs, and brook) as well as an auto-timer, and it can be used with a power cord or with batteries. ItвЂ™s also lightweight and small, so itвЂ™s great for travel.

10. Breathe Easier With A Mini Portable Cool-Mist Humidifier

If youвЂ™re looking to add ambiance and moisture to your sleeping space, this night light air humidifier is an awesome combination of both. It humidifies and purifies the air, so you can breathe more easily while you sleep, and the blue light adds a nice, comforting glow to any room. It has both a wall plug and a USB port, so it can be used by your computer or on your bedside table. It even has an automatic shut-off mode after three hours for peace of mind.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle’s editorial and sales departments.

When you struggle with chronic illness, you may require a stay, or several stays, in a hospital. It can be very hard to be away from your family and the comforts of home.

I started a small list of items I should pack many years ago, but that list has gotten longer overtime. Below you will find my current list of recommended items to bring with you to the hospital.

Unfortunately, many hospital stays are unscheduled, urgent visits where you may not have the time to pack a bag. However, in those situations it can still be helpful to have a list available for a family member or friend to access. This way if you are admitted for a longer stay, your family member or friend can gather necessary items to help you get through your time in the hospital.

This list can also be used to give recommendations on some possible items you could include in a gift basket for someone staying in the hospital. For me, the hardest part is to be away from my family. However, I know that hospital stays are often necessary. Having some small comforts items from home can make the time in the hospital just a little easier.

1. Comfortable clothing. Personally, I hate wearing hospital gowns. The minute I can get out of one, I will. I even have sport pants, which I can wear with a catheter if needed. They have snaps from top to bottom on the legs.

I have T-shirts with velcro sleeves that allow for easy access to IVs, monitor cords and ports. I also bring a variety of cozy jammy pants and shirts. Don’t forget undies either, because nobody wants to wear hospital underwear.

Packing socks that have slip proof bottoms is a good idea as well. I always get compliments on my slip-proof socks. They are much cuter and more comfortable then the hospital ones.

If you prefer to stay in the hospital gown, it is a good idea to bring a robe and some comfy shorts to give you a little privacy in those revealing gowns. I also make sure to always pack a hat or beanie cap. It’s a lot easier to put my hair up in a ponytail and throw a hat on.

2. Clothes to wear home when you are discharged. This includes shoes that are easy to put on.

3. Chapstick, natural tears eye drops and lotion. Hospitals can be very dry.

4. Hair supplies – including ponytail holders, if needed.

5. Makeup and other “female” supplies you may want. If it makes you feel a bit better to put on a little lipstick, then go for it!

6. Gum and hard candy.

7. Shampoo, conditioner, a razor and body wash. The hospital will likely provide these items, but it can be nice to have your own products from home.

8. Vitamins and medications. The hospital will provide your medications and it is important that they’re aware of any medicine that you are taking. However, I know from experience that it can be helpful to bring some of my own medications from home. (If you do want to take medication from home, be sure to inform the hospital staff first.)

9. Toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash.

10. Flushable wet wipes, waterless shampoo and deodorant. These will keep you feeling clean when you are unable to shower.

11. Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Even though hospitals generally smell very clean, that does not mean they are. Disinfectant wipes can be very useful for wiping down any surfaces you might touch, including the bed remote, TV remote, bed rails and bathroom doorknob.

12. Flip flops for the shower.

13. Small blow dryer.

14. Spray bottle. I use this for wetting down my hair so that I can brush it when I’m unable to get up to the sink

15. A couple large ZipLock or trash bags for dirty laundry, or for other uses.

16. Magazines and books.

17. Pens and paper.

18. Vending machine change. Having change on hand can be helpful for both yourself or if you have visitors. I have children that enjoy making a trip to the vending machine for a snack or drink.

19. Sunglasses. My eyes are very sensitive to light. The fluorescent lights in hospitals can definitely be bothersome when you are not feeling well.

20. TENS device, heating pad, and similar items.

21. Cell phone, iPad and chargers.

22. Extension cord for chargers.

23. Wallet with minimal items inside, such as your ID and health insurance card.

24. A hidden safe for valuables. I have never had any of my belongings stolen from the hospital, but I know that it happens. You can purchase safes for your valuables that look like everyday objects, such as a shampoo bottle, hairspray and books. If somebody was going through your bag quickly, looking for valuables, they would be far less likely to take every day objects. These items make good hiding spots for valuables. You can buy products such as these online, or you can make your own.

25. Thank you gifts or card for the staff. Although giving a thank you card or treats to hospital staff is by no means a requirement for good service, I do believe it is a good idea if you can.

If you know that you’re going to be going into the hospital for something scheduled, such as a surgery, and you have the opportunity to bring a thank you card or some sort of store bought treat, the hospital staff will definitely appreciate it. I do not recommend bringing any homemade treats because many times those items will be thrown away.

All patients should be treated equally regardless of whether they give the staff a thank you, but nurses and other medical staff do appreciate the acknowledgment of their hard work taking care of you. I can say this having both been a patient many times in the hospital and having worked in the hospital as well. If I can, I will bring a basket of different packaged, healthy snacks.

Keep in mind that even something as small as a thank you card will be appreciated.

26. A water bottle. This can prevent you from spilling on yourself and is much easier to deal with than the small cups that they will give you.

27. Packaged snacks.

28. Simple and small card games.

29. Favorite blanket and/or body pillow.

30. Play-doh. I know this one’s probably going to sound a little weird and this may just be me, but I find Play-doh to be very soothing and stress relieving. Maybe it’s that smell that reminds me of my childhood, or the soft smooshy texture, but I find it to be a good stress reliever.

If you do need to stay in the hospital, I wish you a comfortable and quick stay. Hang in there.

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The MedClean Blog!

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

How to Make a Hospital Bed More Comfortable

Let’s face it: being in the hospital is horrible.

No one really enjoys being strapped to a sick bed in a building full of strangers. On top of the discomfort of being in alien, sterile surroundings, a hospital stay is an experience that abounds with anxiety and uncertainty.

But with the healthcare industry putting more of their focus towards holistic patient comfort as an essential tool in wellness and healing, there is also a large shift in the way hospitals deliver their best care. Aside from providing topnotch medical services, more and more hospitals are putting a premium on their choice of patient linens.

But how, exactly, does the hospital’s choice of linens affect a patient’s experience? Here’s how to make a hospital bed more comfortable, and safer:

Clean, quality linens eliminate risks and deliver peace of mind

It’s a fact that linens are among the biggest culprits in hospital-based cross-contamination . They’re the perfect vehicle for infection-causing microbes, transferring them from one spot to another and from one person to another. Most patients and their loved ones are well aware of this, adding to the anxiety and discomfort of their hospital stay.

Providing patients with fresh, clean linens – processed in a facility equipped to handle medical linens – not only eliminates any possibility of cross-contamination but also eases patients’ worry. They’ll feel more at ease during the course of their hospital stay.

But are clean linens all that it takes to deliver topnotch patient care? Certainly not anymore.

Linens designed for comfort

The days of flimsy, rough hospital linens are long gone. In their place are lush, comfortable linens that used to only belong in spas and hotels.

As more and more hospitals are seeing the benefits of a more personalized, more comfortable approach to patient care , higher-quality linens are inching their way into hospitals and other medical facilities across the country.

Patient care experts and linen management experts have found that higher-quality linens – with their softer, smoother, cozier feel – help provide a homier, more relaxed atmosphere to an otherwise stark situation. Much like the effects of fresh flowers or brightly colored paintings in hospital rooms, comfortable linens help patients relax and feel at home throughout their treatment, thus improving their overall patient experience significantly.

As simple as linens may seem, the impact they have on patient experience is undeniably huge.

Want to know how to make a hospital bed more comfortable? Upgrade to better linens!

An upgrade might be all that is holding your facility back from providing the best kind of medical care to your patients. It’s easier than you think!

Take a more efficient approach to quality hospital linens with the help of a reliable linen service partner like MedClean! We can help you learn how to make a hospital bed more comfortable – in fact, we can help you with your entire facility’s linen needs.

MedClean combines years of expert experience in the medical linen industry and a dedication to customer satisfaction that matches your desire to provide for your patients.

MedClean can provide you with the perfect medical linens for your facility: the kind that balances comfort and quality with the latest in medical laundry technology.

What are you waiting for?

Explore better quality linen options today . Contact us to learn more about what MedClean can do for you and your patients!

ThereвЂ™s nothing like an eight-hour international flight to get you thinking about the importance of a comfy chair. In fact, I just got back from a trip to Amsterdam, and after sitting propped up between two people in a cement-like seat, coming up with ways to make my bed extra comfortable was my utmost priority upon my return. In addition to making your bed the coziest place on earth, there are also lots of strategies to make your office chair comfier comfier, as well as plenty of things you can do to get a softer and more supportive couch. No matter where you happen to find yourself throughout the day, all of them will keep your body feeling great вЂ” and will be infinitely better than any airplane chair, of course.

Now, piling up some standard blankets or cushions may seem like an obvious option, but whatвЂ™s the point of invention and innovation if weвЂ™re not going to use them to make us significantly more comfortable? Though they’re definitely not your average shapes and materials, the following weird but effective pillows, cushions, and blankets are well worth your money and time if youвЂ™re looking to overcome back pain, stiffness, and poor sleeping patterns. Check out these bizarre but brilliant ways to make all of your furniture far more comfortable. That way, you can reach cloud-level bliss any time, anywhere.

1. Turn Your Dining Room Chairs Into Mini Beds

Think memory foam is just for popping in your pillowcase or on top of your mattress? Think again! This ridiculously comfortable MochoHome Non-Slip Memory Foam Cushion is sized to fit most dining room chairs. It also comes in your choice of eight modern colors, and itвЂ™s got a removable and washable zippered case.

2. Bring This Portable Foot Rest To The Office With You

If your legs tend to fall asleep while youвЂ™re at your desk during the day, this Portable Adjustable Mini Office Foot Rest is for you. It hooks onto either side of your desk with two metallic clips, so you can elevate your legs however high you want. ItвЂ™s lightweight yet durable, and reviewers have literally said that this hammock “was a savior” to them.

3. Twist This Pillow Up Any Way You Want

No matter where you need a little support, the Total Pillow Microbead Portable Pillow delivers with its flexible and contorting design. It locks into multiple positions so you can wrap it around your neck, clip it over your chair, or use it as a lumbar pillow while youвЂ™re sitting. Plus, at just 15 bucks, comfort comes at a price that can’t be beat.

4. Get Cuddly Comfort And Support While You Sleep

Feeling a little lonely, or simply in need of some extra nighttime support? This weird but popular DeluxeComfort Boyfriend Pillow is soft and supportive, and works wonders for side and stomach sleepers. The arm cradles your head while the torso supports your shoulder, and it comes in nine different colors for customizable cuddling.

5. A Sleek And Shiny Reversible Blanket

Highly textured and appealingly shiny, this Brielle Nesting Faux Fur Reversible Throw is all over peopleвЂ™s wish lists. One side is faux fur while the other feels like a smooth velvet, making it both versatile and functional, and people say that it feels ridiculously warm, soft, and luxurious. вЂњI bought this for my husband because our dog’s bed is lined with a similar fur,вЂќ says one reviewer. вЂњHe kept saying, вЂIf I were a dog I would love this bed.вЂ™вЂќ Can’t beat that standard!

6. Envelope Yourself In A Doughnut Pillow

If you like feeling entirely enveloped while you sleep, this PharMeDoc Total Body Pillow might be the perfect sleep aid for you. While it’s advertised towards pregnant ladies, it’s also fantastic for folks who need extra support in bed. By cradling every inch of your body in tender yet firm padding, it entirely eliminates neck stress and back pain, and itвЂ™s a great way for couch sleepers to ensure they donвЂ™t roll off in the middle of the night.

7. Give Your Couch A Cloud-Like Layer

Give your couch an immediate facelift with the Mybecca Upholstery Foam Cushion. ItвЂ™s a full four inches thick, so not only is it firm and supportive, over 500 reviewers say that itвЂ™s ridiculously comfortable, too. Best of all, the company will custom cut it to fit your couch so you won’t have to do any work besides pop it on.

8. Cradle Your Butt And Get Better Posture With This Funky Pillow

For everything from kitchen seats to desk chairs, this Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Luxury Seat Cushion is a number one bestseller despite its strange shape. ItвЂ™s specifically made to cradle your butt and allow room for your tailbone, so you can promote great posture and hip placement while youвЂ™re sitting down.

9. A Supportive Pillow That Smells Really Good

Not only does this memory foam pillow feature zones that are designed to support your head, neck, and upper back, but it is infused with lavender and comes with a small lavender aromatherapy pillow spray to promote a stress-free environment that is more conducive to sleep and relaxation. The pillow comes in queen, king, and travel sizes and includes a breathable, washable mesh cover.

10. Use Your Computer To Heat This Pillow Up

Whether itвЂ™s for your bed or for your couch, this USB Heated Pillow brings you a little extra warmth this winter. Not only is it made from a premium plush material, it also heats up when you plug it into any USB port and has a zipper design so you can change the shape: square to prop up your head in bed, or tube-shaped to warm your hands and support your neck.

11. Watch TV With Support And Storage

With a high back and long arms, a comfortable foam interior, and a built-in cup holder and pocket, this NAP Bed Rest turns any bed from somewhat cozy to downright incredible. You no longer have to rearrange your pillows to find the ultimate position for watching TV (or just texting on your phone), and it folds up for easy storage when not in use.

12. A Better Pillow To Put Between Your Knees While You Sleep

So many people love putting a pillow between their knees as they sleep, but those pillows go flat so quickly. Especially great for side sleepers, this Cushy Foam Knee Pillow ensures that your knees are supported, your hips are aligned, and your spine stays as straight as possible. If you suffer from any knee or back pain at all, reviewers are totally swearing by this thing for a great nightвЂ™s sleep.

13. Ventilated Gel That Feels Calming And Comfy

While the words вЂњventilated gelвЂќ might not sound particularly cozy, this LUCID 3-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper has killer reviews. ItвЂ™s extremely soft, lightweight, and responsive, so even if youвЂ™ve got an old mattress, this thing contours to your whole body to envelop you while you sleep.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle’s editorial and sales departments.

Scott Sundick, MD, is a board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon. He currently practices in Westfield, New Jersey.

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

Image Source / Getty Images

Getting rest is the goal of most patients when they are in the hospital. It seems logical that when you are sick or injured that sleep is especially important—and it is. It is just very hard to obtain during a hospital stay.

Why Sleep Is Difficult in a Hospital

The very nature of a hospital can make sleep especially challenging. You are in a bed that isn’t your own trying to sleep with a pillow that isn’t your own. You can certainly bring your own pillow and blanket if you like, but the fact remains that you are sleeping on a bed that isn’t the one you are used to at home. Stomach sleepers may also have increased difficulty sleeping, as most hospital beds are designed for the patient to sleep on their backs.

Hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That means that things are going on all day and all night long, hospitals are a very busy place. So when you try to take a nap during the day you will likely hear voices in the hallway, staff cleaning your room or even another patient’s television at high volume because they didn’t bring their hearing aids. Hospitals are full of noise. There are the beeps and chirps of IV pumps, monitors, and other devices. There are beds rolling down the hallways and elevators chiming.

Then there is the care that you receive, which is necessary but will also interrupt your sleep. Labs are often drawn in the middle of the night, which means you will be waking up at 3 or 4 am to have blood drawn. Vital signs are taken as often as every fifteen minutes if a patient is unstable or is having a problem, hourly vital signs are standard in the intensive care units. If the patient is stable, they may be lucky enough to have vital signs taken every 4 to 8 hours, but can still cause interruptions in sleep.

Medications can also cause sleeplessness. Steroids, which are given to many hospitalized patients, can cause insomnia and excitability, even when exhausted.

The equipment used by the hospital, such as IVs and heart monitoring, can also contribute to difficulty sleeping. Moving and turning over is far more challenging when tethered to an IV pump or tangled in wires.

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

It goes without saying that unhealthy sleeping patterns are amongst the most common problem which leads to a range of different issues. And, when it comes to it, the mattress is one of the main causes for this.

With this said, we’ve decided to take the liberty of providing you with a few things that you might want to consider if you wanted to make your air bed a lot more comfortable. While we understand that this is likely to be a temporary solution, it is still important to make sure that it is supportive and reliable enough to prevent any issues.

Here are a few things that you might want to take into account if you want to enhance the quality of sleep on your air bed.

Proper Covers and Spreading of Bed Sheets

What you might want to consider is the fact that an air mattress (inflatable bed) is nothing but an inflated air into a structure that has been preliminarily enclosed and made in the form of bed. With this said, the air inside is bound to get warm as the weather becomes hotter.

The same is true for when the weather becomes colder – the air is also going to cool off. To prevent any serious alterations regarding temperature, you should prepare the proper spreading of bed sheets alongside mattress covers. This would prevent you from feeling uncomfortable due to the severe temperature changes.

Put it on a Softer Surface

This is another straightforward and quick way to improve the overall quality of the inflatable mattress. It is because the vinyl bottom layer of the bed is not going to augur that good with a surface that’s harder. These include hardwood floor, for example – it is certainly going to make your sleeping quite rough. For this reason, you can put it on a mat or a rug, and this will significantly increase the overall quality of your sleep. And if you’re wondering how to make an inflatable mattress quiet, this trick can help you with the noise as well.

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

Add a Topper

This is one of the most affordable ways to substantially increase the overall quality of the bed. This is going to ensure that you don’t sleep on the characteristic rubbery surface of the air bed.

In cheaper solutions, this surface feels particularly uncomfortable, and with a mattress topper, you can easily get rid of those issues. The topper is going to maximize the comfort as much as it is actually possible. It is also usable on regular beds as well.

Place it on a Box Spring

This is one of the things which is going to enhance the comfort of your air bed substantially. It is also going to ensure that you would be capable of getting out of the bed a lot quicker and without having to put in as much effort. The reason for this is that the overall height would be a lot more. If you wish to enhance the quality of your sleep substantially, box spring is another thing that you might take advantage of – it is quite convenient.

Your Pillow Matters

There are tremendous and undeniable benefits which are associated with the usage of a proper pillow. They can’t be overstated. For this particular reason, you should always make sure that you have a great and appropriate pillow for your bed.

This is something that applies to regular mattresses as well. It doesn’t matter if you have the most expensive mattress on the market, if your pillow is uncomfortable and inappropriate, this could cause a lot of issues.

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

Using the Wall

Having a headboard over your head is something that you might want to consider for each bed that you use. The headboard is likely to prevent your pillow from falling off as you sleep and causing disruptions. An inflated mattress is unlikely to ever have a board over it, so you can put it right next to the wall to resemble this sensation.

Deflate or Inflate

One of the most important factors which are going to impact the quality of the sleep in an air bed is the amount of air that it contains – this is something critical. If you have too much air in it, the inflatable bed is going to feel very firm.

If you don’t have enough, on the other hand, this is going to cause it to sag and to be unable to support you properly. This is something that you want to prevent. Make sure to inflate and to deflate the bed as much as it is needed to achieve the perfect specification. This is something fairly individual as it would obviously vary based on your actual weight, for instance.

Conclusion

As you can see, an air bed could be adjusted to fit your requirements for a reliable and comfortable sleeping solution. Of course, this is something that should only be used temporarily as it is incapable of bringing any long-term comfort and support.

An air bed is awesome for your guest room, but it doesn’t mean that you have to keep it ill-maintained. Following all of the above is going to ensure that you get a bed that’s supportive, comfortable and cool.

They are particularly affordable, so keep in mind that they would bring tremendous value for your money as well.

We’ve got some creative tips to help prevent chafed ears and the best fabric to use to help stay cool.

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

Make your face mask more comfortable by following these tips.

If the face masks you wear when you are out in public or in a store feel tight around the ears, or if the straps chafe your skin, you are not alone. With summer in full force and warmer temperatures around the country, we set out to figure out the best tips to help keep you comfortable while wearing a face mask or face covering.

Thanks to the coronavirus many states now have face mask mandates . Any mask or face covering you buy should be made from a breathable fabric, especially if it has multiple layers. The mask should fit above your nose and below your chin snugly, but not so tightly that it literally digs into your face. It’s best practice to wash your hands before putting on a mask and after removing it.

For more like this

Whether you’re wearing a homemade face covering or a premade mask, here’s how to keep comfortable while you’re out and about.

Headband With Buttons with Matching Mask – Womens Facemask with Matching Headband – Headband with Matching Mask – Cotton Reusable Washable by Sebastianseven

Prevent your ears from becoming raw

Ear chafing from wearing masks has become a common complaint due to the elastic rubbing behind your ears. Some people have gotten creative and started making headbands with buttons to attach the elastic loops around.

If wearing a headband isn’t really your style, you can always try the S-ring hook trick. To attach your face mask, take the loops and place them around each U of the hook. Make sure the S-ring is centered on the back of your head when you’re wearing the mask. The hook should help your mask fit better around your face since the loops will be pulled snug.

If you don’t have an S-ring hook lying around your house, you can find mask hooks on Etsy in different shapes, sizes and designs. Or place a piece of folded tissue between the strap and your ear for cushioning.

25 face mask styles we love that you can buy or make

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

Only use 100% cotton face masks and coverings

Many people buy 100% cotton sheets for a reason: to stay cool. And that rule doesn’t just apply to sheets — you should also be on the lookout for face masks made from cotton, as well. The cotton material is considered to have better ventilation and will trap less of the moisture that builds up from breathing and sweating. And since your face mask may have multiple layers, you’ll want a material that doesn’t restrict your breathing.

There are also certain materials you’ll want to avoid, like polyester, which can trap moisture through its water-resistant properties.

Your face mask should be snug but not tight.

Make it snug, not tight

While you want your mask to fit snugly around your face to help prevent respiratory droplets from escaping or coming in, you don’t want it to be so tight that it hurts your face. Also, if it’s too tight, that gives you less room to breathe well.

Wear your mask around the house before you leave to make sure you’ll be comfortable wearing it for a long period of time, or long enough to go to the grocery store, for example. Adjust as needed while you’re at home because the last thing you want to do is take off and readjust your mask while in public.

Change your mask if it feels gross

Now that it’s starting to warm up outside, the longevity of your masks throughout the day may be shorter. That’s because the mask can cause your face to sweat, creating moisture inside the mask. Once a mask becomes wet, it’s no longer useful and should be changed immediately. Therefore, we suggest keeping an extra mask with you when you know you’ll be out for a while.

When you get home, you’ll need to properly remove your mask and place it in the laundry to be cleaned and ready to use again. For more information, here’s more information on how to prevent acne while wearing a face mask .

So your labor and delivery room isn’t as posh as Beyoncé’s? No problem! Here’s how to make it feel more hotel than hospital.

When it comes to delivering your baby, you may not want a home birth — but that doesn’t mean you don’t want the comforts of home in the hospital. In the midst of the life-altering experience of childbirth, sometimes it’s the little, familiar touches that can help make the labor and delivery experience even better. So find out what’s acceptable at your hospital or birth center, and consider these tips for making your delivery room feel more like your living room:

1. Create a music playlist. Music can be a wonderful tool for helping you relax and feel comfortable during labor and delivery, so create a special birth playlist and pack earbuds in your hospital bag. You can also check with the facility you’ll be delivering at to see if it offers any iPhone- or iPod-compatible hook-ups (many birthing suites now offer music therapy for their patients). “Most everyone brings music of some kind,” says Tina Alessi, a certified nurse-midwife at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, New Jersey. One musical dad-to-be at her facility brought in his guitar for some sweet birthing serenades!

2. Make a birth plan. Even if you do nothing more than jot down a few bullet points about how you hope your birth experience will go, actually writing out your birth plan can help you realize what it’s important to you during the labor and delivery process. You may find, for example, that your “perfect” birth would have music and dim lights, or you may discover that you envision a room full of people. A little planning ahead can help you prepare for what to bring with you when it’s time.

3. Bring your own pillow. Let’s be honest: The standard-issue hospital bed linens aren’t always super-comfortable. What is comfortable: the favorite pillow you’re used to snuggling up with at home! Alessi has had patients bring in their own pillows, sheets, gowns — you name it. (Just keep in mind that any linens you bring in will, um, get soiled. So leave those Frette sheets at home!)

4. Buy a special robe or nightgown (or both) for visiting hours. Sure, you can wear your hospital gown — and you might appreciate that easy-access garment — but many women feel more comfortable wearing their own clothes after delivery, or even during birth itself. Make sure it’s roomy, nursing-accessible if you’re breastfeeding, and something that will keep you adequately covered so you don’t inadvertently flash your visitors. But as with the bringing-your-own bedding scenario, remember that birth can be a messy process: Be prepared for the accidental stain, and don’t bring in anything that you would hate to have ruined.

5. Pack your favorite scents. Your favorite aromas can be incredibly comforting during your hospital stay, so consider bringing in scented candles (although hospital policy usually prevents them from actually being lit) or essential oils. Or ask the hospital staff for amenities, as some birth centers carry their own aromatherapy kits!

6. Pack some DVDs. Many a pregnant patient of mine has waddled up to the labor and delivery floor ready to have her baby, only to be stuck waiting. and waiting. and waiting. The first stage of labor can be a long one (up to 20 hours for a first-time mother!), and, hey, the latest season of Homeland may be just the distraction you need as you as you prepare to meet your new addition.

7. Get the Wi-Fi password. We’re not suggesting that you live-tweet your birth, as Rosie Pope did, but you might want to let friends and family know that Junior is on his way — or Skype with a grandma-to-be who can’t be there.

8. Have a meal plan. Fact: You’ll probably be ravenous postbirth. Not only will you have legitimately burned a bazillion calories during the delivery, but you may not have eaten much in the early stages of labor. (Ice chips and juice don’t really cut it.) A favorite meal can help you fuel up for your new role as mom — and, let’s face it, will be better than what you get in the hospital. So have your favorite takeout on speed-dial before you deliver, or make a plan for Grandma to bring in something special for you when she meets her grandchild for the first time. Hey, it’s a fair trade, right?

All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

Your child may have many concerns about what will happen during a hospital stay or surgery. Your child may want to know why the procedure is needed, how long it will take, how uncomfortable it will feel and when he or she can return home. Get all the information you can about your child’s procedure to help reassure your child and answer his or her questions. You may accompany your child to most procedures to provide emotional support. Fear of separation is a crucial issue for children, and even the youngest infants are sensitive to their parent’s presence.

What Should I tell my Child?

There is no “right way” for children or families to cope with a procedure or medical event. In general, it’s best to:

Give children as much honest, simple and concrete information as they can understand.
Rehearse the event using dolls, drawings, role-play or verbal review.
Develop a plan to decrease anxiety and promote coping.
Provide praise and support.
Provide opportunities to play out or discuss events afterward.

When Should I Tell my Child?

The timing of discussions about procedures or surgeries will vary depending on your child’s age. Pre-school children, for example, do best with information a day or two before the event. Older children will need more time to think things through, talk it over and organize questions.

How Much Should I Tell my Child?

Children don’t need to know what will happen from a medical point of view, but rather what their experience will be like. Try to use neutral, unemotional words and focus on how things will feel, smell, sound and look. They don’t need information about procedures that they won’t experience directly.

When Parents Need to be Away

Leaving your child, whether for a brief or more extended period, is an inevitable but often difficult part of hospitalization. You will need breaks and may need to go home or to work. It is helpful to tell your child when you are leaving. Parents may want to slip away unnoticed to avoid upsetting their child but children actually become more upset when they realize their parents have left. Children feel safer and more comfortable when they know what to expect. Leave specific information with your child’s nurse about when you will return and how you or a family member can be contacted. Staff is available to discuss how to make your time away easier.

Routine Activities

Maintaining a routine similar to your home routine helps your child adjust to a hospital stay. Please let us know any routine that will make you and your child more comfortable.

Daily care: When possible, parents are encouraged to participate in care such as bathing, diapering and feeding.
Physician rounds: Your child’s team will meet to discuss your child’s plan of care. The team may include the attending physician in charge, resident physicians, clinical nurse specialist, social worker, nutritionist and your nurse. Parents are encouraged to express concerns or questions to any team member for discussion during the team meeting.
Nutrition: Nutrition is an important part of your child’s care in the hospital. Your physician will order a diet suitable to your child’s medical and nutritional needs. Questions about your child’s diet, meals or nutrition can be directed to one of the hospital’s registered dietitians. Please inform us of any dietary preferences your child may have. If someone wants to bring food for your child from outside, please discuss this with your nurse. At breakfast, you will receive a menu for the following day. Please mark your child’s choices and leave your menu on the bedside table (not on your food tray) or give it to your nurse.

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR

If you know you’re being admitted to the hospital, taking some time to plan and prepare can make your stay more comfortable and less stressful. The following checklist can help you decide what you need to bring with you and ensure you haven’t left anything out.

Documents and paperwork. Ideally, you should bring all the necessary paperwork in one folder, preferably the kind with a tie or snap closure to guarantee that important documents will not be lost. Don’t forget insurance cards, a list of all the medications you are currently taking, and a list of telephone numbers of family and friends. If you have a written power of attorney or living will, always bring those along with you too.

A small amount of money for newspapers, vending machines, and such. Bringing credit cards or large amounts of cash is not recommended, since theft can occur in hospitals. It is also a good idea to leave all jewelry at home, it is one less thing to worry about losing or being stolen.

Clothing. You may want to bring comfortable pajamas or lounging clothes, if you’ll be able to wear your own clothing. Bring a supply of loose-fitting underwear and comfortable socks. Nightgowns or nightshirts are better for women than pajama sets with pants, and short-sleeved shirts are best to accommodate any intravenous (IV) lines you may require. A cardigan-style sweater or bed jacket can help ward off the chills. Make sure you have slippers to walk around in the hospital and one pair of regular shoes (in case you’re allowed to walk outside, and you’ll need them for the trip home anyway).

Eyeglasses, if you require them.

Writing paper and pen, for making notes or recording questions you want to ask your doctor.

A prepaid phone card for calls from your room telephone.

Toiletries. You can bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, soap, shampoo, a comb or hair brush, and other toiletries from home, but avoid perfumes and any highly scented products. Lip balm is also a good addition to your toiletries kit.

Something to occupy your time – Bring books or magazines to help pass the time. If you enjoy a craft that is fairly portable (like knitting or crochet) that doesn’t involve glue, paint, or lots of small pieces, bring those supplies along too.

Photos or small personal items. Many people enjoy having a couple of small framed photos or mementos from home to personalize their hospital space.

Finally, check the hospital’s policy about electronic items before you pack your laptop, portable DVD player, MP-3 or CD player, or cell phone. In particular, cell phone use is forbidden in many hospitals since it may interfere with electronic patient monitoring equipment. Don’t forget that high-end electronic items can also be targets for theft – if you are allowed to bring them, make sure that a relative or friend takes them home or that they can be safely stored when you’re sleeping or not in your room.

Help Make Your Patients Feel Comfortable!

Practical nurses play a crucial role in the everyday care of patients. They assist in patients’ basic care including feeding, changing, and bathing. One attribute of a great practical nurse is their ability to comfort patients.

As a practical nurse working in a hospital or long-term health facility, you have the opportunity to make your patients’ stay comfortable.

If you want to build stronger bonds with your patients while providing high-quality healthcare, here are five steps to make your patients more comfortable and relaxed.

Tip #1: Get to know your patients

Getting to know your patients can help make them more comfortable around you. Ask your patients about their interests and families to build bonds with them. Even if your patients come in for a short visit, ask them what they’re doing for the season or ask them about school or work. You can make them feel more comfortable by sharing something about yourself. Being personable can help you patients feel invited and less anxious about their check-up.

Tip #2: Create an inviting environment

Practical nurses can prepare hospital rooms, doctor’s offices, and nursing homes with wall art, decorations, and open windows. Filling the room with natural light (if possible) and some colorful decorations helps liven up the space. You can even help patients personalize their rooms if they decide to make it feel more home-like.

Tip #3: Adjust the temperature

To comfort your patients, ask them how they like the temperature. If it’s too cold, offer extra blankets for your patients. If it’s too warm offer your patient a cold pack or a fan. If they request it to be cooler, it’s crucial that you also test your patients’ temperature to make sure they don’t have a fever.

Tip #4: Educate your patients and their families

Your patients and their families may feel anxious if they don’t understand the health issues and procedures they’re undergoing. Educate your patients on their health status and give them a step-by-step guide on check-ups or medical procedures. If they have more technical concerns, ask the doctor to stop by again and clarify any health information. You can also educate families on ways they can safely and properly take care of the ill patient.

Tip #5: Follow-up with patients

Be sure to follow-up with your patients frequently. If they request information or an item for their comfort, make sure to get it to them as soon as possible. Following-up with your patients shows that you care about their well-being and may help ease their anxiety or discomfort. Check-in with your patients regularly to see if they need anything and to check their status.

Tip #6: Spend time with your patients

If you work in a long-term healthcare facility, you’ll have patients that you get to know over time. In hospitals, you may also have patients who are admitted for a few days or weeks. If you have free time, spend time reading a book or talking with your patients. Although you may be very busy, even a few minutes with patients who don’t have any family members to visit will appreciate your time.

Tip #7: Be positive

Patients want to feel that someone is helping them or watching over them if they’re in pain or discomfort. Being a positive reinforcement for your patients may help ease their discomfort. Remember to smile, make eye contact, and comfort them with kind words. A calm demeanor and gentle words can patients feel more relaxed.

We hope these tips help you make a comfortable environment for your patients. Although patients are going through a trying time, your friendly assistance could make their stay easier.

If you’re interested in a Practical Nurse career path, consider applying to the Salter School of Nursing & Allied Health. We also offer a Patient Care Technician and Licensed Nursing Assistant training program. Contact us for more information or to schedule a tour.

Well-planned packing helps make vacations more enjoyable. Likewise, what you pack for your own or a loved one’s admission to the hospital can make for a smoother, less stressful experience.

The following is a review of necessities for a hospital packing list, as well as items that can make a hospital stay more comfortable—plus those things that are best left at home.

Must-Have Items and Information

Important medical documents and health care information serve as you or your loved one’s passport to the hospital. Be sure to bring:

Photo ID
Insurance and Medicare cards, along with pre-certification and other documentation required by insurers
A list of all the medications—prescription and over-the-counter—you or your loved is currently taking, along with the dosage. (However, in most cases, hospitals ask that you bring only those medications that the physician requests.)
A copy of advance health care directives, such as durable power of attorney for health care and living will
A personal health record that includes information such as allergies, health conditions, immunization record and reports of recent tests or physical exams
Reports your physician gave you to bring to the hospital
A list of telephone numbers of family and friends to be contacted as needed

To avoid misplacing any of the important paperwork and information—which is critical for facilitating a patient’s treatment—keep it all together in one folder.

For Your Comfort

Hospitals often encourage patients and their families to bring other items to help make a hospital stay more pleasant or comfortable. Hospitals provide gowns and toiletries, but they generally invite patients to bring their own pajamas, bathrobe, cardigan sweater, non-slip socks or slippers, comb, brush, lotions, toothbrush and toothpaste, and lip balm. However, avoid perfumes and any highly-scented products. Keep in mind that short sleeves are best to accommodate intravenous lines.

Check ahead of time to find out what the hospital will allow. This information often can be found on the hospital’s Web site.

Other things to bring include:

Protective containers for holding eyeglasses or dentures when not in use
Books, magazines, crossword puzzles to help pass the time
Paper and pen for jotting down notes and questions—to help you remember to ask doctors or nurses when they are in the room
A small amount of money for newspapers and magazines and other items from the gift shop or vending machines.
Photos or small personal items. However, keep in mind that space is limited.
Clothing to wear home at discharge

Items to Leave at Home

Hospitals cannot be responsible for patients’ personal belongings. Generally, they recommend against bringing valuables. Specific things to leave off the packing list:

Cell phones. In most cases, these are not permitted in patient care areas as they can interfere with heart monitors and other patient monitoring equipment
Tobacco products, because smoking is prohibited in health care facilities
Credit cards, checkbooks, large amounts of cash, jewelry, high-end portable music players and other valuables, as they can easily be stolen amidst the activity of a hospital patient care unit

Before bringing any type of electronic items, check the hospital’s policy. Items that need to be plugged in generally are forbidden as their wiring does not meet hospital-grade standards. If you or a loved one does bring a portable electronic device, make sure it is in the care of a friend or loved one while the patient is sleeping or out of the room.

Although filled to the brim with patients, hospitals were created to support doctors, not us patients. Historically, their organizational structure focused on doctors’ needs and doctors’ requirements. The concept of centering hospital care on patient needs and requirements is a relatively recent development.

How can a hospital switch from being provider-centered to patient-centered? Shifting such a complicated and cumbersome behemoth a full 180 degrees is a huge undertaking.

I believe it can be done. I’ve put much thought into this and feel my 5 steps are do-able and (relatively) easy to implement without interfering with the changes already in evidence organizationally and technologically.

My 5 steps were born of an epiphany. Without us patients there would be no hospitals. Without us patients, there’d be no place for:

practical teaching
developing best practices
solving health puzzles patients often present.

Patients are hospitals’ raison d’être. Here’s how you can make us feel more like the VIPs we are.

1. Be quiet. Quiet. Shhhh. We need a library environment. I don’t want to hear staff shrieking to one another down halls and across nursing stations. You have other options. You can get up and walk over to the person you are addressing or send a text (SMS, IM etc.), a Twitter message or an email. Silence the doors, drawers, cabinets, carts. No more slamming, ramming or bashing. We VIPs have sensitive ears and nerves. I know this quiet can be done. On hospital’s office floors for example, it’s dead quiet.

2. Paint. Hospital colours are depressing. We need something comforting and peaceful, colours that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Colour can also help us VIPs find our way in the hallway labyrinths. Mazes befuddle and confuse.

3. Change the linens. Hospital bedding is just awful. Please learn from hotels. They also grapple with high volumes of laundry and infection-control requirements. Yet, their sheets have a thread count of more than 100.

4. Turn curtains into art. The privacy curtains. Honestly! They’re utterly useless. Privacy’s a joke and the colour makes us VIPs feel we’re already dead. Instead, use them as a canvas and showcase Canadian art. Use the same industrial strength material as scrubs.

5. Let us dress with dignity. Even if you can’t do the first 4 steps right away, there’s one I hope you’ll consider changing — the hospital gown! The hospital gown is the single most important thing that demoralizes even the most understanding VIP. They’re embarrassing for all. They de-humanize, demean and really make us VIPs feel like we’re an afterthought — and a tiresome one at that. Please change the design of the hospital gowns. Grown-ups need grown-up gowns.

Bonus: Change the floors. Changing the floors may be too expensive. But wouldn’t it be great for every foot that ever walked on a hospital floor to have a nicer surface like bamboo or cork, providing they met with infection prevention and other necessary codes.

Perhaps, compared to the issues of patient safety, medication errors and technology inequities, what I propose may seem frivolous: nice to have, rather than need to have. But ask any one of us VIPs. For us, it’s the often the common sense, meeting-human-needs components that gives meaning to patient centred.

Kathy Kastner is Founder and President of Ability for Life.

Submit a guest post and be heard on social media’s leading physician voice.

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Prepare your child for a hospital stay

Hospitals can be strange, frightening places for children. Being ill or in pain can also make them upset. You might feel helpless, but there are things you can do to comfort your child.

Prepare your child as much as you can. Play doctors and nurses or operations using teddies and dolls, and read story books about being in hospital.

It’s good to do this even if your child isn’t due to go to hospital. Many children under 5 have to go into hospital at some stage, and often in an emergency.

Explain as much as possible to your child. Even young children need to know what’s happening to them. It’s important to be truthful. What children imagine is often worse than reality. Don’t say that something won’t hurt when it will.

Some hospitals arrange visits for children and their families before a child is admitted for a planned treatment or operation. It’s also important to let your child know when they’ll be able to see you and whether you’ll be staying with them.

Explain to your child what being in hospital will be like. Tell them they’ll be sharing a ward with other children of their own age and it’ll be different from their own bedroom at home.

Stay with your child in hospital

It will help your child if you visit them in hospital as much as possible and, with young children especially, sleep there. Do all you can to arrange this.

All hospital children’s departments now have some room for parents to stay overnight with their children. Talk to hospital staff beforehand. Be clear about the arrangements and what will happen.

Talk to the hospital staff

Talk to one of the nurses or doctors who will be treating your child about anything you think is important. Inform staff of any special words your child uses – such as for needing to go to the toilet – and any particular ways you have of comforting them.

Take your child’s comforter into hospital

Let your child take a favourite teddy or comforter with them into hospital.

Be prepared for your child to be upset by the experience. They may continue to be upset for some time afterwards. Give them as much reassurance as you can.

Page last reviewed: 19 July 2018
Next review due: 19 July 2021

BY Johanna Pule, L.M.S.W. – Social Work

If your doctor were to tell you that you need to stay in the hospital for a month or longer for treatment, what concerns would you have?

You might worry about the upcoming treatment or how you will feel physically. You might focus all of your attention on the physical and avoid how it will affect you emotionally.

You might just be worried about having to stay in a room in an enormous hospital for such a long time.

These concerns are normal.

More than a patient
It’s a significant physical undertaking that can take an emotional toll. Though the reason for staying in the hospital is for your cancer treatment, it’s important to remember you’re not just a cancer patient.

You’re a whole person and it’s important that you attend to all of you, and not just the cancer. This is especially true when, for a month or more, you have to essentially live in a setting that constantly reminds you of your illness. To help cope with a long hospital stay, MD Anderson’s Department of Social Work offers these tips:

Bring something from your house, a blanket, pillow or anything that brings you comfort. This helps tremendously with creating a warm environment. Most of us feel safe and comfortable at home. Bringing a piece of that with you will re-create those feelings of safety and comfort.

Dress comfortably in your normal clothes from home. When you dress in your regular clothing, it’s a reminder that you’re also a person, not just a patient in a hospital.

Display pictures of friends and family. It has been said that smiling is contagious. Try to fill your walls with smiling faces to brighten your day.

Find a hobby that can be done from your hospital room. Hobbies help keep your mind active and focused on something other than your diagnosis or treatment. For example, if you enjoy creating art, bring a sketchpad and pencils so you can draw while in your hospital bed.

If possible, bring a laptop from home and use Skype with friends and family members. Staying in communication with friends and family helps you stay involved with the lives of others. Here’s a link to a step-by-step instructional video for Skype service:

Try to leave your room at least once per day. Whether it’s a short walk or a trip to another part of the hospital, it’s important to change your scenery. There are parts of the hospital that are great for relaxing and getting away from the hospital environment, such as The Park.

Start a journal. Even if you aren’t a writer, journaling helps with stress relief and allows you to express your emotions in a healthy way.

Music! Bring a portable radio/CD player with you. Music can be a powerful medium for changing how we feel. It can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Managing stress is crucial to our well-being and important when faced with a long hospitalization and a physically aggressive treatment regimen.

Keep up with “housekeeping,” using a laptop in your room. You can pay bills, send email and maybe even keep up with work. Some find it helpful to maintain a blog while admitted. This is a very easy way to keep friends and family updated on your health.

Meditate. Take some time to turn off the noise and just be still. Meditation and prayer are ways you can take a break from the medicine and procedures and just relax. Use this time to identify some positive aspects of your life.

It can be helpful to talk with a trusted friend, family member or professional during the time you’re hospitalized.

Expressing how you feel and letting others know what you’re going through can help you get through this difficult time.

If you’d like to talk with someone at MD Anderson, call the Department of Social Work at 713-792-6195, or ask your nurse or physician to speak with a social work counselor.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jen Davis

No one wants to think about the death of a pet, but it is an inevitable event that you need to be prepared to handle when the time comes. If your pet is nearing the end of his life, work with your veterinarian to make the dog’s last days as comfortable as possible.

Veterinary Diagnosis

It is absolutely essential for your veterinarian to be actively involved in your dog’s health care up until the last day of his life. Your veterinarian needs to be aware of the exact health problems your dog is suffering from to prescribe the right medications to manage the pet’s health problems. If your dog’s health condition is terminal, your veterinarian should be able to give him medications, such as painkillers and appetite stimulants, that will minimize discomfort.

Signs of Pain and Discomfort

In order to make your dog more comfortable, you will need to be able to recognize and address signs that he is uncomfortable. Signs of pain and discomfort include changes in personality, lethargy, loss of appetite, changes in bathroom behavior, whimpering, whining, growling, and a lack of willingness to perform activities he previously enjoyed such as playing, jumping up or climbing stairs. Once you have noticed signs of pain, try to figure out what is causing the discomfort and work to modify your dog’s environment for his comfort.

Environmental Changes

Try to make your dying dog’s life as easy and uncomplicated as possible. Put his food dishes, water dishes, bedding, favorite toys and other supplies in one relatively small area so he does not have to travel across the house if he wants a drink or to lie down comfortably. If other pets or small children bother your dog, remove them. If your dog has difficulty climbing stairs, keep him in an area where he does not have to climb stairs, as long as you can be there with him. If he has difficulty going outside to use the bathroom, you may want to lay down puppy pads or newspapers so he does not have to try make his way outdoors. If he seems cold, give him additional blankets. Most importantly, spend lots of time with your dying dog. Give him favorite toys, treats and lots of love.

Veterinary Hospice Care

Some veterinarians provide hospice care for terminally ill pets. These services help pet owners monitor the condition of dying pets and administer treatments to keep your pet as comfortable as possible until your pet passes. If you elect to provide hospice care for your pet, you will need to work with your hospice team to make end-of-life decisions for your dog. In the event that your dog can not be kept comfortable and is suffering, choose to euthanize your dog rather than wait for him to die naturally.

Patient comfort is becoming a higher priority for hospitals, and the reasons are three-fold: It boosts patient satisfaction, improves outcomes and is the right thing to do.

At the University of Kansas Hospital, for example, nursing staff spend time with patients prior to their stay to discuss measures that will help them feel more comfortable, such as bringing fuzzy socks from home and arranging to get a fan in the room. These touches in some cases help make up for less-pleasant parts of hospitalization that can’t be avoided for medical reasons, according to an article from Fox News.

Patients take notice of the effort, which benefits the hospital in several ways, including higher patient satisfaction scores that can translate to more revenue.

“We benefit from increased volumes, increased loyalty, more referrals, all of those things that truly do impact the bottom line at the end of the day. But I will tell you when we started, that isn’t why we did it,” said Terry Rusconi, vice president of performance improvement at University of Kanass Hospital.

In addition, an emphasis on patient comfort and quality of life can improve patients’ ability to tolerate medical treatments and help them feel more empowered in their care, Lauren Swinney, R.N., director of medical surgical, ambulatory care, palliative care and spiritual care at Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, told The Union.

Thus, the hospital’s Palliative Care Team strives to ensure patients aren’t unduly suffering from symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, constipation, shortness of breath, insomnia or depression.

Patients may receive palliative care on a short- or long-term basis, she added, whether they seek curative treatment or hospice care at the end of life. “Palliative care benefits both patients and their families,” she said. “Yes, we focus on symptom management, but also on providing communication and support for the family.”

Research supports the use of palliative care to improve patient outcomes, FierceHealthcare has reported, as well as to lower costs and increase patient happiness.

To learn more:
– read the article from Fox News
– see the story from The Union

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

The more you make your customers feel comfortable, the greater your chance of repeat business. Along with quality products and services, customers want to feel that they are dealing with credible people. Use a variety of ways to give your customers a high level of comfort in your business’ honesty, integrity and quality. Building a solid and loyal customer base can help your business thrive for years to come.

Step 1

Put a high priority on customer service. Even if you offer the highest quality products, your customers will not feel comfortable if their problems are not being addressed in an appropriate and timely manner. Make it easy for customers to contact you or your support team via the telephone and email. Answer all inquiries and do whatever you can to solve issues promptly.

Step 2

Listen to your customers. Rather than rushing to close the sale, spend time talking with your customers to get to know them and their needs. Not only will the customer feel cared for, it might even result in a bigger sale for you. For example, a couple might be considering hiring you to paint the first floor of their home. However, while communicating it might come up that they never really liked the color of the paint in the master bedroom, either. Offering them a discount on the extra room can tip the scales in your favor.

Step 3

Price your items or services at market value and offer a money back guarantee. Exceptional service and products at a fair market price can be a winning formula for small businesses. Going the extra step by offering to refund customers’ money if they are not satisfied shows that you stand behind your work. The customer will feel comfortable that his is dealing with a true professional.

Step 4

Solve the customer’s problem. Focus on the end result rather than the product or service. Rather than putting the attention on the hammer you want to sell a client, focus on the picture he wants to hang up or the treehouse he wants to build.

Step 5

Offer customer testimonials and case studies to prospective clients to raise their comfort level. Satisfied customers are often the best form of marketing you can have. Post a testimonial page to your website and fill it with quotes and comments from past clients. You might even go a step further and write case studies on past clients to show how you helped them through each step of the process.

Beth Rifkin has been writing health- and fitness-related articles since 2005. Her bylines include “Tennis Life,” “Ms. Fitness,” “Triathlon Magazine,” “Inside Tennis” and others. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Temple University.

Here are some simple ways you can get moving throughout the day.

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

12 March 2019 • 7 min read

How to Make Your Hospital Stay More Comfortable

To achieve good health, experts often recommend walking at least 10,000 steps a day. For those who work in sedentary office jobs, however, this can sometimes seem like a daunting challenge.

A growing body of research shows us just how important it is to combat inactivity. Long periods of sitting are said to lead to increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer. The World Health Organisation even listed inactivity as the fourth biggest risk factor for global adult mortality.

But itвЂ™s not all doom and gloom вЂ“ there are plenty of ways you can be more active in the workplace. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Walk or ride at least part of the way to work

If you can bike or walk (or even run) to work, this can be an excellent way to fit more activity into your day вЂ“ and youвЂ™ll arrive feeling fresh and energised, with a clear mind.

Of course, not everyone lives close enough for this to be a realistic option, but you can still find ways to make at least part of your trip more active. Get the train part of the way and ride the rest, get off the tram a few stops early and walk, or park your car a kilometre or two away. Try a few different things and see what works for you.

2. Volunteer for the coffee run

Go out and get your coffee, tea or smoothie instead of letting someone else pick one up for you. Even better, you could make it a challenge to try a new place each day for a week, instead of always going for the closest option. Taking a stroll with some colleagues is a quick and easy way to relax, socialise and get in some more physical activity.

3. Have standing or walking meetings

We all have those meetings that stretch on for an hour, but could really be accomplished in 15 minutes. Try organising a standing meeting вЂ“ research shows this can be a good way to increase efficiency, making sure things donвЂ™t drag on unnecessarily, as well as getting you out of your chair.

For smaller groups or one-on-ones, a walking meeting can be a great way to get things done while getting in a little physical activity. The change of pace and scenery can also help reduce tensions and encourage more creativity and free-flowing conversation.

“Tracking your activity can be an excellent way to motivate yourself and keep you reminded of your goals.”

4. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

Studies have shown that when you wear comfortable clothes and shoes to work you are more likely to be more active. It makes perfect sense вЂ“ taking the stairs looks a lot less appealing when youвЂ™re in towering high heels or a stiff suit.

Even if your work dress code requires you to wear more formal clothes, chances are there are ways you can make your clothing more comfortable вЂ“ whether itвЂ™s investing in a great pair of flats, choosing a chunkier heel thatвЂ™s easier to walk in, or finding a suit made from a more breathable and movable fabric.

5. Track your steps

ItвЂ™s a lot easier to be active when you can keep track of how much youвЂ™re really moving. Yes, thereвЂ™s a reason everyone is wearing activity trackers like Fitbit! Put one on your wrist and find out how many steps you do in a normal day, then set yourself a goal to improve on that number every day. Tracking your activity can be an excellent way to motivate yourself and keep you reminded of your goals.

6. Try a standing desk

If itвЂ™s possible in your office, standing up to work can be a great choice. Standing uses more muscles and burns more calories than sitting вЂ“ and it can be great for your back and posture.

“Stand up every 30 minutes to stretch your chest and extend your spine to reverse the hunched position of sitting.”

7. Walk instead of calling or emailing

Use every opportunity you have to get up from your desk. Pretend itвЂ™s the вЂ90s вЂ“ instead of emailing or instant-messaging your colleague across the room, walk over to their desk and have a chat with them face to face. The steps add up, and it gives you the extra benefit of having some social interaction.

8. Stretch

Take the time to stretch at your desk (or better yet, away from it.) Olympic sports physiotherapist Mark Alexander suggests standing up every 30 minutes to stretch out your chest and extend your spine to reverse the hunched position of sitting. This will help reduce back and neck pain as well as making your feel more energised.

9. Get moving at lunch time

First, itвЂ™s important to take your lunchbreak вЂ“ studies show that most Australians donвЂ™t. Having a break during the day is beneficial for your mental health and wellbeing, and itвЂ™s also a good opportunity to get active. Instead of eating at your desk or sitting down in the kitchen area for your whole lunchbreak, make a point to get up and move for at least part of your allotted time. Go outside for a walk and enjoy the change of scenery.

To get the blood pumping even more, you could even jog up and down the stairs, or sneak off for a quick nearby gym session or a circuit in the park.

“Get your co-workers involved and make it a challenge to be more active together.”

10. Take the stairs

We all know we should take the stairs instead of the lift, but how often do we actually do it? The trick is making it a habit, so you stop thinking about it as a choice you have to make every time. Start by aiming to take the stairs once a day, then work up until itвЂ™s automatic.

11. Start an office fitness challenge

Get your co-workers involved and make it a challenge to be more active together. ItвЂ™s always easier to make healthy choices when youвЂ™re doing it as a group and you have that support network there motivating and encouraging you.

There are plenty of ways you can make exercise fun and social вЂ“ maybe you can start a friendly competition to track your steps and see who can walk the most in a day, or you could organise group walks at lunchtime, or make a rule that every hour on the hour you all stand up and do ten squats.

12. Take breaks to move

Put some time in your calendar and set an alarm to remind you to take a break вЂ“ then get up and go for a short walk around the building, or up and down the stairs. You donвЂ™t have to go for long вЂ“ just make sure you take a 5-10 minute break a couple of times throughout the day. Not only will it get you moving, it will help clear your head, so you go back to work feeling a bit more refreshed. Get a friend to come along and you can combine activity with social interaction that will give you another wellbeing boost.

13. Turn waiting time into moving time

Waiting for the photocopier, or the microwave, or for those pesky co-workers to vacate the meeting room youвЂ™ve booked? Take a little stroll, or even do some small exercises like calf-raises, squats or lunges (and if youвЂ™ve started a group fitness challenge, no one will think youвЂ™re strange for doing it!)

Did you know eligible Medibank members can earn rewards with the Medibank Live Better App? Like a gift card from our partners, simply by looking after their health and wellbeing.

Download the Medibank Live Better App to set your exercise goals and start earning points today.

How to make your hospital stay more comfortable

Includes a list of items to pack for your hospital stay.

By Eldercare Services, Local Business

Oct 27, 2016 8:30 am PT | Updated Oct 27, 2016 11:30 am PT

How can you make your time in hospital more comfortable?

How to wash when you can’t bathe

Tricks for staying clean

The importance of discretion

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10 Ways to Be More Comfortable During Hospital Stays

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