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Dropping in on a sick friend or relative in hospital? Here are some tips that you will find useful
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VISITING A hospital and seeing the crowds there will make your head spin. On observation, a few things become apparent. Not every one is a patient. The crowd consists mainly of people visiting the patients.But, what about the board indicating the visiting hours? Though the care and concern shown to near and dear ones are heart-warming, a little respect for hospital timings is required.
Visiting friends and family in hospital is an art! By observing proper timings, giving appropriate gifts and conversing, you can offer support to a patient at a time when she/he is feeling vulnerable. But remember, even the most well-meaning of visitors can become offenders by overstaying their welcome. Here's what works best during a hospital visit.
* Call the hospital to ascertain the visiting hours. There is a reason for the authorities to stipulate the timings. The hours when visitors are restricted are when the hospital is a hive of activity; right from doctors' visits, to cleaning-up and tidying the rooms. Moreover, as the patients get tired easily, visiting hours are restricted. If a hospital is strict about visiting hours, don't argue. Complaining that your trip is wasted, or that you don't have the time to come later, is hardly relevant. Think - are you there for yourself, or to wish someone you care for a speedy recovery?* Do knock on the room door before entering, even if the door is open. Once you are there, keep the visit short. A long visit can tire a patient, even when she/he seems to relish the conversation. Avoid mobbing the patient. Too many visitors are unwelcome.* Take a gift with you to cheer up the patient. Flowers are fine but bring them in a vase. Remember, some people are allergic to flowers. A 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. It may conflict with the 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, for your voice could carry to other rooms and disturb the patients there.* Be polite and stand if there are not enough chairs. You are only going to be there for a short while, anyway. Never sit on the bed; it cramps the patient.
* Do not wear strong perfume or cologne.
* Don't take little children, especially babies on hospital visits. They can disturb the peace.
* Be upbeat and talk only about happy situations and not about bad ones. Don't dwell on past illnesses or not-so-satisfactory experiences. * If there are family members or 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 hospital because they are sick. So use your common sense. 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 a patient is to cheer him up.
CHITRA DANGER
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