Ethan Rhodes
When a friend or family member is in the hospital, it can be challenging to know how to support them. Sending a thoughtful message or giving them a call can make a huge difference and help cheer them up. It's important to show empathy and offer comfort, while also keeping the conversation light and positive. Whether it's a minor injury or a serious illness, here are some ways to express your well wishes:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tone | Casual, empathetic, comforting, humorous (depending on the context) |
| Method | In-person visit, phone call, text, card, video call, care package |
| Content | Encouraging, supportive, validating, religious |
| Offer | Help with day-to-day tasks, meals, housework, childcare |
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What You'll Learn
Sending a card or letter
Keep it positive and supportive
A card or letter is a great way to send positive vibes and warm wishes. You could write something like, "Sending a bit of sunshine to brighten your day. Get well soon, dear friend." Or, "I'm sending lots of love and positivity your way as you start treatment. I know you'll beat this and come out stronger." You could also include a favourite memory or a funny story to add a personal touch and make your message even more special.
Offer specific help
If you are able to, offer to help with day-to-day tasks such as meals, housework, or childcare. You could write, "I'd love to help around the house until you're up and about again. Just let me know when would be a good time to come over." Or, "I know you love that bear I gave you, so I hope hugging it will help you feel better!" If your friend or family member has a long-term illness or injury, you could also offer to help with things like mowing the lawn or picking up mail.
Include a joke or funny story
A healthy dose of humour can be a great way to uplift your friend or family member's mood. You could make a joke about hospital food or their time off work. For example, "I know you're looking forward to trying the hospital food, and I can't wait to hear what it's like! Get well soon so I can make fun of you again!" Or, "All this for a few days off work? Get well soon!" Just be sure to follow their lead and sense of humour before sending a message like this.
Send a gift
You could also send a care package or gift along with your card or letter. This could be meal-prepped dinners, food delivery gift cards, flowers, or a teddy bear. You could write, "I hope hugging this teddy bear helps you feel better!" Or, "I know hospital food isn't great, so I've sent some treats for you to enjoy!"
Encourage and validate their feelings
Let your friend or family member know that it's okay to cry, laugh, or scream. They might feel like a burden and be hesitant to express their feelings. You could write, "It's okay if you need a shoulder to cry on, I'm here for you." Or, "I don't know what to say, but I wanted to let you know I'm here if you need to vent."
Remember, whether your message is serious, funny, or somewhere in between, it will surely bring a smile to your friend or family member's face and make them feel loved and supported during their hospital stay.
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Sending a gift
A good alternative to flowers or food is a gift that will help pass the time, such as a book, magazine, puzzle, or deck of cards. If your loved one is a "techie", a gift card for audiobooks or a tablet to play games, stream movies, and listen to audiobooks might be appreciated. You could also consider a comfortable but practical item of clothing, such as a shawl, robe, or slippers, as hospital gowns can be uncomfortable and dehumanising. Just be sure to check for any restrictions, such as the need to accommodate intravenous (IV) drips or surgical drains.
If you want to give a more personalised gift, you could create a "comfort box" with family pictures, favourite quotes, playlists, or small treats like chocolate. Alternatively, you could offer to help with everyday tasks, such as picking up their mail or doing their laundry, or provide a post-hospital care package with common, everyday items to save them a trip to the store when they get home.
Finally, remember that sometimes the best gift is simply the gift of your time. A visit, phone call, or video call can provide much-needed mental stimulation and a feeling of normal social interaction.
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Making a phone call
Timing and Frequency
It is important to keep phone calls short when talking to someone in the hospital as lengthy conversations can be tiring when one is not feeling well. A quick phone call can still make them feel supported and let them know that you are there for them. You can also send a quick text before or after the call to keep the tone casual.
Conversation Starters
It can be hard to know what to say when someone is in the hospital. Here are some conversation starters and messages to show your support:
- Start by expressing your sorrow at hearing that they are unwell.
- Ask how they are doing and listen attentively to their response.
- Offer your help or a listening ear if they need to vent.
- Let them know they are missed with a silly message: "I actually learned something today in class without you there… get well soon because I couldn't take it!"
- Send well wishes for a quick recovery: "Wishing you warm thoughts and a quick recovery, friend."
- If they are religious or spiritual, send a message that God is with them.
- Validate their feelings and let them know you are there for them: "Let me know when you want to cry, laugh, or scream. I'm here for you."
Empathy and Comfort
It is important to show empathy and offer comfort while keeping the conversation real and authentic. Encourage them by letting them know they are getting the best care and that you hope they are being looked after well:
- "Glad you're getting all the best care right now and hoping you feel better soon."
- "Here's hoping you're getting the nicest nurses and some surprisingly decent food while you're laid up."
Remember, the key is to show that you care and are thinking of them during this difficult time.
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Paying a visit
Timing is important
Before visiting, check the hospital's visiting hours and plan your visit accordingly. Also, be mindful of the patient's energy levels and try not to overstay your welcome. Keep the visit short and cheerful, especially if the person is seriously ill or may not recover.
Be considerate
Hospitals can be busy and noisy, so be mindful of the patient's comfort. Speak softly and avoid loud or boisterous behaviour that may disturb others.
Bring cheer and comfort
You can bring simple gifts like flowers, their favourite book, or a get-well card with a heartfelt message. If the patient has dietary restrictions, bring them something that aligns with their needs and is allowed by their doctor.
Offer help
Ask the patient if there is anything they need or any tasks they would like you to take care of. It could be something as simple as picking up their mail or walking their dog. Offer specific help instead of a general "let me know if you need anything".
Be a good listener
Ask the patient how they are doing and truly listen to their response. Show empathy and let them know you are there for them. Avoid giving advice or sharing your own or someone else's similar medical experiences unless it is to offer reassurance.
Keep it positive
Share funny stories or jokes, but be sensitive to the patient's condition and sense of humour. Avoid negative talk or complaining about your own problems. The goal is to uplift and bring cheer to the patient.
Remember, the patient is the priority, so tailor your visit to their needs and preferences.
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Sending a joke or funny video
Sending a joke or a funny video can be a great way to cheer someone up when they are in the hospital. It can help to take their mind off being sick and show them that you care. If the person is dealing with a serious illness, it is important to be sensitive and follow their cues before sending a joke. Here are some ideas on how to send a funny video or make a joke to someone in the hospital:
- Send a silly video or meme: A funny video or meme can be a light-hearted way to make the person laugh. It can be something as simple as a TikTok video or a meme that you know they would find amusing.
- Share a hospital joke: There are plenty of jokes about hospitals, doctors, and nurses that can add a bit of humour to the situation. For example, "As soon as the hospital made me put on one of those little gowns... I knew the end was in sight!" or "When Chuck Norris was born, he cut his own umbilical cord. Then he used it to strangle the doctor who slapped him on the butt. Never slap Chuck Norris!".
- Tease them gently: If you have a close relationship with the person, you can gently tease them about their hospital stay. For example, "You really put yourself in the hospital just so you could avoid Dad's cooking, huh? LOL" or "I'm surprised this is your first time in the hospital since you're so clumsy! But seriously, feel better soon!".
- Make light of their absence: Let them know that they are missed and that their presence is needed elsewhere. For example, "Miss seeing you at the gym! Can't wait to work on hitting our squat goals once you've recovered!" or "The whole class was talking about how they miss your jokes. Get better soon so you can make us laugh again!".
- Offer a funny distraction: Send a video or meme that is completely unrelated to their illness or the hospital. This can help take their mind off things and give them a break from thinking about their situation.
- Encourage laughter: Remind them of the benefits of laughter and how it can be a form of medicine. For example, "A good laugh and a good sleep are the best cure. Sending you funny thoughts!".
Remember, it is important to consider the person's condition and sense of humour before sending a joke or funny video. Make sure that your intention is to bring a smile to their face and brighten their day.
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Frequently asked questions
Sending a quick, encouraging message over the phone or delivering it in person can do wonders to make your friend or family member feel better. You could say something like, "Wishing you warm thoughts and a quick recovery, friend".
Avoid any "feel better soon" wishes. Instead, focus on telling them how sorry you are that they're sick and that you're thinking about them. You could say, "I'm so sorry to hear you're under the weather. Thinking of you during this time".
Humor can be a great coping mechanism for someone dealing with a serious illness. Send a silly video or meme to get their mind off being sick. You could also send them a care package or a get-well card with a personal note.
