As a caregiver experienced family, I know the importance of preparing for unexpected events, especially the trips to the hospital. Good preparation can help caregivers make the best of a bad situation.
I remember several unexpected trips to the hospital during the daddy of experience with mesothelioma. Shortly after our first impromptu trip, Mom and I made some changes that we would be ready next time.
We came to rely on the comfort and practicality of a travel bag stuffed with previously prepared all the elements that we thought we would be in an emergency situation. Although preparation is the key, you will always re-evaluate what you pack.
Dealing with emergency
My father woke up in the middle of the night unable to breathe. He struggled to breathe, and we rushed to the hospital. There was little time for us to get anything.
My mother had forgotten her purse, and we had no money, food or anything else. There was nothing to occupy the mind of a 13-year-old (me). Nurses dad offered us biscuits and salty water, but that was about it.
Leaving the hospital to get money, phone numbers or food meant dad abandoned us when he needs it most.
The doctors demanded that my father will remain temporarily in the intensive care unit before being transferred in a regular room. During his stay in the ICU, the medical staff has allowed two visitors in his room. Everyone could spend up to 15 minutes with my father. These rules made for a long time in the waiting room.
The waiting room was a tortuous experience. Harsh fluorescent lights magnified austerity walls and wallpaper. The strong smell of disinfectant burned our noses. The pajamas my mother and I wore the day before will protect us from the temperature near the room freezing. And finely upholstered wooden chairs caused more physical discomfort as relaxation.
When my mother and I realized that we did not want to sleep between visits intervals, we took turns reading some magazines in the waiting room. We remembered the good old days and the future. We also discussed our lack of organization and agreed to plan ahead next time.
We finally reached my brother that night, and he took us to the hospital. We are at home, ate and returned next to dad.
Planning Ahead and Learn How to plan
A few days later, the hospital issued dad.
When things settled, my mother and I created a list of items we could pack for our stay in the hospital longer hospital.
Our overnight bag contained cash, magazines, throw blankets and a change of clothes for each of us. We kept the bag in the trunk of the car. A few months later, he was there when we needed it.
Fast forward 20 years to a few weeks ago when my daughter woke up in excruciating pain.
I rushed him to the office of our local doctor, who urged us to go directly to the hospital. Nine hours later, doctors in the emergency room diagnosis of acute appendicitis and ordered an emergency surgery.
Unfortunately, I do not emergency travel bag. Because I am the guardian of my child, the hospital provided me meals. But we did not have anything to entertain us, and charge our phones become a nuisance. I would have killed for a change of clothes and a good book to read
I needed to update the list of overnight bag with some extra elements :.
- device charger: Although most hospitals offer charging stations to recharge smartphones and tablets visitors, they can not support all devices. It is also risky to leave your device without costly monitoring. Bring your own charger
- Book, magazines and a pack of cards :. Waiting in hospitals is a difficult and emotional time for caregivers and family members. Keep the mind occupied can relieve some of the stress and spend time
- Tablet or laptop :. Most hospitals and medical centers now offer patients and visitors free Wi-Fi. Packing tablet or computer that connects to YouTube or streaming music service can ease your mind
- Change clothes and pull :. Hospitals rooms are cold. There is no way around it. Bring a hoodie and a new change of clothes to protect against cold temperatures
- Loose Change :. Althoughmodern vending machines take debit cards, it would not hurt to pack a roll of quarters in case you want a snack in the dispenser 190 era.
Because mesothelioma caregivers perform many functions altruistic, they often forget their personal comfort.
However, a simple element - as an overnight bag prepared previously - can make a difference in an emergency
Remember, you can be a more effective caregiver when you are at your best
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