Accompanying a loved one to the hospital may not be as simple as it sounds. It can be tasking. You want to be as helpful as you can be. The following tips can help you to assist your loved one before, during and after the visit:
Before the Visit
If you have the time, help the patient write down his symptoms as well as any medications or supplements he takes. Also, list any questions that should be asked of the physician. Help your friend recall any details of his condition or any family history of the illness. Do not assume that the doctor already knows those details or will ask for them.
During the Visit
Be sure you and the patient understand what the doctor says. Ask questions, but avoid making assertions. Allow the patient to ask questions and to speak for himself. Pay attention, and take careful notes. Ask about treatment options. In some cases, it may be wise to suggest to the patient that he get a second opinion. Stay close to the patient so that you can assist them. Do not spend so much time on your phone and stay on course, you need to focus.
After the Visit
Review the appointment with the patient. Make sure that he gets the right medication. Encourage him to take the medication as prescribed and to inform the doctor immediately of any adverse reaction. Urge the patient to keep a positive outlook, and encourage him to follow any additional instructions, such as that he get follow-up treatment. Help him to learn more about his condition.
Be Calm and Alert
A patient going into the hospital may feel worried and helpless. By being calm and attentive, you can help everyone to relax and also to avoid making mistakes. Make sure that admittance forms are filled out correctly. Respect the patient’s right to make informed medical decisions. If he is too ill to do so, honour his previously written wishes and the authority of his next of kin or healthcare agent.
Take Initiative
Do not be afraid to speak up. Your respectable appearance and good manners can move the medical team to take a greater interest in the patient and can even move them to improve the quality of his care. In many hospitals, patients are seen by various doctors. You can help them by communicating what others on the staff have said. You know the patient, so point out any changes you notice in his physical or mental state.
Show Respect and Gratitude
Hospital staff often work under stressful conditions, especially nurses. Treat them as you would want to be treated. No one can avoid getting sick. But through forethought and practical assistance, you can help a friend or a relative make the best of a difficult situation.
Remember that health is a sensitive concept. Be careful about what you say in the hospital. Show empathy, and be available to assist your loved one through and through. Try to clear your schedule, so you are not distracted. Prepare your mind, the hospital is not a kind place. Be positive, with the foregoing tips, you should do fine.
