What to pack for a hospital stay
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For some Canadians with cystic fibrosis (CF), a hospital stay can be a routine part of CF care. In fact, in 2021, Canadians with CF spent nearly 16,000 days in the hospital. Here are some packing ideas for how to make your hospital stay feel a bit more like home.
Comfort items:
Fuzzy blanket
Favourite pillow (bring more than one!)
Slippers (with grips)
Games and activities to help pass the time, such as:
Art and craft supplies (adult colouring book, pencil crayons, etc.)
Deck of cards
Book (Ask your local library if it has a book loaning app, such as the “Libby” app, so you can have unlimited books on your device)
Small coffee machine with pods for easy coffee
Clothes packing list:
Comfortable clothes (sweatpants, hoodies, etc.)
Pyjamas
Clean socks and underwear
Clean shirts
Toiletries packing list:
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Flip flops for the shower
Lip chap
Lotion
Snacks (Ask your clinic team if you have access to a fridge in your room)
Decorations
If you’re staying in the same room for the duration of your stay, bring some décor to personalize it:
Photos of your loved ones
Art that brings you joy
Painter’s tape or putty for hanging or sticking items to walls and IV pole
Bring tools for light exercise including a yoga mat, running shoes or exercise bands. (Pro tip: Consult your physiotherapist for exercise ideas)
Electronics (Make sure you put away if you ever step out of your room to avoid theft):
Phone or tablet with stand for hands-free watching
Download your favourite movies or television shows to your phone or tablet
Pack a stand for easy viewing (Ask your team if your hospital has free Wi-Fi)
Headphones
Extension cord
Charging cords for devices
Small Bluetooth speaker (if you have a private room)
Pens, paper or notepad to help keep track of any health-related information you’d like to write down
Medications and devices (Ask your team what medications, if any, will NOT be supplied)
Kids stuff: Activity book, games, arts and crafts if your child is coming to visit you in the hospital
Ways to support your loved one when they are in the hospital
Bring them snacks or a food gift card for a break from hospital food
Swap out their dirty laundry for clean laundry
Set up a group Facetime call with friends and family
Pick them up on passes from the hospital
Help manage daily activities while they’re away:
Clean the house
Pick up groceries or cook a meal
Check the mailbox
Care for pets