You never expected to need a hospital stay, but here you are getting ready to check in. You might feel unsure about what comes next, especially if this is your first time. That’s natural — and we’re here to help ease your worries with tips for a smooth arrival.
When you stay at one of our hospitals, you’ll have a dedicated team caring for you from the moment you arrive until you’re ready to go home. You may have a lot of questions, and this guide will give you the answers you need to prepare.
Packing Your Bag
We want your stay to be as comfortable and smooth as possible. Packing just the essentials and bringing the right paperwork can help you feel prepared and confident from the moment you arrive.
What should I bring?
Be sure to bring:
- Sleepwear and slippers
- Toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash and body lotion
- Eyeglasses and hearing aids, if you use them
- Books or magazines
- Any medical equipment you normally use, like crutches, prosthetics or a CPAP machine
If you find you need additional personal care items once you arrive, you or a loved one can purchase them in our hospital gift shops.
What paperwork will I need?
If you’ve been seen at Cleveland Clinic before, your hospital care team will have access to all your health information through MyChart. This includes pre-admission paperwork, your medication list and provider orders.
If you’re a new patient, please bring these items with you.
Also, bring any advance directives, like a living will or health care power of attorney. Our team can scan these documents, so we always have them on file.
What should I leave at home?
To keep your belongings safe, we recommend leaving a few items at home:
- Large sums of money: Keep no more than $5 in your room.
- Jewelry: Please leave jewelry at home, or have a loved one take it if you’re unexpectedly admitted.
- Electronics: Laptops, tablets and other devices are best left at home.
Cleveland Clinic is not responsible for items lost or stolen during your stay.
Will I Be Able To Have Visitors?
Cleveland Clinic has a 24-hour visitation policy, though sometimes visitation may be limited. Check out our visitor information so you and your loved ones know what to expect. This helps everyone feel more prepared and comfortable during your stay.
