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Visiting a sick person

Q:As I age, it seems my friends spend more time in the hospital. I have always been uncomfortable visiting people in the hospital. I prefer to send a card or flowers. But I realize that my friends would appreciate a visit. Or would they? Can you give me some advice for visiting people in the hospital, or sick at home?

A: Fear of visiting a sick or grieving friend is very common. When people are ill, they often feel alone, afraid, and abandoned by their friends. Real friends overcome their discomfort and visit. Here are some common sense guidelines for visiting a sick friend.

• Call first if possible to find out if it is convenient for you to visit. Sometimes a patient has too many visitors and needs to rest. And by calling ahead, a primary caregiver who has been at their side may be able to get a break and run errands if they know you are coming to visit. At least it will give them a chance to tidy the room, clean up if they need to.
• Wash your hands. You don't want to spread disease to a vulnerable person. Scrub good, and rinse good, too.
• A good friend always knocks before entering a room, whether they are at the hospital or at home. You don't want to walk in on a medical procedure, or bathing, or compromise their privacy.
• Don't let the television ruin a visit. Sometimes ill people keep the television on for company and don't even realize it's on and intrusive. Ask if they are watching a favorite program, and if not, ask if you can turn it off while you visit.
• Be cheerful. You want to keep your friend's spirits up to give them hope. Keep your conversation to topics that will help your friend feel better. And use your sense of humor, as medical research has shown the healing power of humor
• Have a normal conversation. Talk about the things you would usually talk about together. And don't forget to listen.
• Keep the visit short. You don't want to wear the patient out. Under normal circumstances, about 15 minutes is enough

I hope this is helpful to you. You will feel better after you visit your friend. Let me know how it works out for you.

Good luck, please let me know how this works out for you.

 

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