When your family member or loved one is hospitalized, you may feel powerless to help—but your continued support is crucial to their well-being.
It’s sad to see a close family member go to the hospital. Their health concerns may cause you stress, especially when you can’t be there for them every day. Even when you can’t visit the doctor with Mom or stay at Dad’s bedside, a few tips for supporting a loved one in the hospital will put both you and them at ease.
Keep a Log
Who are your loved one’s doctors and nurses? Get to know the whole team taking care of your loved one. Take meticulous notes; write down names and positions. You can also make note of the general temperaments of everyone on the team. You’ll want to know if the night nurse is unkind or careless in their work, or if the doctor doesn’t listen to your loved one’s concerns.
If you notice that your loved one receives subpar care or that the care team is grossly incompetent, you may have a case for hospital negligence and should contact a lawyer.
Bring Thoughtful Gifts
Food and flowers may be popular gift ideas, but they’re usually against hospital policy. Both can bring contaminants into the room and doctors need to know what their patient is eating.
Bring thoughtful nonperishables instead. Warm socks or slippers are a good bet, as hospital rooms are often cold. Books—from novels to sudoku puzzles—are also ideal to stave off boredom. The most thoughtful gift of all, of course, is your time. Visit them often and keep your conversation positive.
Call in the Community
Your loved one needs more support than you alone can offer—and you need that community support, too. Caring for somebody in the hospital is no easy task. Contact the hospital’s pastoral care team; they provide more than just spiritual guidance. They can point you to more resources and support groups for both you and your loved one.
Bring other friends and family to visit as well. Call up Mom’s book club or Dad’s army buddies. Your loved one will feel cherished when they have more than one or two visitors during their stay.
Supporting your family member or loved one during their hospital stay isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. Try these tips for supporting a loved one in the hospital to show Mom or Dad how much you love them.
<strong>Disclaimer</strong>: The material in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace, nor does it replace, consulting with a physician, lawyer, accountant, financial planner or other qualified professional.
