Even a joyous event like the birth of a child is a reason to worry because parents have to make a trip to the hospital. Although Australian hospitals are safe places to stay, loved ones who are admitted there feel lonely, as they have to cope with postoperative periods.
When going in for surgery, a disabled person is more vulnerable than others. The period spent there is more strenuous for them so they need active support from their loved ones to get through this challenging period of their life. Luckily, there are at least 8 things you can do to help your loved ones get through a long stay in the hospital.
Make the hospital room feel like home
The safety of a home is something people take for granted until they are forced to spend prolonged periods in a foreign environment. A hospital room is an inhospitable place (ironically enough) not because it is not comfortable but because it lacks that homely feeling since it’s a generic place.
Long stays in such places are enough to cause anyone to become depressed, so you should bring objects of affection to your loved one to make them feel more at home. A framed family picture, a throw blanket, and a simple vase full of fragrant flowers are enough to make them feel better. Although pets are not allowed in most medical facilities, it is possible to ask the hospital management to bring an animal from time to time because pets have positive therapeutic effects.
Advocate for your loved one
Every person who gets out of medical school definitely possesses the wish, i.e. the urge to help other people. However, many hospitals are understaffed and the staff works long hours. This means that they often aren’t readily available for the patient’s needs.
This means that your loved one’s voice is often not heard, so you must advocate on their behalf. This doesn’t have to be something major, as changing the pillowcases more often is something that the staff often overlook. If you’re attentive and persistent enough, you will be able to put any idea through and help the patients get the attention of the medical and non-medical staff.
Call before you come to visit
One thing that people on the outside fail to understand is that people staying longer times at hospitals rely on a daily schedule to function each day. They are not fond of surprises, whether positive or negative. Disabled people are, therefore, agitated if you visit them unless you have called ahead.
This is perfectly normal because they need to mentally prepare for the visit of their loved ones. In addition, doctor's examinations and heavy medications can further complicate matters, so you should really look to announce your visit.
The effect of a bouquet of flowers
A person lying in bed for days on end learns to appreciate the little things in life. This means that you need to materialize your affection for them through symbolic gestures of gifts. One of the most common and most appropriate presents is a bouquet of flowers.
Flowers are internationally recognized as a sign of affection, so florists offer delivery services in all Australian cities. For example, if you are unable to find the time to visit your loved one every day or week, Adelaide flower delivery is the right way to go, to name just one city where you can send a gift hamper to your loved one.
Keep the visits shorts
Since you don’t see your loved ones for prolonged periods, you want to stay as long as possible by their side when you finally see them in person. However, there is a good reason why hospital visiting hours are limited. A patient’s day isn’t action-packed but they undergo treatments and postoperative procedures so they still need a lot of rest.
By keeping your visits short and sweet you are actually doing a good thing for your loved one. Instead of staying by their bedside for hours, it is better to visit them every day but stay shorter periods, around one hour.
Be optimistic and positive
We all have mood swings but this is not something a person staying at the hospital should experience. Before going to visit your loved one, put on a smiling face even if you’re not feeling your best. A person lying in a hospital is in need of positive thoughts, so you need to be there for them to cheer them on. Of course, they are not infantile if they are ill, so make sure there are no false grins but genuine love, encouragement, and positive thinking.
Caring for the caregivers
Precisely because you don’t spend a lot of time with your loved ones, you should learn to appreciate the people who are there for them 24/7. This can be a professional caregiver or a nurse, depending on the type of the health facility.
You should get to know them and be on good terms with the caregivers because the more care you input, the more care will your loved ones get. Ask them about their private lives and offer to help if they are having any problems. You don’t have to befriend the caregiver but merely have respect for them, so they will feel appreciated. Be certain they will reciprocate this sort of affection.
Be their liaison with the real world
Staying in a hospital for prolonged periods means that your disabled relative or friend is unable to take part in daily activates they did when they were still active. Chances are, they still have errands to run and people to call but are unable to.
You should act as their connection to the real world, so be sure to offer your services. From shopping for the food they love to visit an old friend on their behalf, there is a myriad of favor and chores you can do for them.
Conclusion
Long hospital stays are not particularly pleasurable but they don’t have to be unbearable. Your loved one can still live their good old life if they have you by their side, literally. From a bouquet of flowers to fraternizing with their caregiver, there is a world you can do for them.
