What should I bring to the hospital?

Limit your clothing to what you will need in the course of a one-week stay. Casual clothing is recommended.

• Four to five changes of casual clothing without drawstrings. For women, slacks or jeans with tops or comfortable, casual dresses. For men, slacks or jeans with casual shirts. Please note that offensive or inappropriate logos will not be allowed.
• A supply of socks and underwear that will last between three and five days. Please do not bring tube socks or leggings.
• Bring two or three pairs of comfortable shoes without shoelaces. Open backed slippers are discouraged because of the high risk for falls.
• A sweater or light jacket without drawstrings.
• Toiletries (no glass or aluminum containers, no mirrors, no alcohol content, and no flat irons or curling irons): comb, brush, deodorant, tooth brush and tooth paste. The hospital can also provide toiletries, if needed.
• Unit staff must be notified at the nurses’ station whenever patient belongings are brought onto or removed from the unit. These measures are essential to the maintenance of a safe environment on the unit and can reduce incidents of loss or misplacement of personal items. All disallowed items will be stored in a locker, placed in the unit safe or sent home with family or friends.
• Please provide a list of your current prescription and over-the-counter medications, including dosages and frequency. Unless otherwise instructed by hospital staff or physicians, please leave your medications at home.

Please leave these items at home:

• Please do not bring jewelry, money or other valuables. Money is not needed, but patients are permitted to keep up to $10.
• Any clothing with drawstrings is prohibited: sweatpants, running shorts, hoodies, pajamas, etc. Belts are also not allowed on pants.
• Electronic devices such as MP3 players, radios, cell phones, alarm clocks or other items with a cord.
• Tobacco items, lighters or matches as no smoking is allowed on campus. You may use a nicotine patch and/or gum for cravings.
• Your own pillow, blanket or stuffed animal – in order to control for infections.
• Food and drinks from outside of the hospital. You will be provided with snacks in addition to regular meals.
• Medications – all necessary medications will be provided by the facility. If are not able to provide your prescription, your supply may be sent from home.
• Luggage should be taken home by family or friends once the patient is admitted. If luggage is left, it must be properly labeled for storage.
• All patients will indicate their wishes regarding their belongings on the “Valuables and Effects” form reviewed and signed upon admission. Austin Lakes Hospital is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged articles unless fully described and deposited in the Austin Lakes Hospital safe and a receipt is issued.