Hospital Encouragement: Ways To Cheer Them Up

Being in the hospital can be emotionally and physically draining, and it can be hard to know how to encourage someone in this situation. Whether the reason for their stay is a happy occasion, planned surgery, or an emergency, it is likely to be a stressful time. While it is natural to want to jump into helpful mode, it is important to be mindful of the patient's needs and feelings. This could include maintaining regular contact, offering to help with tasks, or simply being a listening ear. It is also a good idea to check in with the patient or their family about planning a prime visiting time, as surprise visits are not always welcome.

Send thoughtful gifts, cards, or care packages

Sending thoughtful gifts, cards, or care packages is a great way to encourage someone in the hospital. It is a way to show care and support and brighten their day. Here are some ideas for thoughtful gifts:

Comfort and Convenience

Comfortable and practical clothing, such as a soft robe, cozy pyjamas, or a stylish hospital gown, can make a patient feel more dignified and comfortable. Adaptive clothing with features like zipper closures can be especially useful for those with limited mobility. A soft, comfortable sleep mask can help block out hospital lights, and a cozy blanket can provide warmth and a sense of home. An ergonomic pillow can improve comfort for patients spending long hours in bed.

Entertainment and Relaxation

Adult colouring books, paired with coloured pencils or markers, can offer a creative outlet and help pass the time. Nature, animals, and abstract patterns are themes that might interest the patient. A magazine can also be a great option, being highly visual and fun to flip through. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku books, or compact board games are other ways to keep the patient entertained and their minds active.

Self-care and Wellness

A portable humidifier can add moisture to the dry hospital air, helping to relieve dryness in the nose, throat, and lips. A grabber tool can promote independence by allowing patients to pick up items without assistance. Healthy snacks, such as granola bars, dried fruits, or nuts, can provide nourishment, comfort, and a sense of normalcy.

Thoughtful Cards and Notes

Sending a handmade card with encouraging words or a care package filled with activities, such as an arts and crafts kit, can show your support and provide a therapeutic outlet for the patient.

Gifts to Lift the Spirits

A small stuffed animal resembling a beloved pet can be comforting for a patient facing a lengthy hospital stay. A drawing or collage of photographs of friends, family, and pets can brighten their room and provide a sense of connection.

Remember to plan your gifts thoughtfully, considering the patient's interests, needs, and any restrictions they may have.

Offer practical help with daily tasks and errands

Offering practical help with daily tasks and errands can be a great way to encourage someone in the hospital. Here are some ideas to consider:

Running errands

Offer to run errands such as picking up their favourite food from a local restaurant, their preferred set of comfortable clothing, or their choice of drinks. These small gestures can make a big difference and show that you care.

Coordinating visits

If the patient has multiple friends and family members who want to visit, consider taking on the role of coordinating visits. This involves managing the visiting schedule to ensure a steady stream of visitors and prevent too many people from arriving at once. This task can be a huge help, providing the patient with a consistent level of social interaction without becoming overwhelming.

Handling responsibilities at home

If the patient has a home and family, offer to take care of responsibilities and tasks at their residence. This could include arranging house cleaning, lawn care, or pet sitting, or even retrofitting their home to accommodate any new physical limitations they may have upon returning home.

Providing gifts that encourage self-care

Gifts that encourage self-care can be thoughtful and practical. For example, you could offer to pay for television service or provide gift cards for coffee shops or nearby restaurants. These gifts can provide entertainment, comfort, and a sense of normalcy during their hospital stay.

Assisting with communication

Some patients may appreciate assistance with communication. This could involve sending encouraging messages on their behalf to friends, family, or acquaintances, providing them with a phone or video call service, or simply being there to listen and provide emotional support.

Remember, when offering practical help, it is important to communicate clearly and respect the patient's boundaries and preferences. Always ask if your plans are okay with them and be mindful of their comfort level in sharing information.

Provide companionship and conversation

Providing companionship and conversation is a great way to encourage someone in hospital. It's important to let the person know that you're there for them and that they're not alone. Here are some ways to do this:

Visiting

In-person visits can be a great way to provide companionship, but it's important to plan ahead. Calling ahead before you visit allows the patient to decide if they are feeling up to having company and to prepare for your visit. It's also a good idea to coordinate with other potential visitors to ensure that the patient doesn't become overwhelmed or too tired. If you are sick or someone in your household is sick, it is best to postpone the visit.

Conversation

When visiting, it is important to give the patient the space to talk about their experience in the hospital and their daily realities. Showing empathy is key. You can ask how they are doing and express your love and support. It is also good to listen to them without giving too much advice. If they are religious or spiritual, you can send a message that God is with them, or say a prayer over them.

Gifts

Gifts can also be a way to provide companionship and conversation. Gifts like a series of individually wrapped presents or notes to be opened on different days can be a nice way to make the patient feel accompanied throughout their stay. Photo albums or collages of friends, family, and pets can also be a comforting gift.

Non-intrusive support

It is important to respect the patient's boundaries and limitations. This means not taking things personally if they are not responsive and understanding that their focus may be on their treatment and recovery. You can offer specific, tangible ways to help with day-to-day tasks, rather than making nebulous offers of help. This could include running errands, arranging house cleaning, or providing gift cards for coffee or restaurants.

Virtual support

If you can't visit in person, you can still provide companionship and conversation through phone calls, video calls, or text messages. Sending encouraging and supportive messages can make a big difference in the patient's mood and outlook.

Give the patient space to talk about their feelings

Encouraging someone in the hospital can be challenging, but there are many ways to provide support and encouragement. One of the most important things to do is to give the patient space to talk about their feelings and listen to them without judgement. This can help build trust and a therapeutic relationship, which is crucial for emotional support and healing. Here are some ways to give the patient space to express their emotions:

Create a Comfortable Environment

Patients in the hospital often experience stress, fear, and anxiety due to the unfamiliar surroundings and their health concerns. As a visitor or caregiver, you can help by creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. This can include bringing items from home, such as their favourite pyjamas, a cosy blanket, or their preferred brand of tea. Small gifts, such as essential oil diffusers, lava lamps, or a stuffed animal, can also make the patient's room more welcoming and comforting.

Offer Open and Non-Judgemental Conversation

Sometimes, patients may need encouragement to open up about their feelings. You can create an inviting atmosphere by asking open-ended questions and actively listening without interrupting. Show genuine interest in their life, their concerns, and their feelings about their health or hospital stay. Avoid false cheer or becoming emotional yourself, as this may discourage the patient from sharing their true feelings. Instead, offer gentle understanding and a positive, encouraging attitude.

Provide Reliable Companionship

Hospital stays can be isolating, so offering consistent companionship can make a significant difference. Be a stable presence in their life by visiting regularly, but also respect their need for rest and privacy. Ask the patient about their preferences and boundaries, and be mindful of their energy levels during your visits. If you are unable to visit in person, maintain connection through video calls, handwritten cards, or care packages with thoughtful items.

Facilitate Self-Expression

Encourage the patient to express themselves in whatever way feels comfortable. This may include writing in a journal, creating art, or engaging in conversation with other patients facing similar challenges. If the patient is reluctant to open up verbally, suggest alternative forms of communication, such as writing or drawing, which can provide an outlet for their emotions.

Include Family and Friends

Involving the patient's loved ones can provide additional emotional support and help them feel less alone. Encourage family and friends to visit, but also be mindful of coordinating visits to avoid overwhelming the patient. If appropriate, suggest that their support system send photos or compile a small album of favourite memories, which can be comforting and uplifting.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a supportive environment that gives the patient space to talk about their feelings and encourages them during their hospital stay. Remember that each patient is unique, so adapt your approach to their individual needs and preferences.

Arrange visits and coordinate with others

Arranging visits and coordinating with others is a great way to encourage someone in the hospital. Here are some ways to do this:

Plan and Schedule Visits

Firstly, it is important to plan and schedule visits in advance. Check with the hospital about their visiting hours and any special instructions they may have, such as avoiding visiting during shift changes. Some hospitals may have restrictions on the number of visitors allowed in a room at once, so it is crucial to coordinate with other potential visitors to avoid overcrowding.

Ask for the Patient's Permission

Always ask the patient if they are comfortable receiving visitors and respect their wishes if they prefer not to have any. Some patients may feel overwhelmed or tired, so it is essential to be considerate of their energy levels and privacy. Ask them about their preferred visiting hours and the frequency of visits.

Coordinate Transportation and Meals

Offer to arrange transportation for friends and family who may be visiting. Additionally, coordinate meals with the visitors to ensure the patient receives their favorite foods. This helps spread out the time between visits and avoids overwhelming the patient with too many visitors at once.

Accommodate the Patient's Needs

When visiting, bring items that the patient may need or want. This could include comfort items like their favorite blanket or pillow, or practical items such as gift cards for nearby restaurants or coffee shops. Always be mindful of any allergies or restrictions and avoid bringing items with strong scents that may be nauseating to the patient.

Involve Others

Encourage friends and family to send cards, make phone calls, or set up video calls if they are unable to visit in person. This ensures that the patient feels connected and supported even when visitors are not physically present.

By arranging visits and coordinating with others, you can help create a supportive environment for the patient, allowing them to focus on their recovery while still feeling loved and encouraged.

Frequently asked questions