Don’t Dread a Hospital Visit
For whatever reason, someone you know has become a hospital patient. You feel uncomfortable with your hospital visit since you do not know what to say. The one thing to remember is…it does not matter what you say. The only thing that matters is that you thought enough of the person to pay a visit. You took time out of your busy day just for that person. That will be remembered by most. Actions speak louder than words.
Prior to entering the hospital room, it is recommended to take a moment and gather your thoughts. This way you will not appear surprised or shocked at your bed-ridden one’s state. These emotions are easily picked up by others. Hopefully, you will know beforehand the condition of your bed-ridden one. For family members, it helps to talk with the doctor. Otherwise, talk to others who would know. This step helps you prepare. If this step is not available, just prepare yourself for the worse. That is just common sense, not a scare tactic to be used during your hospital visit. Nothing is usually as bad as the imagination makes it out to be. Usually, that is.
You do not need to take anything with you when making your hospital visit. There is a strange misconception that gifts are needed. The simplest, and least expensive gift, is your presence.
NOTE: Unless you know your recipient well, many gifts can cause undue hardships and are not welcomed. For instance, candies would not be welcomed by someone with a sugar intolerance. Flowers or some food would not be welcomed by someone with allergies. Take that into consideration next time you feel it necessary to purchase something prior to making your hospital visit. If you just cannot stand the thought of going empty-handed, buy a word puzzle book, a card, or a magazine. Those will be appreciated by your recipient. The reading material will provide hours of entertainment, if your recipient is in the condition for it.
When making your hospital visit, a simple smile upon entering the hospital room is enough. Sitting next to their hospital bed is enough. Many times when one is drugged or ‘out of it’, the simple presence of someone next to them means the world to them. Do not make the assumption that they are too ‘out of it’ not to notice. Human senses are amazingly strong and agile.
There are some other ways not to dread your hospital visit. Here are some other simple, yet effective, actions to take when making your hospital visit:
* Act natural. You do not need to have a repertoire of the latest jokes available with you. Be yourself.
Look the person in the eyes. Do not look down. Do not let your eyes wander anywhere else.
Do not look embarrassed. You can state how terrible you feel, however. Your looking embarrassed will only embarrass your bed-ridden one.
If possible, touch their hand. A little squeeze of their hand will let them know you are with them.
Speak in a soft, caring voice during your hospital visit. The voice can provide extreme comfort, if used properly.
While on your way into your bed-ridden one’s room, smile to others you pass in the hallway. Giving smiles usually elicits receiving smiles. That will help you feel better.
Visit the coffee shop and/or gift shop. Perusing the items in these shops will ease your nervousness about your hospital visit. Make small talk with the cashier. Smile!
If all these suggested ways of how not to dread your hospital visit still have not convinced you, there is one final step. Imagine yourself in that hospital bed. How would you feel having someone dread coming to see you during their hospital visit? Would you feel cared about? I doubt it.
