6 tips for visiting people in the hospital

By Whitney

by Whitney

My dad recently had surgery at Stanford Medical Center. I spent a fair amount of time there while he recovered. With all the plugs and cords coming from the hospital beds, electronic IV machines, and computers that are now used to track every patient’s progress, I had UL on my mind. The hospital is a place where health and safety are everyone’s priority. It made me think it would be nice to share some tips for hospital visits.

1. Respect the care being given to the patient. Your loved one’s primary reason for being in the hospital is to benefit from the services available there. Make sure the timing of your visit does not interrupt the work of the people who are attending to the patient or any rest the patient needs. Reassure the patient that they are getting excellent care. He needs to feel safe and secure.

2. Keep your phone off. No one wants to hear your cell phone ring – or hear you answer it – when they are bedridden and unable to leave the room. If you must take a call, step into the hallway, out of earshot.

3. Leave no trace. It is lovely to bring a gift, but make sure you are not creating a clean-up job for anyone. Carry out any packaging or leftovers to help the hospital room stay free of clutter.

4. Stick to visiting hours. Although they are rarely enforced, the posted hours protect the hospital environment from too much activity when folks need their rest. If your recovering pal wants some company during the 10 o’clock news, ask the nurse if it’s ok if you stay late. Call ahead to learn if children are permitted.

5. Listen. Only the patient knows how she feels, both physically and emotionally. Try not to put words in her mouth. If the illness is serious or complex, don’t assume it’s the same as your friend’s mom who had the same thing. Do not speak for her when a nurse asks how severe her pain is.

6. Bring good news. A story about his grandchild, something positive about the facility you’re visiting, observations about his favorite sports team.

Hospital stays are no fun. A well-timed visit from the right person can lift some patients’ day. Others would prefer not to be social during their recovery. All you can do is ask: “Would you like me to visit, or is there something I can do for you while you are away from home?”

As for my dad, he is now recouping at home where he has said that he is thrilled to be reunited with his own couch, watching his own TV, and eating food from his own kitchen. There’s no place like home.