How to Prepare Yourself for Visiting Someone in Hospital

To walk into a hospital room to visit a loved one and not knowing what you will say or what to expect can be a bad experience for both you and the patient. Read on to find out what steps you can take to be a great sick visitor.

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Steps

    1
    Find out more about the patient's state of health before you go on a visit. Most hospitals are very helpful if you call beforehand to ask about your loved one.
    2
    Consider in what ward he/she is, or what type of problem he/she has. If the patient is lying in the Intensive Care Unit, they will most likely be covered in different pipes and connected to lots of monitors.
    3
    Bear in mind what type of operation the person has had to undergo, if any. Some operations, though not so serious, cause a lot of swelling and the patient will not look his/her self.
    4
    Remember that some people recover faster than others, so that you do not compare your loved one with someone else.
    5
    Listen to the patient. Many people just want to tell someone about their experience. Listen to all the gruesome details, even if it disgusts you.
    6
    Bringing a small gift like a soft blanket, slippers, a great book, or puzzles, are always good ideas. Activities can get them distracted from discomforts and pass the time easily.
    7
    Tell your loved one about what is happening at home so that they still feel involved.
    8
    Do not continue talking if it tires the person out. To sit in silence and just enjoying each other's company is often enough.
    9
    Don't show your loved one that you are feeling hopeless, reluctant or sad. Be cheerful and positive. It is not good for you or the patient to have a negative attitude and appear as though you think the person will never get well.
    10
    Consider all the steps above and take into account all potential influencing factors. You could also ask the nurse before going in what to expect, if your loved one is very ill.

Tips

    Never tell the patient, "Gosh, you gave us all a fright!" This creates feelings of guilt in the patient and can hamper recovery.
    Make sure to take care of yourself as well. Your relative or friend will appreciate you spending time with them, but wouldn't want you to tire yourself out or become ill too.
    Encourage the patient.