I've been lately, planned unintentionally, had several inpatient hospital stays behind me. On the one hand, not funny in times like these, where nobody can visit you, on the other hand wonderful, that nobody interrupts you, when you just sleep, read or watch TV.
But I digress. Because right after the first time, when I was waiting in the ward area to get my bed, I suddenly became aware of it, what being old and / or sick meant. Even if there were many stroke patients or patients with dementia and secondary diseases on this ward, and each and everyone had to deal with their own fate, so it was sobering to see this helplessness and neediness.
A B E R – even if to the chagrin of the carers – there were quite a few, who resisted their situation and not the people on the ground. To try to get up, even if it is counterproductive. To move around, although restricted by wheelchair and patients around you. To eat with a fork, even if the spoon is wrong and offered by the sister. Mir ist bewußt, that it doesn't make nursing and nursing any easier, but on the other hand it is also an act of self-determination.
And so I made a mental list, while I sat there and watched.
- Pyjamas. Always take your own pajamas with you and preferably several at once.
- Loungewear. Or simply cozy sweatpants. When I expect or hope for pretty nurses or doctors, then also a bit stylish or funny. Funny is always possible, so before Christmas I packed my Last Christmas Sweater and my Grinch T-Shirt and it put a smile on the face of the person opposite.
- underwear. SUFFICIENT, I don't even have to or shouldn't have to mention that, aber wer weiß, if I will still know that someday.
- Slacking. Slap. Flip Flops. Sneaker. The way to the toilet, For the examinations or the turning around in the hospital should be done with suitable material.
- Beauty. You don't have to stink, still look nice. And if it makes me happy, then I put a mask on or smear something on my face. So taking care of yourself is also a way of loving yourself and doing something good for yourself, even if things are not going well right now.
- Lesematerial. Trash and gossip magazines are also included, it vents my brain so nicely.
- Others. Starting with headphones, around the world to fade out all around up to the tea bag (notice lemon balm is not mine) everything is allowed.