Tips for Hospital Visits

It may be impossible to count the number of times you have visited friends or family in the hospital. Did you know your visit can make a world of difference in the recovery of your friend or family member?

Consider these reminders.

• Encourage the hospital patient to follow the doctor’s orders carefully. This reinforces his instructions.
• If the patient is very ill, keep your visit short and calming.
• Always wear a smile. Smiles are contagious.
• It helps if your hands are warm when you shake hands or touch the patient.
• Keep visitors to a maximum of two or three at a time.
• If the patient is on oxygen, take a bottle of body/hand lotion instead of flowers. Also, a book makes a nice gift.
• Offer to make telephone calls for the patient or pick up items they need while in the hospital.
• Keep the conversation positive.
• Be considerate of other patients in the room.
• Offer to pray a short prayer before you leave. Be positive!

Good judgment and common sense should guide you as you visit.