The Do's and Don'ts of Visiting Loved Ones in the Hospital

A hospital's main concern is to keep its patients safe and healthy. If you have a loved one in the hospital, this is also your top priority. However, when you visit your loved one in the hospital, you may unknowingly bring harm to them or to other patients. Surprisingly, one of hospitals' biggest safety hazards is visitors who potentially produce problems to the patients. Here are a few do's and don'ts when visiting your loved one in the hospital.

First, if possible, ask the patient's permission before you visit them. While some patients greatly enjoy visits from friends and family, others may not feel well enough for a visit, or would otherwise like to be visited in their home. Keep their needs and wants before yours, and extend the courtesy of asking permission to visit the patient.

Secondly, wash your hands or sanitize them before touching the patient or give them something you've been touching. Germs and infections can exist on many surfaces, and you can never be too careful in not spreading them. Along with keeping them healthy, don't enter the hospital if you aren't feeling well or already sick, especially if you are contagious. Don't take the risk of making the patient sicker than they already are.

Thirdly, don't expect the patient to entertain you. They may prefer to sleep and rest rather than carry on a conversation. Watch for signs and hints that they are tired or weary. Along with this, only stay for a short period of time. It's better to visit more frequently but only for a half hour or hour at the most each time.

By following these few do's and don'ts, you can do your part to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional health of your loved one. They will greatly appreciate your courtesy and sympathy as they heal and become healthy again.

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