How to Stay in Touch With Friends During a Family Hospitalization

When a loved one is in the hospital, it's hard to think of anything or anyone outside of your immediate emergency, especially if your family member is hospitalized for something serious, unexpected or life-threatening. To keep friends and other family members informed is important for your hospitalized family member, his friends and yours, and even you. There are many ways to stay in touch without taking extra time away from your loved one's bedside.

Things You'll Need

• List of names
• Phone numbers
• Addresses
• Post cards
• Paper
• Envelopes
• Stamps
• Laptop
• Email addresses

Instructions

1. Gather a list of names, addresses and phone numbers from your own address book and those of other family members. Include anyone who may be affected by the hospitalization.

2. Designate family members and friends (especially those who have asked what they can do to help) to call people on your list and keep them informed of the hospitalized family member's condition.

3. Write short notes and post cards to friends while you're in the waiting room during surgery or treatments, giving updates on your loved one's condition.

4. Use your laptop to update friends with a quick email, or designate the task to another friend or family member.

5. Encourage visitors. Though many patients say they don't want people to see them ill, they're grateful for the people who cared enough to show up. Even if visitors can't see the patient in person, other family members will be grateful for the show of support and the break in routine.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't offend people by leaving them out. Some friends and relatives may feel closer to your loved one than you know.