Staying in the hospital after an accident is never fun, but there are steps you can take to make your stay more comfortable. Take a look at these tips.
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Extras
In a lot of cases, if you make a special request, the hospital will be more than willing to accommodate you. For instance, if your spouse, parent, or other relative is staying with you, ask for a rollaway cot for your room. Don’t like the meal option? Ask for a substitute. Whether you want extra pillows, more toiletries, or time with a specialist such as a physical therapist, don’t be afraid to ask.
2. Walk Around
Unless your doctor has prohibited movement, try to walk around. Getting out of bed can make you feel better, even if you just take a short walk down the hall or to the hospital cafeteria. According to one study of 500 patients over the age of 70, those who walk around during their hospital stay get released 36 hours sooner than average.
3. Take Notes
If possible, get a small notebook and keep notes. As you think of questions, write them down. That way, you don’t forget what you wanted to ask when the doctor comes to your room. Also, consider writing down your symptoms, medications you take, and which healthcare professionals you see.
In particular, if you’ve been in an accident caused by another person, notes can be helpful if you need to make a claim against the other person’s insurance policy.
4. Rest as Much as Possible
After an accident, remember that your doctor has required a hospital stay for a reason, and you should rest as much as possible. Sleep can be a powerful healing force.
If your condition is stable, you may even want to ask your doctor to let you sleep undisturbed throughout the night. If the doctor agrees, they can tell the nightshift nurses to not do tests during the night so you can get an uninterrupted chunk of sleep.
5. Find a Patient Advocate
Many hospitals have a patient advocate or an ombudsman who can help to ensure you get the most from your stay. If the hospital attempts to discharge you before you’re ready, consider requesting one of these professionals.
One of the best ways to make your hospital stay more comfortable is to not worry about the bill. If you’ve been injured in an accident, we may be able to help. Contact Mazow | McCullough P.C. at 855-693-9084 to learn if you may be entitled to compensation. In addition to hospital expenses, we are often able to help clients obtain compensation for lost time at work, pain and suffering, and many other accident-related expenses.
