Being the attendant is a hard job. You’re handling forms, bills, medicines and meals, all while worrying about someone you love, often far from home. Nobody hands you a manual. This is our attempt at one, so you spend less energy on logistics and more on the person in the bed.
This guide is about practical matters only. For anything to do with treatment, talk to the doctors and nurses. Rules and timings can change, so always follow what ward staff and notices tell you.
Before you leave home
- One folder for everything: the patient’s ID, your ID, all old reports and scans, prescriptions, discharge summaries, the referral letter, and the insurance or scheme card (Ayushman or similar).
- Photocopies and phone photos. Different counters will ask for copies of the same documents. Photos on your phone are a lifesaver if something goes missing.
- A small bag for yourself: charger and power bank, a water bottle, toiletries, a shawl or jacket (wards and corridors get cold in winter), slippers, and a notebook and pen.
- Decide who stays. Most wards only allow a limited number of attendants at the bedside. If two of you come, one can stay with the patient while the other runs errands.
Admission and paperwork
- Keep every slip. You’ll need the registration number, receipts and the inpatient number again and again. A clear plastic folder really helps.
- Ask for an estimate before a planned procedure, so you can arrange money in time.
- Go to the insurance or scheme desk early. Approvals for insurance, PM-JAY, CGHS and other schemes can take time, and some steps have to happen before treatment starts.
- Save the ward details in your phone: ward name, bed number, and the nursing station and help desk numbers.
Medicines and the pharmacy
- A campus this size normally has its own pharmacy. Buying there helps make sure you get exactly what was prescribed.
- Check the name, strength and quantity before you walk away from the counter.
- Keep every receipt for insurance claims.
- Never give the patient any medicine, home remedy or supplement without telling the ward team first.
Food, for the patient and for you
- Admitted patients usually get meals as advised by the doctors. Ask the nurses before bringing anything from outside, because many conditions need a special diet.
- For yourself, there are canteens and small eateries on and around the campus, and dhabas and restaurants along the main road at Jolly Grant and Bhaniyawala.
- Please eat properly and drink water. Attendants skip meals all the time while waiting, and then end up unwell themselves.
Somewhere to sleep
If only one person can stay at the bedside, the rest of the family will need a room nearby. The Jolly Grant and Swami Ram Nagar area has guest houses and lodges used to hosting patients’ families. Ask the help desk about attendant accommodation, and see where to stay near Jolly Grant for Bhaniyawala, Doiwala and Rishikesh options.
Money
- Most counters take UPI and cards, but keep some cash for small things, autos and emergencies.
- There are ATMs in the area. Take money out before you urgently need it.
- Write every payment and receipt number in your notebook. It makes reimbursement and discharge much smoother.
Visiting and hygiene
- Stick to visiting hours and visitor limits, especially in ICUs and wards with very sick patients.
- Clean your hands before and after touching the patient.
- If you have a fever, cough or any infection, stay away and ask someone else to cover.
- Keep the bedside tidy and don’t leave valuables lying around.
Discharge day
- Ask the doctor early in the day roughly when discharge will happen.
- Collect the discharge summary and check that medicines, doses and follow up dates are clearly written.
- Clear the final bill and collect all receipts and original reports.
- Ask which warning signs mean you should come back, and who to call.
- Flying home? The airport is only a few minutes away. See our airport guide, and ask your airline for wheelchair help if the patient needs it.
Look after yourself too
This is exhausting, physically and emotionally. Take short breaks, step outside for some air, sleep when someone else can take a turn, and keep talking to family and friends. If it all feels like too much, tell the ward staff. Hospitals often have social workers or counsellors who can help.
Related guides
- Best hangout places in Jolly Grant and Bhaniyawala
- Visiting Himalayan Hospital
- Where to stay near Jolly Grant
Frequently asked questions
Usually only a limited number at the bedside, and rules are stricter in ICUs. Follow what the ward staff tell you, as it varies by ward.
Yes. The Jolly Grant and Swami Ram Nagar area has guest houses and lodges used by patients’ families, and it’s worth asking the hospital help desk about attendant accommodation too.
Check with the nurses first. Many patients need a specific diet advised by their doctors, so outside food may not be allowed.
The patient’s ID and your own, all previous reports and prescriptions, any referral letter, and insurance or scheme cards, plus photocopies.
