How to Visit Somebody in the Hospital

You've just heard that a family member, friend, or co-worker is in the hospital.

Your first instinct is to hurry over and visit, but taking the time for a bit of preparation will make your visit much more pleasant for you and your special patient.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Common sense
• Preparation
• Creativity
• Caring

1. The first important step is to determine IF your patient is permitted to have visitors.
   
   Call the hospital to ask. Are there special visiting hours? Check to see if gifts of flowers and/or food are permitted. It's also a good idea to determine when meals are served so you don't arrive at the same time as the meal tray!

2. Use a bit of creativity when deciding what to take as a gift. Grandma Jean would adore a collage of pictures of her precious little ones. A book of puzzles might be the perfect way to keep your co-worker occupied while he/she recuperates. Does your friend love gardening? How about a glossy gardening magazine?
   
   Instead of cut flowers that might only last a day or two, how about a pot of chrysanthemums that could be planted after your patient goes home?
   
   If there's no dietary restriction, a mug of regular or sugar-free hard candy would surely be appreciated.
   
   Most hospitals are kept a bit chilly to reduce germs (and to keep fast moving staff members a bit more comfortable.) A lightweight sweater or afghan might be the perfect way to keep your special patient comfortable.

3. Even though you called first, be sure to stop at the nurses' station closest to your patient's room.
   
   You don't want to barge in if the patient is in the middle of some procedure or if he/she had a rough night and just managed to drift off to sleep.

4. Don't stay too long. Watch your patient's body language for clues he/she is getting tired or just needs a bit of alone time.
   
   A gentle hug and encouraging words are the very best medicine.
   
   Next time you hear that a family member, friend, or co-worker is in the hospital, you'll know exactly what to do!

Tips & Warnings

• An arrangement of silk flowers is a welcome gift for those who don't want to worry about keeping real flowers alive. You don't have to spend a fortune. Pick an interesting container and fill it with a few silk stems.
• Laughter is the best medicine. Look for small books of cartoons or short fun stories.
• Focus on the positive when choosing topics of conversation.
• Remember that many people are sensitive to smell (and that sensitivity is often heightened due to illness.) Try not to wear strong perfume or aftershave when visiting someone in the hospital.
• NEVER use the bathroom in the patient's room! There are public restrooms in the corridors for nonpatients.
• Save the Third Degree for TV cop shows. The patient will share whatever information they're comfortable sharing about their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

[Susannerose]

on 5/19/2009 Thanks for taking the time to comment, Jamie!

[jamiekucharski]

on 5/19/2009 You articles addresses some great ways to help a friend/family more comfortable during their hospital stay. Delightful and reasonable points, you make!:-)