Jordan Ellis
Children are generally allowed to visit patients in the hospital, although this depends on the hospital's guidelines and the patient's preferences. Most hospitals allow children to visit as long as they are accompanied by an adult and follow the hospital's safety guidelines, such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing. In some cases, hospitals may have specific visiting hours or age restrictions for children. It is important to prepare children for the hospital visit, especially if their loved one is in a serious condition, to ensure a positive experience and help them cope with their emotions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age restrictions | Children of any age are allowed to visit in hospitals in some places, while others restrict visitation to children aged 5 or older, or 12 and older. |
| Number of visitors | Up to two or three visitors are allowed at the bedside at any given time, with some hospitals allowing up to four or six visitors in total. |
| Visitor health status | Visitors must be healthy and free of COVID-19 symptoms. |
| Visitor behaviour | Visitors are expected to be respectful, speak quietly, and follow safety guidelines such as not bringing weapons onto hospital property. |
| Parental involvement | Parents or caregivers play a central role in the visitation process, including preparing children for the visit and accompanying them to the hospital. |
| Visitation duration | Visits should be kept short, with some hospitals having specific visiting hours, such as 8 am to 8 pm or 9 pm. |
| Emotional preparation | Children should be emotionally prepared for the hospital visit, especially if their loved one is in a serious condition or may pass away. |
| Educational support | Hospitals may provide educational support to help children keep up with schoolwork during their stay. |
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What You'll Learn
Hospitals may have varying rules on kids' visitation
Hospitals may have varying rules regarding kids' visitation. While some hospitals allow children of all ages to visit, others may have age restrictions in place. For instance, Texas Children's Hospital does not accommodate visitors under the age of 18. In contrast, Children's Hospital Los Angeles permits visitors of any age who live with the patient but requires other visitors to be at least 12 years old.
Additionally, hospitals may have different regulations regarding the number of child visitors permitted at a patient's bedside at any given time. For example, Texas Children's Hospital allows up to four individuals of any age at the bedside during visitation hours, while Children's Hospital Los Angeles allows up to three individuals, including caregivers and/or visitors.
The decision to allow children to visit a critically ill patient often involves considering the patient's and parents' or caregivers' wishes. Hospitals may also implement specific guidelines, such as health screenings and mask mandates, to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff.
Furthermore, hospitals may offer support services to help children and families prepare for and cope with the hospitalization of a loved one. For instance, Child Life Specialists at HSHS St. Vincent Children's Hospital are trained to assist children and families in understanding and navigating the hospital experience through medical play, age-appropriate explanations, and comfort measures. These specialists can provide valuable guidance and emotional support to help children effectively process their feelings and experiences during hospital visits.
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Preparing kids to visit a loved one in the hospital
Prepare in a quiet, safe place
Turn off distractions like the TV and phones, and make sure there aren't too many people around. Choose a quiet room at home or in the hospital.
Explain the situation
Use simple, age-appropriate explanations to describe what has happened to their loved one and their condition. Let them know if their loved one will be in a wheelchair or bed, or if they will have bandages or casts. Explain any medical equipment and interventions they might see, like injections or IV drips, and tell them these are to help the patient get better. You could take pictures of the hospital room, machines, and the patient, and explain what each machine does. For example, "The pole with the bag of water is helping to give grandma’s body a drink through a tube in her hand".
Reassure them
Younger children may worry about getting sick themselves, so reassure them that it is safe to visit. They may also feel protective of their loved one, so explain that busy medical professionals are normal and are there to help. If you are feeling nervous too, let them know—it might help them feel less alone in their anxiety.
Bring distractions
Encourage kids to make a "hospital bag" with toys, movies, or activities to keep them busy. Bring their favourite stuffed animals or objects they are emotionally attached to for comfort.
Keep visits short
Let the child lead the way when they enter the room. Don't force them to go up to the bed or hold the patient's hand—let them decide how close they want to be. Keep the visit short and be prepared for the child to want to leave sooner than expected. They may want to come back in after a short break.
Manage emotions
Seeing a loved one in hospital can bring up emotions. Acknowledge these feelings and let the child know it's okay to cry or be happy. If the patient is expected to pass away, prepare the child and ask if they want to say goodbye. Child Life Specialists are available to help children and families cope with hospitalisation.
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Preparing kids to be visited in the hospital
Preparing children to visit someone in the hospital can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to make the experience more positive for them. Firstly, it is important to choose a quiet and safe environment for the preparation, such as your home or a quiet room in the hospital, free from distractions like TV or cell phones. It is also crucial to be mindful of the child's emotions and let them know that it is okay to feel a range of emotions, including sadness and happiness. Crying is a natural coping mechanism, so avoid discouraging it.
Secondly, consider the child's level of comfort with the patient's condition. If the patient is expected to improve, it may be advisable to wait until they are feeling and looking better before bringing the child for a visit, especially if the patient currently has tubes or swelling. However, if the patient's condition is not expected to improve, it is important to prepare the child for what to expect and ask if they want to visit and say goodbye. Child Life Specialists can provide valuable support in these situations, offering age-appropriate explanations and comfort measures.
Additionally, you can help the child understand what to expect during the hospital visit by taking pictures of the hospital room, the machines, and the patient. Explain the purpose of each machine in simple, age-appropriate terms. For example, you can say, "The computer on the wall is monitoring grandma's heart," or "The pole with the bag of water is helping to give grandma's body a drink because she can't eat right now." This can help normalize the hospital environment and make it less intimidating for the child.
Encourage the child to bring a "hospital bag" with familiar items such as toys, movies, or other activities to keep them engaged and comforted during the visit. It is also important to respect the child's wishes regarding the duration of the visit. Allow them to leave when they feel ready, and be open to the possibility of returning later if they feel more comfortable with shorter visits. Remember to follow the specific guidelines of the hospital, including any COVID-related restrictions, visitor age limits, and restrictions on the number of visitors allowed at the bedside at any given time.
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Kids' visitation rules in ICUs
Children are generally allowed to visit in hospitals, but specific rules and restrictions may vary across different hospitals and ICUs. Here are some common guidelines regarding kids' visitation rules in ICUs:
- Age Restrictions: Some ICUs impose age restrictions on visitors. The minimum age for visitors may vary, with some hospitals allowing visitors of any age while others may set a minimum age of 12 years or older for visitors who do not reside with the patient. It is essential to check the specific rules of the hospital before planning a visit.
- Number of Visitors: ICUs often have restrictions on the number of visitors allowed at the bedside at any given time. For example, two caregivers or visitors may be permitted in the patient's room due to space limitations.
- Visiting Hours: Visiting hours in ICUs may be restricted to specific time frames, such as 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, parents, legal guardians, and designated caregivers are typically allowed to visit their loved ones at any time.
- Patient's Condition: The patient's condition and preferences should be considered when planning a child's visit to the ICU. If the patient is in a serious condition with tubes and monitors, it may be advisable to wait until their condition improves to avoid causing potential distress to the child.
- Preparation and Emotional Support: It is important to prepare children emotionally for their visit to the ICU. This includes explaining the purpose of medical equipment, reassuring them about their loved one's condition, and providing age-appropriate explanations. It is also beneficial to acknowledge and validate the child's emotions, letting them know it is okay to feel happy or sad, and that crying is a natural coping mechanism.
- Safety and Health Protocols: Hospitals may have specific safety and health protocols that visitors, including children, must adhere to. This could include wearing gowns, frequent hand washing, maintaining physical distancing, and complying with mask mandates, depending on the hospital's guidelines.
- Exceptions: In certain situations, ICUs may allow visitation exceptions, especially in cases of palliative and end-of-life care. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, most healthcare systems introduced restrictions on visitation to prevent the transmission of the virus.
It is always advisable to contact the hospital or ICU directly to inquire about their specific visitation rules and guidelines before planning a child's visit.
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Safety guidelines for kids visiting hospitals
Hospitals can be overwhelming for children, and it is important to prepare them for what they might see and experience. Here are some guidelines to ensure a child's safety when visiting a hospital:
Prepare the child in advance:
It is crucial to prepare children for what they might encounter during a hospital visit. This includes explaining the purpose of medical equipment and machines in simple, age-appropriate terms. Take pictures of the hospital room, machines, and the person they are going to see, and describe what each machine is used for. For example, "The tube in grandma's nose is helping to give her food because she is sleeping and cannot eat." This will help normalize the environment and reduce anxiety.
Keep visits short and respect the child's emotions:
Hospital visits can be emotionally intense for children. Keep the visit duration short, and let the child decide if they want to extend their stay or leave early. Acknowledge and validate their emotions, and let them know it is okay to feel happy or sad. Crying is a natural coping mechanism, so avoid telling them to "be brave and not cry."
Make a "hospital bag":
Encourage the child to prepare a bag with their favourite toys, books, or activities to keep them occupied during the visit. This can help distract them and make the experience more positive.
Follow hospital guidelines and rules:
Review the hospital's visitor guidelines before the visit. Each hospital may have specific rules regarding visiting hours, the number of visitors allowed, and physical distancing guidelines. Respect the property of others, speak in a quiet tone, and always wear your visitor badge.
Safety precautions:
Hospitals are liable for the safety of their premises, equipment, and patients. However, children face unique risks in hospitals, and injuries can occur due to falls, entrapment in beds, or choking hazards. Always supervise children during the visit, and be mindful of potential hazards.
COVID-19 precautions:
Depending on the hospital's guidelines, masking may be recommended or required for visitors above a certain age. Respect physical distancing guidelines and follow hand hygiene protocols to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and other visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
Children are generally allowed to visit hospitals, but specific hospitals and units within hospitals may have different policies. For example, Children's Hospital Los Angeles allows visitors of any age who live with the patient, but other visitors must be 12 years old or older. Texas Children's Hospital does not accommodate visitors under the age of 18. It is recommended to check the guidelines for the area of the hospital you plan to visit.
It is important to prepare your child for a hospital visit in a quiet and safe place, such as at home or in a quiet room in the hospital. You can turn off distractions like the TV and cell phones. Take pictures of the hospital room, the machines, and the person your child will be visiting. Explain to them in simple terms what each machine is used for. If your loved one is in a serious condition, use your best judgment, as you know your child best. Child Life Specialists can also help children and families prepare for the experience.
It is important to keep the visit short and be prepared for the child to leave sooner than expected. After seeing someone they love in the hospital, children may experience a range of emotions, so it is important to acknowledge and validate their feelings. Masks and handwashing may be required in certain areas of the hospital, and weapons are generally prohibited on hospital property.
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