The care and safety of our patients and team members are our number one priority. Please know we've taken the appropriate steps to address and prevent the exposure of the virus to anyone who may need our facilities for emergent or scheduled treatments. However, we recommend calling your local facility before visiting your loved one to better understand the current visitor policy.
If you or a loved one are sick with coronavirus infection and being admitted to the hospital, you’ll need to pack everything possible for the duration of their stay. Here’s a helpful list of what to bring:
Absolute Must-Have Items
- Chargers for phone and electronics
- Hairbrush
- Laptop, iPad or tablet
- Phone
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
General Items
- Comfortable clothes you’d be willing to leave the hospital in
- Duffle bag or other easy-to-carry bag
- Pajamas for length of stay
- Slippers
- Socks
- Underwear
Hygiene Supplies
- Lip balm
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties
- Lotion
Entertainment
- Bible or other religious text
- Books or kindle
- Chargers for phone and electronics
- Laptop, iPad or tablet
- Phone
- Phone charger
Other Items to Consider
List of Medications
Provide your doctors with an accurate list of your medications, their dosages and how often you take them. Don’t forget to list any supplements you’re taking. Having a complete medication list that you’re on will help keep you safe. And it helps doctors develop the best plan of action for treatment.
Loose, Warm, Comfortable Clothing
Hospitals are kept chilly to ward off bacteria and germs, so bring a cardigan or hoodie to cover up with – even though you might not be able to wear it right away. Pashmina scarves and throw blankets offer a way to stay warm while still giving care providers access to different parts of your body, as needed.
Your Own Pillow
Hospital pillows tend to be firm and sometimes covered in plastic, so give your head a rest. The u-shaped pillows commonly taken on airplanes can be especially helpful. Often patients may find they need to lie in a hospital bed with the top half raised a bit, which can prevent them from sleeping on their sides. Those u-shaped pillows let you sleep on your back a little more comfortably. It’s also a good idea to bring brightly-colored pillowcases for good cheer — and so they don’t get thrown in the laundry with the hospital’s own linens.
Your Own Toiletries
Hospitals provide the basics, but bringing your own favorite toiletry items can help you feel better during your stay. And anything that helps you feel better and more comfortable can help contribute to feeling whole. Travel-sized toiletries are also more practical. Choose a disposable toothbrush and leave yours at home.
Flip-Flops
While you may feel like flip-flops are more of an outside shoe, they’re often more sanitary and easier to put on than slippers. Slippers are excellent for keeping your feet warm in bed, but most have backs that you have to side your foot into. Bending down can be difficult for some patients who are having trouble breathing, so the slip-on option of flip-flops are perfect for walking around.
Earplugs and Earphones
Earplugs can drown out unwanted noise of medical devices or hallway conversation when you’re getting needed sleep. Earphones can serve the same purpose, while adding an extra layer of comfort — letting you listen to your favorite music.
Comforting Entertainment
Being admitted to the hospital can feel stressful. Now is a great time to watch that favorite movie you’ve seen a hundred times, or binge a new series. Keeping entertainment light will keep you in good spirits. You can also use your laptop to stay connected and send email blasts to family and friends, giving them updates on your health.
Plenty of Good Books
Escaping into a great read is an excellent way to pass the time. It’s important to choose books that are uplifting in this time of stress, so avoid topics that may touch on illness right now. Keep it light when you select what’s on your reading list.
Pen and Paper
Keeping a journal is a great way to process your thoughts and feelings during a difficult time. It’s also smart to write down any questions you might have for the doctors and nurses, as well as notes to yourself. A journal can help you express yourself about your hospital experience and help with those to-do lists for when you get home.
Support When You Need It Most
Seeing your loved one being admitted to the hospital with coronavirus, or being admitted yourself, can be nerve-wracking — especially when you’re unable to be by their side. But there are lots of ways to connect online so you can still be there for them when they need you.
We’ll Get Through This Together
At AdventHealth, we’re here for you at every stage of the pandemic. You can schedule a telemedicine visit with our physicians through the AdventHealth app, and find answers to your coronavirus FAQs and more on our Coronavirus Resource Hub. We’re here to see you and your family through this, and we’ll get through it together.
