No one likes to go to visit someone in hospital, often it’s uncomfortable and sad, but the truth is it’s much worse for the person in hospital. Visiting is a small way you can show you care, that you’re thinking of them, and hoping they have a speedy recovery. There are a few tips you can keep in mind to ensure the visit goes as well as possible, that the person you’re visiting feels loved and respected. If you find yourself in hospital due to someone else’s negligence check out medical compensation solicitors Cardiff for more information about how you can proceed. Here are my 4 tips for visiting someone in hospital #HospitalHelpingHand:
1. Short Visits Are Best
Unless you’re exceptionally close to the person in hospital, keep visits short and sweet. If the person admitted to hospital is in pain or recovering from surgery, it can be quite exhausting to even keep up a conversation. I would expect to spend an hour or less, even going as far to ask the patient to let you know when they need time to rest so you don’t overstay your welcome. If you’re a close family member or partner of the person in hospital, they may want you to be there as much as possible, but for less close connections it’s important not to overstay.
2. Be Hygienic
This is important for both you and the patient. If you’re visiting a new mother and her baby, please cancel your visit if you’re feeling unwell or recently recovering from an illness. It’s too risky to pass on an illness, no matter how small, to a baby. Likewise, do not kiss the baby as their immune systems are so poorly developed it could lead to sickness. Wash your hands before and after visiting anyone in hospital, for their health and your own. If you’re not feeling well, cancel your visit.
3. Bring Gifts
If you’re visiting a new mum, the types of gifts could be something for the baby, something for the mum, balloons to welcome the baby or even a home-cooked meal. If you’re not sure what to bring, feel free to ask. For someone else recovering in hospital, one of the biggest issues they’ll face is boredom, so a great book or magazines can be a well-welcomed gift. For almost any occasion flowers are a nice idea because they’ll brighten up the room and serve as a reminder that you are thinking of them.
4. Ask First
Either contact the patient directly or a close family member to ask to see whether they are ready for visitors. Be open to the patient saying no. If the person is suffering a lot of pain they might be uncomfortable with the idea of having visitors and that’s their right. Don’t take it personally, I’m sure when they’re feeling better they’ll be ready to see you.
