A few nights in, or next to, a hospital bed can reveal hospitalization to be a less than ideal healing experience. Alarm bells ring incessantly, nurses visit throughout the night to check vitals or refresh IV bags. Sometimes the patient awakes to a large needle in the gluteus maximus.
Below is a list of ways to be a proactive, wholesome presence to someone you love in the intimidating environment of monitors, needles, doctors and procedures.
1) Worship the nurses.
In his article "On Breaking One’s Neck" in the New York Times, researcher and medical educator Dr. Lawrence Altman revealed his epiphany about nurses when he ended up gravely injured after a fall.
After his catastrophic injury and long hospital stay Altman wrote, “I had never before understood how much good nursing care contributes to patients’ safety and comfort, especially when they are very sick or disabled.”
Most of a patient’s care is administered by nurses, not doctors. A happy nurse makes for a happy patient, so treat nurses well. Bring a fruit basket to the nurses' station. Many bagel shops can deliver bagels, fruit trays or coffee. Starbucks offers a “Coffee Traveler,” a carrier with enough coffee for a group.
2) Ask everyone to wash their hands.
Asking may feel awkward, but handwashing in hospitals saves lives.
Studies have shown that less than 30 percent of hospital workers wash their hands of their own volition, reported the New York Times. Make it a habit to ask the nurses, doctors and other visitors the moment they enter the room.
3) Be pleasantly involved.
Know the nurses' names. Ask the doctors informed questions. Take notes.
Fatigue, fear and medication can make it difficult for the patient to understand what is being said. Your notes can provide comfort and understanding in a confusing time.
4) Bring flowers or plants.
Hospital rooms are as pretty as the inside of a paper cup. Spruce things up.
5) Bring books and magazines or audio books.
Some distraction for the patient who is up to it can make the time pass more pleasantly, and more quickly.
6) Bring the dog.
When my son was hospitalized at age 12, his nurses encouraged us to bring in his dog. An hour with his fat beagle on the bed did wonders for him. Ask the nurses if the hospital has a welcoming pet policy.
7) If there are no dietary restrictions, bring fresh, healthy, homemade food.
Have you eaten hospital food? Food you bring in will be welcomed.
8) Limit your visits.
If she is conscious, let the patient decide how many visitors she wants and for how long. Keep communication open. Ask regularly if she needs privacy or would rather sleep than visit.
9) Remember the holidays.
When confined to a hospital bed, it’s easy to lose track of time. Help your loved one feel connected by bringing simple decorations at the holidays: a shamrock plant in March, a carved pumpkin in the fall, or a small Christmas tree.
10) Observe ICU restrictions.
In ICU, all the rules change. Outside food, flowers and plants are forbidden and visitors are usually limited to one or two close family members during restricted hours. But do please visit.
Altman wrote of his recuperation, “Totally helpless, deprived of control over one’s body, ICU patients desperately need the comforting presence of family and loved ones.”
The best gift of wellness to a hospital patient is your presence, even if only for a few minutes. So give the gift of your undivided attention and concern.
Sources:
With Money at Risk, Hospitals Push Staff to Wash Hands. NYTimes.com. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/29/nyregion/hospitals-struggle-to-get-workers-to-wash-their-hands.html
Reviewed April 6, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith