Hospital - tips for visitors

The visit to the hospital can be a welcome change, comfort and a bridge to everyday life for the patient - especially if they have to stay longer in the clinic.

Hospital - tips for visitors

A visit to the hospital can be a welcome change, comfort and a bridge to everyday life for the patient. This is especially true for sick people who have to stay in the clinic for a longer period of time.

Flexible visit times

Inform yourself about visiting hours before your visit. In many hospitals you can now come all day and also in the early evening. However, the afternoon is more advantageous for a visit, as the morning visit is the result of physical care and therapy for the patients. If you can only come outside the visiting hours, this is usually possible in consultation with the staff.

Read also

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When and how long?

Keep an eye on whether you tire the patient. Especially shortly after an intervention, the patient is usually exhausted quickly. This may also apply to room neighbors who are in need of rest. Short and regular visits are better, especially for weakened patients.

Talk to other visitors. If all come at the same time, the patient has little of the individual and is tired faster.

The right gift

Of course it is ideal if you can ask the patient what he might need in the hospital. Apart from that, reading, sudoku, crossword puzzles and other things, with which he can pass the time, are welcome. For fruit and sweets, however, you should inquire whether they conflict with a prescribed diet. Potted flowers are banned in many hospitals because germs are carried unnecessarily in the hospital with the soil.

Dealing with patients

Do not appear too compassionate or too vivacious. Both are unfavorable for the already often struck self-esteem of the patient. Do not sit on the patient's bed without being asked. On the one hand for hygienic reasons, on the other hand because the bed represents the last remaining privacy, which remains.

You can offer the patient to do minor errands for him. If they are very close to the patient, they can also take on nursing tasks such as cutting or styling fingernails.

Carefully test whether the patient likes to talk about his situation and respect it if he does not want to comment on it. On the other hand, you should have an open ear if the patient wants to talk to you about his worries and fears. Premature appeasements and false consolation increase the feeling of being misunderstood and left alone.

information exchange

Everyday, unusual, and a bit of gossip: Tell the patient what happens outside during their hospital stay. So he can take part and feels less isolated.

Children as visitors

For a long time, a visit to a hospital was prohibited for young children. They were considered potential carriers of teething and other infections. And also the restlessness, which bring the small visitors with it, was undesirable. Meanwhile, the attitude of most hospitals has changed. Most children are at least vaccinated against the common teething troubles and instead of being a troublemaker, they are regarded as a ray of light in the hospital ward. Nevertheless, ask in advance if your little ones are welcome. However, sick children do not belong to the hospital as visitors. This applies equally to sick adults.

intensive care unit

There are special regulations in the intensive care unit. For example, visit times are limited because of the high level of support required. Here, however, in consultation but visits outside the visiting hours are possible. Because the contact with the relatives is good for the patient's mind and chances of recovery. Even if the patient seems to get along little, addressing and body contact by the relatives can give strength.

To protect the patient, the visitor must comply with strict hygiene measures. Unlike in other wards, visiting children under the age of 14 is more strictly regulated in the intensive care unit, but not impossible. While it has often been assumed that children are overwhelmed by the situation, it has since become clear that the sight of hoses and medical equipment does not disturb them, as long as they are told what they are good for.

Hospital - tips for visitors

FAQ - 💬

👉 Do ask the patient's permission to visit before you arrive. Ask them to be candid with you, and if they prefer you not visit, ask them if another day would be better, or if they would prefer you visit once they get home. Many patients love visitors, but some just don't feel up to it.

👉 It can be difficult to visit a patient in the hospital, but you can have a positive influence on your friend or loved one's recovery if you follow some simple visitor guidelines. Knowing the dos and don'ts may give you the confidence you need.

👉 1 Ask for permission to visit 2 Wash your hands 3 Consider allergies and restrictions on decorations and gifts 4 Turn off cell phone 5 Keep visit short 6 Leave if doctor or provider arrive More ...

👉 Make a phone call or send a card instead. During flu season, it is not uncommon for hospitals to restrict visitors to spouses, significant others, family members over 18, and pastors, so it is worthwhile to call the hospital before your visit. Don't take young children to visit unless it's absolutely necessary.


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