This is going to be a compilation of the top 1000 tips to keep you happy and healthy during hospital… one of the most dangerous and boring places in the world.

Though I won’t have 10 in here RIGHT away, I’ll keep adding to this until I do, so make sure to sign up to my email list to hear when the latest addition has been made to this – and check out my free books there too if you enjoy these!

Tip 1 – Keep Everything CLOSE and at Hand

It may seem redundant, but believe me when I say this, the TINIEST little things in hospital can save you the most pain and struggle. Tiny things like this.

I’ve been in and out of hospitals for 8 years but only picked up this trick on this admission… what you see here is your hospital bed remote and your nurse alarm/TV button. Keeping things close at hand in an organised fashion is of HUGE importance.

I did used to use a side rail which I’d keep up to hold my bed remotes n place, but only a few weeks ago did a nurse suggest MAKING THE BED REMOTE FACE ME and hang it up that way for the first time. I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of this before.

But ESPECIALLY in this admission where I’ve been restricted from lifting more than 1-2kg at a time to let my chest wound heal, this tiny change has been LIFESAVING.

Having your nurse call button on hand and in a spot where you don’t have to twist and turn is also good for obvious reasons. Wrapping it around the bed rail helps keep it in easy reach for me. But watch out – because bed rails do cause accidents too, especially with confused patients. Check out how my own device converts any bed into a hospital bed here (all profits go towards medical research with this – so I hope it’s not TOO spammy!)

 

These may seem like nothing but they do add up. The other day, I was hooked to a non mobile (non wheely) IV pole and the nurse call remote was on the floor (plus, as I have for the last 3 weeks, I’ve been hooked up to a Vac seal dressing too on my left leg). And I REALLY needed to go to the bathroom.

Mum and dad just happened To be out. My phone wasn’t in reach either.

Instead of panicking and trying to twist and contort my body, which could risk my cannula falling out or even worse, result in me falling, I screamed out for a nurse for the better part of 10 minutes until 1 arrived.

A less patient, younger me wouldn’t have though.

Share this with anyone you think this could help.
If you have your own tips you wanna share or wanna see more – itll be here and on my Facebook page or on Nikhilautar.com/hospitalhacks . Tell someone you love, if they’re in hospital, to always have their necessary devices handy, and ready to go, where possible.

The same lessons apply for your bed side tray table. Keeping your laptop, devices, chargers or books there and in easy reach is a no brainer! But things like alcohol hand sanitizer, tissues, and water bottles should not be overlooked too!

Staying SANE in Hospital – Utilising all their services;

DOGTOR consults

When i visited a friend in a children’s hosiptal for the first time, I was jealous.

THEY BROUGHT HER A PAIR OF DOGS TO CUDDLE WHEN SHE WAS IN HOSPITAL!!! Children’s hospitals have and get everything it seems.

But you know what? Virtually all adults WILL have a therapy animal service available to patients.

Understandably, in some wards and for some patients, this isn’t ideal or suitable.

But I mean if  you CAN – why NOT get a visit from a fluffball? They’re actually not too dirty. The germs and illnesses they have are not transmittable to humans and these dogs are tested regularly. And pet visits are shown to improve health outcomes for many.

 

But other amazing services I will be updating you on further and expanding on soon are:

• Dietitians – they can hook you up with extra food, or whatever food you like, in fact!)
• Occupational Therapists – who will help make tiny little adjustments that DO make your life safer and easier – and, depending on your insurance or where you’re from, perhaps even get you free stuff.
• Physios – they are people you may HATE at the beginning. But consistent work with them during Rehab can change your life – especially early after your body goes through hell like chemo or surgery.
• Psychologists – they’re always there in hospitals and always willing to listen. At the very least, they give you someone to chat to. In a time when you’d otherwise be bored, and surly… why not continue healing in the place that arguably makes most sense to work on – your mind?