How to Visit a Hospitalized Patient
Choose an appropriate gift., Find out whether there are things you can bring that the patient needs., Locate the patient., Walk quietly into the room., Talk quietly.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose an appropriate gift.
Here are some ideas:
Flowers (most common choice):
However, make sure your friend is not allergic to the flowers in the bunch.
You can also bring in fake flowers the favourite colour of the patient you are visiting. 'Get Well Soon' card:
You can pick one up at a local department or paper media store.
Write a heartfelt message of sympathy.
A balloon with a hearty message on it can make a nice touch.
Food:
Food in the hospital can get quite dismal, and sometimes patients want to have their favourite treats close by for comfort.
Choose such food as:
Chocolate bars, fruit, poptarts, granola bars, candies, cookies, etc.
Treasured items:
If the patient you are visiting is a child, re-accommodate them with their favourite blankie or teddy bear that they left at home) Stuffed bear (another great choice for children):
This is another common way to express sympathy and evoke some hope for the patient and it gives them something to hold if things get tough.
Book:
This is a great time killer for an older person.
If the patient likes sports or hobbies (such as motorbikes or gaming), or cooking/craft, you could also buy them a magazine that will interest them, to help make the time pass by faster.
Don't overdo the presents.
Keep in mind that lots of other people will also be sending gifts and flowers. -
Step 2: Find out whether there are things you can bring that the patient needs.
Perhaps the patient left in a rush and some favorite clothes, glasses or a warm top was left at home.
Or, there might be things you can buy on the way to the hospital, such as a pillow, headrest, iTunes voucher, crossword puzzle book, etc. , Arrive at the hospital and ask one of the nurses where the person's room is.
Some hospitals have volunteers at the front desk who can help you find room numbers and locate the patient you wish to visit in their ward.
Ask ahead of visiting when visitor hours are.
Also find out how long you can stay with the patient.
This will impact your parking choices, as well as giving you an idea of how long you can expect to spend with the patient. , If the person is awake, say "Hi"
and hand them the gifts.
If the person is asleep, don't wake them up.
They need the rest.
However, if you have time, you might like to simply sit there with the person.
They might wake up while you're there. , You can talk about whatever you want, but just be mindful of other patients who might be around, in case they are resting.
Funny stories are a good way to cheer the patient up.
This can even involve other patients too; for example, tell a story about your boss at work doing something funny. -
Step 3: Locate the patient.
-
Step 4: Walk quietly into the room.
-
Step 5: Talk quietly.
Detailed Guide
Here are some ideas:
Flowers (most common choice):
However, make sure your friend is not allergic to the flowers in the bunch.
You can also bring in fake flowers the favourite colour of the patient you are visiting. 'Get Well Soon' card:
You can pick one up at a local department or paper media store.
Write a heartfelt message of sympathy.
A balloon with a hearty message on it can make a nice touch.
Food:
Food in the hospital can get quite dismal, and sometimes patients want to have their favourite treats close by for comfort.
Choose such food as:
Chocolate bars, fruit, poptarts, granola bars, candies, cookies, etc.
Treasured items:
If the patient you are visiting is a child, re-accommodate them with their favourite blankie or teddy bear that they left at home) Stuffed bear (another great choice for children):
This is another common way to express sympathy and evoke some hope for the patient and it gives them something to hold if things get tough.
Book:
This is a great time killer for an older person.
If the patient likes sports or hobbies (such as motorbikes or gaming), or cooking/craft, you could also buy them a magazine that will interest them, to help make the time pass by faster.
Don't overdo the presents.
Keep in mind that lots of other people will also be sending gifts and flowers.
Perhaps the patient left in a rush and some favorite clothes, glasses or a warm top was left at home.
Or, there might be things you can buy on the way to the hospital, such as a pillow, headrest, iTunes voucher, crossword puzzle book, etc. , Arrive at the hospital and ask one of the nurses where the person's room is.
Some hospitals have volunteers at the front desk who can help you find room numbers and locate the patient you wish to visit in their ward.
Ask ahead of visiting when visitor hours are.
Also find out how long you can stay with the patient.
This will impact your parking choices, as well as giving you an idea of how long you can expect to spend with the patient. , If the person is awake, say "Hi"
and hand them the gifts.
If the person is asleep, don't wake them up.
They need the rest.
However, if you have time, you might like to simply sit there with the person.
They might wake up while you're there. , You can talk about whatever you want, but just be mindful of other patients who might be around, in case they are resting.
Funny stories are a good way to cheer the patient up.
This can even involve other patients too; for example, tell a story about your boss at work doing something funny.
About the Author
Laura Torres
Writer and educator with a focus on practical crafts knowledge.
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