How to Help a Family Member in the Hospital

If illness or injury causes a family member to be in the hospital, it’s important to demonstrate your support. Hospital stays can bring about complex emotions for patients so, family involvement can help ease related fear and anxiety. Put your needs on hold to take care of your family member.

Instructions

1. Show your face. Make regular visits to the hospital to interact with your family member. Clear your schedule to devote extra time to them. The time you spend at the hospital won’t go unnoticed. Coordinate with other family members to decide the best time to visit. Large crowds may cause too much excitement or even violate facility rules.

2. Complete errands and chores. Complete household chores to ensure a sink full of dishes is the last thing on your family member’s mind. Check the security of the house daily to help prevent theft. Mail out bills and other correspondence to keep payment schedules current. Ask your family member how you can be of service and submit yourself to all reasonable requests.

3. Keep your family member informed of the outside world. Although your family member may have access to a television or radio, daily life in the hospital is filled with completing procedures and interacting with medical personnel. Inform your family member of newsworthy events, including personally significant issues. For example, a movie release date may be especially important to an avid entertainment fan.

4. Leave negative attitudes outside. Put on a happy face whenever you visit your family member. Refrain from complaining about work or other people or activities. Make your family member forget about the immediate situation. Keep conversations upbeat and friendly to promote happiness. Laughter is a powerful medication during stressful situations.

5. Serve as patient advocate. Ensure your family member receives quality care from the medical staff. Make sure medications are given in a timely manner. Talk to other family members if problems arise due to issues like visitations. Interact with medical personnel without violating your family member’s privacy.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow hospital visitation rules, including acceptable visitation hours and lengths of stay.

• Avoid upsetting your family member during your hospital visit.