During Your Hospital Stay
Are you currently hospitalized?
Your recovery does not depend solely on the nursing staff. You and your family also have a role to play, especially if you are over 75.
Tools are available to help you plan your next steps. Ask your care team for them.
- Making the most of you hospital stay and planning your return home
- You are hospitalized and aged 75 years or older
- Poster Living Well in the hospital (French)
To find out more about delirium and immobilization syndrome, consult the following documents:
Tips to facilitate your recovery
(unless otherwise advised by your doctor)
Get moving and be active
Staying in bed is your worst enemy.
- Get moving every day, within your capabilities.
- Exercise to keep active. Ask your care or rehabilitation team which exercises you can do on your own or with the help of a family member.
- Sit in a chair at least three times a day at mealtimes.
- Walk to the bathroom. Walk down the corridor with your visitors (according to your ability and if approved by your care team).
- Maintain your habits and engage in your daily routine as much as possible in aligment to with your capabilities: washing, shaving, brushing your teeth, getting dressed, getting up, going to the bathroom, etc.
- Tell the nurse if your pain prevents you from moving.
Make sure that you eat and drink adequately
Loss of appetite leads to loss of everything!
- If you don't have any restriction for your liquid intake, drink the whole glass of water when taking your medication.
- You need to eat to regain your strength. Ask your loved ones to bring your favorite snacks while you are hospitalized (notify staff).
- At mealtimes, be sure to eat the main course.
- Make sure you have access to water at all times at your bedside (unless contraindicated). If necessary, ask your care team.
- Wear your dentures, if you have them.
Participate in your care
- Tell the care team and the attending physician of your needs and wishes for your return home.
- Take part in the choice of objectives during your hospital stay to get back into shape.
- Get moving.
- Ask questions about your health.
- Ask to be present at your assessment meetings so that you can take part in the decisions and orientations that concern you.
Prevent constipation
To prevent constipation (3 days or more without a bowel movement):
- Eat, drink, and stay active.
- Tell your care team if you think you might be constipated.
- If you can, limit the use of bedpans and incontinence products use.
Rest
- Respect your need for sleep and rest.
- Do not take long naps.
- Have an evening routine to help you regulate your sleep.
- If possible, share your sleep habits with the care team: bed against the wall, music, herbal tea, etc.
- Wear earplugs, if your condition allows
- Be active during the day. Don't stay in bed all day.
- Don't go to bed too early at night.
Prevent disorientation and confusion
- Crossword puzzles, reading, puzzles, card games...any activity that keeps your mind active!
- Wear your hearing aids and glasses, if applicable.
- Bring along photos of loved ones, music, or familiar objects. The hospital is not responsible for your personal belongings. Leave your valuables at home.
Plan your hospital discharge
- Plan who will go to the pharmacy to pick up your medication after your leave the hospital, and who will be at home with you to help.
- Inform the staff immediately if you need to use the stairs, adapt your bathroom at home, and so on.
- Inform the staff of the services you already receive at home (CLSC, domestic help, Meals on Wheels, etc.).
- Plan your transportation for when you leave the hospital.
- Make sure you purchase or rent any recommended equipment, if required.
For Family and Friends
The family's presence is important and reassuring for someone who is convalescing.
- Wash your hands before entering and when leaving the room.
- Bring your loved one the items needed for their daily routine: clothing, hygiene products, non-slip shoes, socks or slippers, hearing aids, etc.
- When you arrive and before you leave, encourage your loved one to drink water.
- Bring your own meal and eat with your loved one.
- Encourage your loved one to move as much as possible, even when they are in bed: turn in bed, rotate wrists and ankles, move arms and legs.
- Take your loved one for a walk in the hallway if their balance and endurance allow (ask the nurse or rehabilitation professional).
- Remind your loved one of the goals in place to allow them to return to their home environment.
- Encourage their efforts and point out their progress.
- Respect rest periods.
- Remind your loved one that they are in hospital and why.
- Remind them of the time of day, the hour, the day, the date, and the season.
- Nominate one person as the spokesperson relaying the informations between the hospital facility and the informal and family caregivers
- Ask the care team about the contribution you can make, while respecting your interests and abilities.
For tools and resources, visit the Informal caregivers page.
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