I read the Consumer Reports aritcle, and I can assure you that being obnoxious as possible may get you attention, but not necessarily the best care.
It is good advice to always have someone stay with you in the hospital if you are elderly, or unable to get out of bed. I personally, never complain about visitors as long as they are considerate of others, and are not there in droves.
Know your medications, and bring the actual prescription bottles to the hospital with you. Keep a typed list in your wallet that your physician has looked at and approved. It helps the staff enormously. " A little white water pill" is not going to cut it......you shoud know WHAT you take and WHY you take it. YOU are YOUR responsibility. Be knowlegable about your health. Know your medical history and again, keep important information in your wallet.
Know any allergies. Know your vaccination history.
Participate in your care. This is not a cruise. The staff will do everything they can to make you comfortable, but their primary job is to keep help you recover and to keep you safe.
Do whatever you can for yourself. Keeping active is a great way to keep from getting sicker. Move about as much as your doctor allows. Take deep breaths and cough. Wash your hands. Make sure your caregivers wash THEIR hands.( This includes your
family and guests.)
If you are having pain, don't wait until it is out of control. Ask for something.
I am sure there is more, but I have to move on......
