10 ways to help someone in hospital
In this article, we will describe 10 ways to help someone in hospital.
1. Bring in useful things from home
Whilst your loved one is in the hospital, it’s also a great time to bring reminders of home to their hospital room, so they can feel connected to their normal life as much as possible.
For example, perhaps bring a picture of their family (or dog!). Or maybe it’s a view of their garden. Think what will remind them of home.
Also, bringing in a person’s own dressing gown makes a big difference; not only because it’s an added comfort of knowing no one else has worn the gown, but also because its functional, with a privacy-protecting design.
2. Gifts
Mm. Gifts unless thought through can be irritating especially if they have to be taken home. If they want them, bring in a few of their favorite magazines, card games, or crossword puzzles. Find out on the ward policy for gifts – it may differ from ward to ward.
Note. Patients may not be able to read books in hospital. They may need all their brain power to concentrate on getting better.
3. Offer to help with daily chores
It is easy to say, “let me know if you need anything”. But in reality, how often does someone in need ever really answer by asking you for help? Hence it’s better to say pro-active things (that you mean), “can I help getting the kids to school, do the shopping, clean the house, mow the lawn, or do any other thing that needs doing?”.
4. Send comforting messages of hope and healing
You can do this with a card (and say someone more than ‘get well soon’) or letter. That may carry more meaning than a text or WhatsApp.
When a loved one is in hospital (especially after an operation), the last thing they want is to feel uneasy about their future. So always use your best judgment when choosing phrases to use – or not use.
5. What to say when someone is in hospital
Here are some examples of things to say.
- “Is this a good time to visit?”
- “Is there anything you need that can make you more comfortable?”
- “What can I take care of at home for you?”
- “How are you feeling today?”
- “I/we can’t wait to have you back to your old ways!”
- I don’t know how you must feel, but know that you can count on me no matter what.”
- “Just think of how much better things will be once this is over.”
Note 1. If you think it will help, be funny or take their mind off of their situation by reminiscing or getting them to laugh
Note 2. But at the same time, realise that people are often grumpy when they are unwell, especially if in pain. If they snap at you, just take it, and see things from their perspective.
6. Be practical and generous
Why not offer to pay for television service while the person is hospitalised. Or pick up the cost of a parking for their family. Gift cards for the coffee shop may also be appreciated. They can give them to other visitors, or staff, if they wish.
7. Offer to be their advocate (if they want one)
An advocate’s role is to interact, on their behalf, with their medical team. So the advocate can ensure your needs are met, your questions asked, and your discharge is carefully planned.
8. Help them walk
One of the major complications of being in the hospital is becoming weak and losing strength because of lack of movement, especially for older adult patients.
For every day they spend in bed, it may require four to five days of rehabilitation after they leave hospital. So continued movement is needed to reduce recovery time.
You can help, by walking with them. This is in addition to whatever the ward staff are doing. Ask the nurses if its OK first, and how to do it (e.g. do they need a frame?).
Note. Physios and nurses may only have time to walk your loved one once a day. So, if you do it as well, you can double their rehab time.
9. Bring in aids for a better night’s sleep
Two things they will need are an eye mask and earplugs. It’s not easy to sleep in hospital. By day two, most people are desperate to get back to their own bed and finally get some decent sleep.
Part of the problem is light and noise, so an eye mask and earplugs can go quite a long way towards helping. You are also often ‘put to bed’ early (9pm) and woken up early (6am). This is often done to fit in with nurses shifts. It can be very disorientating.
10. Food
Hospital food is not always that appetising. And, if you are having a hard time finding food you like, ask if there is a different menu or special order items available. You can also ask family and friends bring you meals, or favorite food. You can keep non-perishable items like crackers, granola bars, and nuts by your bed. Ask the staff if there is a fridge for you to keep perishable items.
Summary
We have described 10 ways to help someone in hospital. We hope it has been helpful.
