10 Ways to Stay Entertained During a Long Hospital Stay
While we don’t expect that we would need to spend any considerable time in hospital, life is unpredictable. Anyone of us can suffer an accident requiring us to spend some time in a hospital. The stay at the hospital can often be stressful and anxious. It can also be boring and patients might feel a bit disconnected from the outside world.
Being aware of your rights, engaging in activities, and having the necessary legal documents in place can help ease the process and provide peace of mind. It also helps to know engaging activities and things to do in hospitals to stay connected and informed.
The Significance of Staying Occupied And Informed During Hospital Stays
The hospital environment is designed so that patients aren’t disturbed and allow them to relax and heal. However, long stays can make patients feel a bit isolated. Staying occupied and informed during hospital stays is important as it can play a role in the patient’s overall well-being and recovery process. It can also help keep the mind stimulated. Just like how our body needs exercise to keep healthy, our mind also needs exercise.
Additionally, staying informed about one’s medical condition and treatment plan is equally important. Being knowledgeable about the procedures, medications, and care protocols can help patients to actively participate in their recovery. Understanding the health condition can also alleviate anxiety and uncertainty.
Patient Rights in Hospitals
Before we dig into activities and things to do in a hospital, let’s go through an overview of your legal rights while you’re hospitalized. Understanding your legal rights as a patient is crucial. Patients have the right to receive adequate medical care, be treated with respect, and have their privacy protected.
The patent rights include informed consent which refers to the patient’s right to be fully informed about their medical condition, treatment options, and potential risks before making any decisions. This means that healthcare providers must explain the benefits and risks to the patients.
As a patient, you can refuse medical treatment, even if that treatment is a life-saving procedure. As long as you’re aware and mentally competent to make decisions, you can deny treatment if that’s what you want to do.
Another important legal right in hospitals is the right to confidentiality of medical records. The staff at the hospital cannot release or disclose your medical records to any unauthorized party. Violating patient’s rights could be legal grounds for medical malpractice or other types of lawsuits that healthcare providers would want to avoid.
How To Stay Entertained During A Long Hospital Stay
The engaging activities to do in a hospital might be different for each patient as everyone has unique interests, mobility levels, and access to resources. Here are 10 engagement ideas in hospitals to make your stay more engaging while ensuring you remain connected and informed.
1. Reading
Most of us don’t read as much as we used to. It’s a great way to stay mentally stimulated and pass the time during a hospital stay. Whether you prefer e-books, magazines, or novels, reading is a great exercise for the brain. It can also be entertaining and help you learn about new topics. If you find it challenging to read long texts, consider short stories or articles on subjects of personal interest.
2. Audio Books
Reading isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some just don’t like reading, while others at the hospital might not be in the physical or mental condition to read long text. A good alternative is to listen to audiobooks.
This is a more relaxing experience compared to reading books. Audiobooks allow you to immerse yourself in stories, learn new things, and enjoyably pass the time. You can choose from a wide variety of genres, from fiction and non-fiction to self-help and educational content.
3. Virtual Meetups with Friends and Family
Reading and audiobooks are more of an individual activity. To stay connected with your loved one, you can set up virtual meetings. There are various apps available on cell phones or laptops that allow you to easily set up a video call with family members or friends.
For those who may not have access to a smartphone or tablet, hospital staff or social workers may assist in setting up virtual visits. Not only is this a great way to minimize feelings of isolation, but it can also help you express your feelings, helping you stay emotionally connected and supported during your hospital stay.
4. Meditation and Mindfulness
Most people who have never meditated are often skeptical about its benefits. There’s also a misconception that meditation or mindfulness requires you to sit in a certain position and have complete silence. In reality, you can practice meditation and mindfulness in most settings, including a hospital stay. You don’t necessarily have to sit in a yoga position or have everyone leave the room.
Remember, the goal isn’t to stop any thoughts from entering the mind, instead, your aim should be to let thoughts flow, without being bothered by it. Simply focus on deep breathing and practice mindful awareness. Also, consider using a guided meditation app.
There are plenty of such apps available these days, some come with advanced features such as guided sessions tailored to various goals, and ambient sounds and music to enhance the experience. To maximize your comfort at the hospital, take your favorite pillow, music player, a good book, a nice TV series to binge-watch, and other essentials.
5. Light Exercise
Depending on your medical condition, you can consider some gentle exercises such as string, light walking, and yoga. Physical activity can reduce stress, increase energy levels, and promote better sleep. However, consult with your healthcare professional before doing any form of exercise. If you’re on pain meds, it might not hurt to do exercise, but it can still worsen your condition or slow your healing process.
Not sure what exercise to do? Hospitals often have rehab or physical therapy programs for those who need gentle movement. You can also find plenty of online fitness videos with exercises that are easy to do in a hospital room. This is a great way to keep your body active and stay focused on your physical well-being during your stay.
6. Start a Personal Blog or Journal
Did you ever consider starting your blog or journal but never found the time? It’s easier to get started than you might think. You don’t have to become a professional blogger or anything. Just open a notebook or start a digital diary on your phone or tablet. Write about your daily experiences, your thoughts, or even your hospital journey.
It’s a great way to process your emotions, document your progress, and stay mentally active. The benefits of maintaining a personal blog or journal might continue even after you’re discharged from the hospital. It can serve as a record of your experiences. You may even want to continue writing to track your journey and personal growth, or simply to keep expressing your thoughts and feelings.
7. Participate in Online Learning and Webinars
While you’re staying at the hospital, you can take part in online learning in the form of online courses and webinars. There’s a huge variety to choose from, including free courses. For more advanced courses, you can consider paid courses. The variety of courses includes everything from professional development and academic subjects to hobbies and personal skills.
Webinars allow you to attend live lectures and interact with experts and fellow participants. This can provide a sense of community and intellectual stimulation while you’re in a hospital room. This can be an excellent choice for activities for long hospital stays, however, if you don’t have enough time, you can always watch recorded sessions at your convenience.
Taking a productive course or watching a webinar can return from the hospital feeling more informed and accomplished. This proactive approach to learning can provide a sense of purpose and normalcy, making your hospital stay more fulfilling and enriching.
8. Hospital-Sponsored Activities and Support Groups
If you think you will be at the hospital for a while, check if there are any hospital-sponsored activities and support groups to help you through the process. Most hospitals have some form of wellness programs that include relaxation techniques, soothing music therapy, or even pet therapy visits, all of which can provide comfort and engagement.
Participating in such events can provide a sense of community and also reduce feelings of being lonely, isolated, or depressed. As these types of events are sponsored by the hospital, they’re generally safe for patients. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before joining any activities to ensure they align with your medical condition and treatment plan.
9. Puzzles and Games
Puzzles and games are excellent for keeping your mind active and entertained. Crossword puzzles, card games, and board games can be both challenging and fun. You can play puzzles and games on your bed, or check if this is a common room or other place where you can play.
If you have some company at the hospital, such as a family member, it can be even more fun to engage in puzzles and games as a way to pass the time, keep yourself entertained, and get some mental stimulation. Classic games like chess and checkers can help improve concentration and strategic thinking, while lighter games such as Uno or playing cards bring a social element that can lift spirits.
10. Creative Arts
Engaging in creative arts can be a deeply therapeutic and fulfilling activity for hospital patients. So what exactly are creative arts? Well, they include everything from drains and painting to crafting and DIY projects. Creative activities offer a productive and enjoyable way to pass the time while also contributing to mental well-being.
Your daily routine on a hospital bed can feel monotonous. Creative activities can help you combat that by allowing you to express yourself and bring a sense of joy and accomplishment to your day. It also helps promote active participation, giving you a productive and meaningful way to spend your time at the hospital.
While engaging in any activities at the hospital, you must ensure you don’t violate any hospital rules and regulations. You also want to be mindful of other patients at the hospital. You don’t want to be disrespectful by being loud or doing anything that would bother others at the hospital.
Legal Considerations
While you want to engage in activities at the hospital that would make your stay more comfortable and productive, you also want to keep some key legal considerations in mind. One of the most important documents to consider is a Medical Power of Attorney (POA). This document designates a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.
Another important legal consideration is the Advance Healthcare Directive, also known as the living will. You have the right to create a living will as a patient in a hospital. This legal document allows you to outline your preferences for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate your decisions. It ensures that your healthcare choices are respected and followed.
The Guardianship Designation could be an important document if you have dependents and expect to stay in the hospital for a prolonged period. Using this legal document you can ensure your dependents are cared for by a designated guardian in your absence. Similarly, if you have any financial matters that need to be addressed in your absence, you should consider having a power of Attorney in place to allow a trusted person to make financial decisions on your behalf.
Navigating the legal process and safeguards while being at the hospital can be challenging. If you need legal assistance on such matters, contact Crown & Stone Law, P.C.
Our law firm offers comprehensive legal support for patients and their families, ensuring that important documents such as powers of attorney, advance directives, and guardianship designations are in place. To get legal support, call us to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
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