13 Things I’ve Learned Since Dad is Hospitalized
1) It was recently discovered that Daddy has diabetes and gout, on top of his hypertension. He was hospitalized since May 5 due to severe dehydration from infectious diarrhea. Being the type of person who doesn’t like having consults with physicians (including his physician daughter) regarding his current state of health, he doesn’t think he could have DM or gout. It was only after the results from the lab came in that he believed he was indeed not invincible or impermeable to such illnesses.
2) Doctors are extra careful and attentive if their patient is a relative of another doctor
3) To be the hospital companion of a bedridden patient for several days is almost as good as having worked out at the gym for several days.
4) Visitors are good for a patient’s faster recovery… to a certain extent only.
5) It is good to always have extra cash at hand all the time. Store this cash in your favorite handbag or bag which you use often or in your “emergency” wallet.
6) Stock up on common medical supplies like cotton balls, alcohol, betadine, disposable gloves, diapers, etcetera, because it is more expensive getting everything from the hospital pharmacy, wherein prices of medical supplies are commonly 2x - 3x pricier than the original cost. And, if possible, buy all medications from a trusted drugstore outside the hospital. It’s way cheaper.
7) Another advantage of buying medical supplies and medicines outside the hospital: if your patient is a senior citizen, you can avail of 20% discount for his medications.
8) It’s hard treating a patient especially if the patient is your dad because he can be really, really stubborn.
9) But, also, if your patient is your dad, he can be trusting, at times, to the extent that he would only trust you with administering his medicines because he would not let any of the hospital nurses to do it for him. Check out my previous post.
10) It pays to have a health insurance. My dad doesn’t have one but since he is admitted in a hospital where I work, there is no problem with having to produce cash for deposit within 24 hours of admission and other on-cash basis procedures. I can pay for everything at the time of hospital discharge. But how about those who are not affiliated with the hospital in any way? So, for those who are using health cards (Fortunecare, Medicard, Maxicare, etcetera), keep maintaining your health insurance account. Do not feel that the monthly payments you make to these go to waste because it is for the convenience that in a time of emergency you need not worry about hunting for cash that you are paying these.
11) There’s nothing like a hospitalized family member to strain the entire family. But, at the same time, it also can keep the family together.
12) Learn your medications by heart. Or, at least, keep a list of all your medications. It’s not good having to rely on nursing staff and other people to remember all your meds for you because not all nurses take to heart what they are doing. Some just wanted to get through with the shift and be done with it. When you are admitted in a hospital and medications are about to be administered to you, always ask what these medications are. It is imperative that you pay attention to your health and how it is being taken cared of.
13) Savings are very, very important in a medical crisis!
Tags: hospitalization, health awareness
Known to be the “Venice of the North”, Amsterdam is definitely one of the top destinations in Europe. Lovers of arts and architecture will be able to take their fill of the picturesque buildings, canals, and the museums. Yet, the red light district has also something to offer to the curious who traveled from far sides of the world just to see and experience what it is famous for.
