How to Prepare for a Hospital Stay
Simple plan-ahead “to-do’s” for a safe and sound hospital stay
Once a hospital stay for your loved one is discussed…
Attend all pre-admission doctor visits with your loved one.
- Together with your loved one, create a list in order of priority for questions to ask and topics to cover during each doctor visit.
- Take lots of notes or record the visit with your phone.
Research your hospital’s quality of care.
You may not have a choice of hospital, but at least you can know what you’re walking into and be prepared for situations in which extra vigilance might be required.
- Look up their safety score on Leapfrog Hospital Safety online.
- Even if your loved one is not on Medicare, it’s good to check Medicare’s hospital ratings, too.
- Learn more about how to interpret hospital rates on our Tips! page.
Organize shifts ahead of time of caring family members and friends so, ideally, someone is with your loved one in the hospital around the clock.
Make hospital admission easier…
Reduce the stress of hospital admission by having all your loved one’s medical records on paper or online:
- Recent illnesses (dates/treatment)
- Prior hospital stays (dates/reason/where)
- Prior surgeries (date/reason/where)
- All doctors/specialists providing care
- Chronic conditions (treatment/s)
- Vaccination history
You’ll also need to provide medication information:
- A list of current medications (dose/frequency)
- Medication allergies
- Other allergies
- Pharmacy address and phone
Other forms/items you will need:
- Loved one’s insurance card/s and a photo ID.
- HIPPA form that will allow care providers to legally share information about your loved one’s medical status.
- DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) form if desired.
- Loved one’s Living Will if available.
Store paper medical records in a binder or folder that you take to the hospital.
Put any new documents received during your stay into your binder/folder.
Download and use our Medical Record form to organize all your medication information.
You will need access to your loved one’s online patient portal/s.
- Make sure you have their user name and password for each health care provider’s portal.
- Review the portal information so you can have corrections made if needed.
Keep organized (and sane) during a hospital stay
Make communication with family/friends easier
- Bring a notebook and pens that you can leave in the room. That way you can leave notes for the next Care Partner or family member to act on in your absence.
- Bring email addresses and phone numbers for those you need to keep informed.
- Discuss with your loved one if they want visitors and, if so, is there anyone they DON’T want to see.
Make communication with hospital care providers more productive.
Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions. Whenever possible, take notes (or ask to record using your phone) conversations with care providers regarding your loved one’s treatment.
Download and make copies of the checklists below to keep in your binder/folder of medical documents you take to the hospital.
Download and make copies of our Daily Care Notes form for easier documentation of medications, tests, and daily goals.
Checklists for a Safe and Sound Hospital Stay
