The Buzz

Winter 2008

My little one was up and down with hospital business. She would go a long time without more than a well baby visit, and then we would find ourselves at the emergency room, then we would coast for a while healthy and fine, then she needed surgery, and dotted along the way were garden variety hospital visits. Some were short one-nighters, other times we lived at the hospital for more extended stays.

I learned a lot from those stays. I learned what to take, what to leave at home, what questions to ask and a host of other information that was helpful to me and other parents in my same situation.

In light of the fact that our children with special needs have a higher chance of having a hospital experience, this newsletter’s focus is hospitals and hospital stays.

At the end of this, if you have some bit of wisdom, please send it to me.

Click on Contact us and I will post your comments and suggestions on this topic.

IN THIS ISSUE
OUR FOCUS IS:

Hospital Stays:
How to Be
Prepared

Read about our Winter Event
on Jan. 26:
See p. 4

What to Bring to the Hospital

Here is a list of things you may want to bring to the hospital. Some of these things will apply to you, while others may not. Take what you can, add what you need and make your own list to keep on hand – just in case.

• Insurance and prescription cards
• Medical history and medications
• Doctor’s contact information
• Back pack or bag for personal things
• Phone card or cell phone (to be used outside most patient areas)
• Snacks and favorite foods, if appropriate
• Laptop computer
• ATM card or cash for snacks and meals
• Clothing. Although the hospital will provide a gown, your child may be more comfortable in his/her own clothes.

Suggestions include: comfortable day clothes like sweat pants, large t-shirts, socks and underwear and night clothes like pajamas, a robe and slippers.Car seats, booster seat or seat belt

• Special bottle, cup, book, toy, pillowcase or blanket
• Hairbrush, hairpick, barrettes
• Photos of family and pets
• Favorite videos
• School books and assignments
• Containers for glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, etc.

Parents staying overnight should also bring a bag, including change of clothes, personal toiletries and any necessary medicines. You will want to label personal items and clothing you bring to the hospital, and may want to consider leaving unnecessary valuables, such as jewelry and portable CD players, at home.

Inside this issue:

What to Bring to the Hospital, p. 1

Siblings of Your Child in the Hospital, p. 2

Children's Books about Going to the Hospital, p. 2

Caring for David, p. 3