Healing

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Some pointers when visiting patients in the hospital
by Chaplain Dan Langerock

Being considerate of the patient is the main idea when visiting in the hospital, but here are a few ideas to help you in case you ever need them:
Short visits are best. Unless you are asked to stay longer, a visit of ten or fifteen minutes is about right. Remember the person is ill to some extent, and there are nurses, doctors, and others coming in all the time to assist them. If someone comes in to help them, excuse yourself for a few minutes while this is going on. If it is going to last awhile like physical therapy, for instance, then come back another time.
Be observant. If the patient is nodding off or showing signs of pain, then make your visit shorter so these needs can be met. If the curtain is pulled around the bed, come back later perhaps.
Avoid stressful topics. Don't talk about issues that will make the person upset because they are going through enough already by being in the hospital without any added stress. Things to avoid would be: bad circumstances in the family, bringing problems from the family into the hospital room, etc. Remeber the patient is going to respond differently because of stress and medication among other factors, so be mindful of this as well. I have seen daughters bring up situations that should never be discussed like their boyfriend whom the patient dispises. Then a big argument ensues, and the patient may get worse because of it.
Ask if they need help at home. Maybe there is a pet that needs to be fed, or some other chore that is worrying them. If you know them well enough, offer to help in this manner. Maybe some shopping could be done so their needs would already be met when they get home. Does the lawn need to be mowed, the hedges trimmed, a child or grandchild needs care? This will help them recover faster if you offter to help in such practical ways, and it will give you a blessing for doing it.
Be observant and caring, then you will be a welcome visitor whether at the hospital or the home of the patient. Be considerate of what they need as far as rest and being worry-free. Give as you would like to be given to, if you found yourself in such a situation. This is when love really shows itself in the meeting of needs of others.

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