How to React to a Medical Update From a Friend Funny Knee Replacement

8 Best Ways to Support a Friend in the Hospital

Ava Lopez at hospital speaking to patient

CaringBridge Staff | 08.26.20

You've just found out a family member or friend is in the hospital, and you want to show you're thinking about them. What would help the most? A thoughtful card? Or maybe something to help them pass the time?

We asked CaringBridge families – the true experts – how to support a loved one in the hospital. Here's what they said:

1. Virtual Visit

While many people appreciate visits, it's not always possible due to COVID-19. Call or text ahead to find out if your friend is up for a virtual visit, and then ask which video call service (like Skype, Google Duo or FaceTime) they are able to use.

"In the local hospital [our daughter] had lots of visits, but after she was moved (about an hour away) she didn't get as many visits – the visits were great for her (wish she had more), but even better for us because we got to take a little break. We did end up doing some FaceTime and Skype with a few people for her and that was great as well."

Joann

2. Help Out Without Being Asked

When it comes to taking care of things back at the house, don't wait for your loved one to ask for help – they have so much on their mind. Just take care of the yard work and whatever needs doing.

"Please don't say this, 'If you need something please let me know!' Instead, bring food to the house, mow their yard, purchase a gas card, send cards, and visit when you can. DO something helpful."

Pat

"They did things for our family without asking. They made sure our pets and yard were cared for, they made us meals, and they were there."

Kayla

3. Give a Goodie Bag & Small Gifts

The most common advice: Give a small get well soon gift or care package to keep someone with a lot of time on their hands entertained. You can see if they forgot to pack anything before they went to the hospital – that would make a helpful gift, as well.

"Give them a goodie bag with things to occupy them…magazines, puzzles, decks of cards, writing and drawing pads, stamps, an iPad, lots of books."

Elaine

"An occasional flower (no need for a bouquet), a magazine, a cute picture. Small gestures of love."

Darcy

"Make a personal greeting card keeper: This gives them a place to keep the many thoughtful well wishing greeting cards they receive. It also keeps the cards handy to open the box and re-read when feeling alone or sad."

Caren

Financial gifts can be just as meaningful to a friend in need:

"Because our family member was in the hospital in a city far from where we lived, we have numerous expenses for travel, staying in a hotel, eating meals out, that really took a financial toll. I would encourage friends to consider putting together financial donations to help families cope with unexpected expenses. When our family member's employer did that for us, it helped far more than people sending little gifts that weren't really useful, etc. Everyone wanted to help and did what they could see to do, but financial help was by far the most like a lifeline for us."

Sarah

4. Bring Reminders of Home

Little pieces of home are a way to personalize a hospital room. Their regular pillow, favorite coffee mug, photos, or the local paper can help the new environment feel more normal and cheer them up.

"Bring your own pillow and pillow case and a comfy blanket."

Marlana

"The thing that helped me the most wasn't a person. It was a red decorative pillow. It smelled of home and helped keep the homesickness at bay."

Jodye

5. Feed Them

A home-cooked meal in the hospital can be rare, so it's extra-appreciated. Or, make their day by bringing them their favorite dish from a local spot. For family of the patient, gift cards to local restaurants give them a change from the hospital cafeteria.

"To show support: I think bringing the parents of children in the hospital a nice home-cooked meal. There's only so much fast food one wants to eat plus it gets expensive."

Nikki

"Bring food to the house, that is the greatest gift."

Janice

"All our hospital stays included a plastic box that could fit under the bed filled with favorite snacks and drinks, bottled water, your own mug for the tea."

Lena

6. Send Notes and Well Wishes

Whether it's a get well card or a message on a CaringBridge website, encouraging words can go a long way to boosting someone's spirits. These notes can be a memento that your loved one can look back on and feel the love.

Lift your loved one's spirits by collecting messages of love and inspiration from their community and compiling them into a Get Well video. VidDay is a service that helps you create a heartfelt group video as a unique and special gesture of support. It's free to create a Get Well video and they make it easy to invite, collect, and share the video with your loved one.

"Just staying in touch was so needed… knowing we weren't forgotten. Never underestimate how important a note or a text message is. They are vital."

Toni

"As an adult, cards were the most appreciated."

Darcy

7. Start a CaringBridge Site

A free CaringBridge online health journal allows you to update everyone at once, so all your loved ones are on the same page. Family and friends can comment their support on your Journal entries, and our on-site Planner helps you coordinate needs like bringing meals, rides to doctor appointments, taking care of pets and even scheduling Zoom calls.

"First thing would be to sign up for CaringBridge and let everyone know how to get to your page. I was hospitalized in a city far away from my friends and family so in person visits were rare. The joy of the comforting and encouraging words were a tremendous help. It creates a community of people who are caring about you and that is an awesome feeling."

Jeff

Don't go through your health journey alone.

You can stay connected to friends and family, plan and coordinate meals, and experience love from any distance.

All of this is ready for you when you start your personal CaringBridge site, which is completely free of charge, ad-free, private and secure. Don't spend another minute alone!

8. Start a Fundraiser for Your Friend

Medical bills are expensive and can add financial stress to an already emotionally difficult situation. But an online fundraiser can offer some financial relief. You can even start a GoFundMe campaign through your CaringBridge site.

What to Say

Showing up with actions is a great way to offer support, but sometimes helping is as simple as sharing a few kind words. If you can't talk in person due to visitor restrictions or other reasons, you can still stay connected with a phone call, text, or video chat.

Here are a few things to say when someone you know is in the hospital:

"I am thinking of you."
"You're doing great."
"I pray that you feel better."
"Nothing can stop you – get well soon!"
"Sending healing energy your way."
"Wishing you a very speedy recovery!"
"I love you!"

In general, there are a couple common statements to avoid when discussing someone's health: comments like "everything happens for a reason" and "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" can minimize and dismiss a person's pain.

Instead, the focus should always be on positive messages that validate what your loved one is going through.

What Would You Add?

How do you express your support when someone you care about is in the hospital? If you've had a long hospital stay, what did others do that meant the most? Share your tips below!

About the Author

When it comes to knowing "what to say," "what to do," and getting through things no one should ever go through, the best source of advice and inspiration for CaringBridge users is often other CaringBridge users. Articles like this, featuring the experience of patients and family caregivers, are compiled by our staff.

pullenophymplariew69.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.caringbridge.org/resources/how-to-support-a-friend-in-the-hospital/