by Dedre Hetherington

Created on: August 04, 2009   Last Updated: August 05, 2009

However long your stay may be in a hospital, it is important to have as much comfort as possible. Many times the comfort needed the most comes from luggage from home!

Before leaving, be sure to have the necessities such as undergarments, pajamas, and a robe. Taking extra of all of these never hurts. Don't forget extra socks and house shoes! Now that you have your comfortable attire, what about magazines or a favorite book? Puzzles and some pencils are also a great pastime when there is nothing else to do. These days an iPod or Mp3 player is excellent entertainment at times needed. Some people feel better with make-up, if this is you don't forget to take some!

OK. You are almost set for the stay! Although hospitals will hand you sanitation and hygiene products, I always preferred my own brands and found them to be better many times! These would include toothpaste, tooth brush, shampoo and soap. Razors to shave and deodorant for after. Don't forget the hairbrush and comb! If you put your hair up or back, take extra hair accessories. Fingernail files and clippers are also an addition that comes in handy while visiting.

If possible, little candies or gum can be quite helpful in the room while looking over a magazine.

If the hospital stay is due to delivery, all of the above still applies, but don't forget baby clothing, blankets, and bra padding (even if you are not nursing).

Be sure to check over your luggage while thinking about the time spent at the hospital. This should help with the thought of any additional need you may have. Consider everything for the morning,afternoon, and evening.

Whenever heading to the hospital, also be sure to make a list of all allergies to medication and those important phone numbers should be stored close to each other.

It is always good to keep some money hidden in your belongings for the times you may be alone and may be able to walk to the gift shop or vending machines.

Seems like you are ready to leave! Before you go, make sure you have a trustworthy person to watch the home, feed animals, and receive your mail. Leave a light on, a televsion or radio playing for outsiders to hear and see! Make sure all doors are locked, windows secure, and answering machines ready for messages. Many times we don't think about clearing our recordings before we leave, so many messages go unheard because the answering machine became full too soon.

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