The Best Made Plans...

Well, I didn't make it to the Hill Country for my retreat.  My husband spent 10 days in the hospital and had surgery, all on an emergency basis.  He hit his toe a couple weeks ago and it resulted in a serious infection. The great news is that the wonderful medical team was able to save the toe and we are now home with a PICC line (to do iv antibiotics for a couple weeks).

This is a t-shirt I picked up for him as he ran out of clean clothes. It was a big hit with the staff.  It was a bright spot to have fun pajamas that others smiled at and many came to check out the latest. 

 

Perhaps you have a loved one spending time in the hospital, or you've been blessed to never have this experience and wonder a bit about what to do when faced with an extended hospitalization.  I hope this information helps make a difficult situation a little better.

Ask for paper and pen and write down any questions you have and information that is given.  I even pulled my tablet out a couple times and took pictures to ensure we had the details correct.

Call your care-giving team by their names.  Acknowledge their time and attention as well as their skills.  Yes, it's their job but then don't we all like a little pat-on-the-back and show of appreciation?

Consider providing a special treat for the break room.  When I was running errands or getting a meal, I picked up some large bags of candy and once picked up a cake.



Have fun pajamas to change into after each shower. Funny slogans and fun characters put a smile on more faces than just the wearer. 

Check if there is a freezer/refridgerator you can use and then purchase some frozen meals to allow you proper nuitrition while staying close and softening the blow to your budget.  Remember to get some labels and a good marker to note room number, last name and date on each item put back.

Be helpful if you are staying with a loved one.  Yes, it is a stressful time but the staff is there to care for your family member and not wait on you.  Consider making your own bed up when they bring extra bedding. Learn where the nurishment room is and fetch coffee and ice for the room, with their permission. 

Take rests and naps whenever you can find a few moments.  Care-giving goes on 24/7 and may even increase over-night, due to required labs for first-of-the-morning reports.

Display and care for flowers and plants given to brighten the room and express well wishes.  Many of these have very little water at the time of delivery, so you may want to add some right away.

Have your own modest pjs to change into at night.  This helps maintain your personal schedule.  Don't forget to bring and continue any medications you might need, but share that you have them in the room with the care team.

Photo credits:
Care-givers: Sarah and Evelyn
Flowers: Northwest District of the TAC, UMC
Plant: Linda T. and The Good Samaritan