Hospitalization - What to Ask?
Older adults are more at risk of becoming seriously ill and requiring hospital care. The following are questions you can ask your health care provider if it is recommended that you should be hospitalized or if you are concerned about being hospitalized.
- Do I really need to be hospitalized?
- Can I be treated at home?
- Are there risks associated with being hospitalized?
- What are some things I should be aware of while in the hospital?
- What is a DNR?
- Should I take a copy of my living will?
- Who will my doctor be while I am in the hospital?
More information on this topic from the American Geriatric Society.
Tips to Improve Your Hospital Stay
- Bring glasses, hearing aids (with fresh batteries) and dentures to the hospital. Everyone does better if they can see, hear and eat. The hospital will make every effort to keep these items safe and has special containers to keep them in.
- Bring a familiar object from home. Things such as family photos, a favorite comforter for the bed, favorite book or relaxing music can be quite comforting.
- Bring your own robe for comfort and shoes to improve your safety while out of bed.
- Ask nursing staff for assistance when getting out of bed to go to the bathroom or walk in the hall. You may not be as strong as you are at home. We care about your safety and do not want you to fall.
- Keep moving, the bed in not your friend. If your nurse or therapist wants to do activities with you, don’t refuse. When you are in the hospital sometimes the last thing you want to do is get out of bed, but if your doctor did not order bed rest you need to be as active as possible. The more active you stay, the quicker you’ll heal.
- Bring all medications in their original bottles or an accurate medication list to the hospital with you; include non-prescription medications, vitamins, herbal remedies. After the RN records your medications, you can send them home.
- Talk to the doctor at the hospital about all medical conditions. Older people often see multiple doctors and may not inform each physician about other medical care they receive.
- Write down questions for your doctor to help you remember and be prepared when the doctor visits.
- Have family visit often for short frequent visits to help keep you calm, oriented to the new environment of the hospital and speed recovery. Large crowds of visitors or sitting watching TV for long periods of time is usually not therapeutic. We encourage family members to stay with you as possible, if you become confused.
- If you find yourself feeling blue, isolated, or confused while in the hospital, talk to your doctor or nurse. There are many resources to help you such as Pastoral Care, social workers, and nurses.
- You are not alone. We want to partner with you for a speedy recovery.
Helpful general information regarding your stay at Sanford USD Medical Center. (maps, lodging information, visiting hours, patient pre-registration forms and more.)
Spiritual Wellness
The Pastoral Care Team is available 24/7 to provide emotional and spiritual support to hospitalized patients and families as the journey toward healing and wholeness begins. Professional chaplains reach across faith group boundaries, providing supportive spiritual care to all people – since all people are spiritual beings – demonstrating an understanding of persons in distress, while respecting culture, beliefs, and traditions. Chaplains work closely with the interdisciplinary team providing your care.
The Memorial Garden and Chapel, located across from the hospital's Main Cafeteria, offers a quiet, garden-like space for reflection and prayer. View a virtual tour.
For more information about your spiritual wellness and what the Sanford Pastoral Care Team can provide for you, please call 605-328-2760.
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