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Calling upon friends and family in the hospital? A few dos for the sickbay visit
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A VISIT to a hospital will have your head spinning, seeing the crowd there. On observation, few things become apparent. Not every one is a patient. The crowd consists of mainly those visiting the patients. Patient visit? Doesn't the board display the hours, as much later in the day? Never mind that, obviously! Care and concern to see their near and dear ones is heart warming, but a little respect for the timings posted should be the first step.
There's an art to visiting friends and family in the hospital. With appropriate gifts, time, and conversation, you can offer support to a patient at a time when she/he feels the most vulnerable. Here's what works best during a hospital visit.
Call ahead to familiarise yourself with the visiting hours. There is a reason for posting these timings. The non-visiting hours are the hospital's time when there is a buzz of activity; right from the visit of doctors to cleaning, tidying and changing. Moreover, the patients tire easily and that is also one of the reasons why the visiting hours are restricted. If your hospital insists on strictly implementing the visiting hours, don't argue next time. Complaining that your trip is wasted, or that you don't have time to come later, is hardly relevant. Think back — are you there for yourself, or to wish a speedy recovery to someone you care about?
Do knock on the room door before entering, even if the door is open. Once you are there, keep the visit short. Long visit can overtire a patient, even when she/he seems to relish a long chat.
Take a little gift with you to cheer the person up. Flowers are fine but bring it in its own vase. Some people could be allergic to flowers. A nice potted plant is a great option. Place it on the windowsill, or where the patient can see it. Not on the bedside table, please. That space should be free for the patient's immediate needs.
Think twice before bringing any food item. They may conflict with a patient's dietary needs. Fruits are usually a safe choice. If you do take a gift of food, please, do not eat any of it. And of course don't eat the patient's food either from his/her tray, or from the gifts others have left there.
When you greet the patient, take his/her hand gently. Never hug. Most people when they are sick do not like to be touched, especially if they have had surgery.
Talk audibly, not too soft or too loud.
Be polite and stand if there are not enough chairs. You are only going to be there a short time, anyway. Never, sit on the bed; it cramps the patient.
Do not wear strong perfume or cologne. It can gag even healthy people.
Don't take little children, especially babies for these visits. They can get boisterous or querulous, grating on everyone's nerves.
Be upbeat and talk only about happy situations not about bad news. Don't go into your past illnesses or your not-so-satisfactory experiences.
If there are family members or other relatives visiting, say a quick hello, leave your gift, wish the patient a speedy recovery and leave. The same goes, if either the nurse or doctor comes in to check the patient; be polite and leave the room.
Above all, remember that patients are in the hospital because they are sick. Never express negative feelings during your visit. If you have nothing pleasant to say, keep quiet and just smile. Keep in mind that the whole point of visiting patients in the hospital is to cheer them up.
CHITRA DANGER
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