How should I prepare for a hospital stay during COVID?

I am 82 years old and am possibly going to have surgery within the next few months. How should I prepare for a hospital stay?

Getting ready for a hospital stay can be stressful so planning ahead is key.

You will want to talk with your medical staff and with your insurance plan to ensure that pre-approvals are in place for your stay and procedure.

Check that you have arranged for things to be taken care of while you are gone — like pet care, yard care, collecting your mail, and paying your bills. Also, make sure your family is aware of your wishes and that your health care power of attorney has a copy of your advance directive or other documentation; this is particularly important if COVID hospital visitor restrictions are still in place.

If your surgery is scheduled for the day you enter the hospital, be sure you understand and follow the instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.

In your bag, pack a notepad and pen so you can write down questions, directions, and any other information. And don’t forget your phone charger!

Your packing list should also include: Your photo ID.

Your insurance cards.

A list of emergency contact names and phone numbers.

Any forms — already filled out by you

— that the hospital has given you ahead of time. · A record of your family medical history . · A list of all medicines —including vitamins and supplements—that you take. Most hospitals want you to leave your actual medicines at home. It is important to know what conditions your medicines treat.

A list of any allergies you have, particularly to medications.

Copies of your living will/advance directive, medical power of attorney and MOLST form

Short list of prior surgeries, hospitalizations, and current health issues (with dates if possible)

You will also want to pack your personal items to include:

Eyeglasses and case

Hearing aid and extra batteries, if applicable.

Dentures and denture case, if applicable.

Assistive device you may use (i.e., cane or walker)

Your cell phone and charger

List of important phone numbers Underwear

You may also want to include: Toiletries [toothbrush, deodorant, hairbrush/comb, razor (for men)]

Lip balm and skin moisturizer Scarf, headband or, hair clips Earplugs and a sleep mask

Robe and slippers

A small amount of money for vending machines

A music player with headphones or earbuds

Reading material or puzzle books

„ Laptop computer, I-pad, tablet (with charger)

A bottle of hand sanitizer for your bedside table. Depending on why you are in the hospital, you may not be able to get up easily or often to wash your hands.

Before you leave home, shower or bathe (unless specific directions instruct you not to do so); remove nail polish and makeup. You should also leave your jewelry, including wedding rings, at home. Not only can these things get in the way of some tests and treatments, but they can also be places where germs collect and multiply.

Most probably, blood tests, IVs, and scans may be required before and after the actual procedure. Feel free to ask questions about procedures or tests and speak up when you have concerns. See if you can speak to the Anesthesiologist before the day of surgery about the dosage and possible side effects.

From the beginning of your hospital stay, keep in mind that you are part of the discharge planning team. Medicare.gov has an excellent checklist (Your Discharge Planning Checklist: For patients and their caregivers preparing to leave a hospital, nursing home or other care setting) which can be found at medicare.gov/Pubs/ pdf/11376-discharge-planning-checklist.pdf. (If you are unable to access the checklist, contact me and I will mail/email one to you.)

Dear Readers:

Please join us on March 22 for a virtual workshop, “Navigating Medical Care During a Crisis” with Dr. Nicole Rochester. And on April 13, Jessica Whittemore, LCSW-C, will present “Making Health Care Decisions Before a Crisis: What Are They and Why Do They Matter.” Both workshops will be presented at 7:00 pm via Zoom. You can register on-line at aacounty.org/aging or by calling 410-222-4375⁄4339.