There are some basic comforts you may want to consider for yourself or someone you care about while on the psychiatric ward: what you need to bring, what you cannot bring and what the hospital may supply for you. Since I was unable to find written verification of hospital rules (except those I gathered while an inpatient myself), I admit that I could be misinformed or mistaken in some of my observations. This is intended as an informational article on what a patient may commonly expect at any psychiatric facility.

Bring comfortable clothing. You will literally be lounging around most of the day. Sweat pants and T-shirts are common. Most hospitals will do your laundry, but since they cannot do this every day, bring several changes of clothing. Be aware that if you are on restrictive or precautionary status, the staff will ask that you wear hospital-issue gowns. Two are usually worn; one back to front, the other front to back. Your torso is covered, but you do feel exposed and vulnerable.

Bring sneakers or slippers. The foam slippers with the smiley faces the hospital provides are not that comfortable. Some patients like to walk the wards throughout the day, so you want something that fits well.

Your own soaps, cleansers, shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizers are recommended. You do have to go to the staff desk to request use of "community" deodorant, shampoo, hair spray, etc. Your shampoo is provided in a styrofoam cup and can be used as liquid soap. Likewise, toothpaste is also given to you in a styrofoam cup. Patients are given toothbrushes if needed. Soap, even hotel-sized bars of soap, are not usually available. Pump soap is available at the bathroom sink.

If male patients wish to shave, I believe they must have their psychiatrist’s permission due to the use of a potentially dangerous item. I suspect a mental health aide will supervise this process. I assume this also might be the case for women who want to shave. Women are not allowed tampons on the ward. The only reason I can guess is the possible risk of suicidal asphyxiation. Sanitary pads are available upon request. Emery boards and nail clippers are not provided by the hospital.

If you are bringing in a lot of money (or any valuables), the staff will suggest you leave it in a sealed envelope with the hospital cashier. Single dollar bills and lots of quarters are really important. The vending machine takes dollar bills or change. Pop, candy, chips and microwave popcorn are available. Staff will take your money and buy what you request from the machines outside the ward about two or three times a day. For the phone, quarters are a definite must. A phone card might be helpful as well.

Patients are usually assigned a small, individual locker. If you want to get items out of the locker, it is usually at designated times only (e.g., after breakfast, etc.), and with the staff’s assistance and approval. Some exceptions are made.

A patient must store anything that may be dangerous if used in a way not intended for proper use. Almost every kind of health and beauty supply is stored when not in use. Some items I have seen in lockers: makeup, nail polish, nail polish remover, facial cleansers, hair spray, hair dryers, shavers, shaving cream, etc. Any items with mirrors, glass, metal (or anything sharp or poisonous if ingested) are stored here. Extra packs of cigarettes and any lighters or matches are kept here as well.

Other than your locker, you store your things in your room’s designated closet and night stand. There are no hangers in the closet, only a hook or two, shelving and/or drawers. Patients should not keep food in their room, but that rule is sometimes overlooked. Your room is subject to a room search by the mental health aides at any time (in my experience, after lights out at 11:00 PM).

Hospital issue sheets, blankets and pillows are provided. You are allowed changes of bedclothes each morning or upon request. I noticed some patients brought their own pillows and stuffed animals for their beds.

Small bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths are provided by the hospital. They are often stiff and thin, so you could bring better towels from home, if you choose.

The mirror over the bathroom sink is a thin, reflective metal securely bolted to the wall. A pump for hand soap and a paper towel dispenser are available at the sink. If you’re concerned about foot health, you may want to bring flip-flops for the shower. There is no lock on the door.

Meal times are usually 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Plastic utensils are provided. Staff may keep a record of the percent of food you ate on your tray. A snack of a sandwich, fruit and milk is available after evening medications.

Coffee with meals is decaffeinated, lukewarm and weak. Friends and family can bring in "real coffee" during visiting hours. Many patients enjoy the caffeine rush. At some hospitals, this is discouraged. Visitors are also allowed to bring in food for patients, which may be a welcome supplement to hospital food.

Relatively recent magazines and tabloids are available in the TV room. There is a limited supply of paperbacks, but you have to ask the staff for them. If you want to do some reading, it’s best to bring your own.

There are a few board games and jigsaw puzzles with many missing pieces. An old supply of crayons is available, as well as photocopied pages from coloring books. I’m not sure of the ward policy on markers, pens or watercolors, but having any of those implements and paper might be of interest to some patients.

A stereo is sometimes available for use in the group dining room. There are often differences of opinion among patients on which station to play. Walkmans with earphones are very popular. Bring your own tapes or CDs if you like. Extra batteries are also a good idea.

A patient is not allowed to keep their own cigarettes, lighters or matches. For patients who are caught with these items, or found (to have been) smoking anywhere but the smoking room, staff usually revokes patient privileges.

Touching between patients, or amorous activity between patients or between visitors and patients, is strongly discouraged.

Patients are asked to keep out of patient rooms other than their own, but staff cannot observe all the rooms all of the time. I suggest that anything of value be sent home, stored in your locker, or kept with you at all times.

In order to ensure the safety of patients, all your belongings and items brought in by visitors will be inspected by ward staff. Staff reserves the right to disallow certain items from being given to patients. For obvious reasons, medicines, alcohol or any hazardous or illicit substances are not allowed to be brought onto the wards.

Patients are not allowed plastic bags anywhere on the ward. Visitors bringing in food, clothing or other items in plastic bags must give the bags to the staff. This, I suspect, is so patients do not asphyxiate themselves. No glass or tin cans are allowed either, for their obvious hazard in misuse. Your soda must be poured into styrofoam cups at the staff desk and the container then handed over to the staff so they can safely dispose of them. I suggest you bring beverages in plastic bottles.

If you have prepared an Advance Directive beforehand, you should bring it with you or have your agent bring it, as it applies to the choices in mental health care you have decided upon. Also include your Health Care Proxy Form at this time as well.

No one likes to think of having to go into the hospital, but if there are things you can bring with you (or have brought to you) that will make your stay a little more comfortable, do so. Respect the rules of the hospital for the safety of yourself and other patients.