I’ve sung the praises of men who step into the role of caregiver. Now, I’d like to address how caring for infirm love ones becomes even more Herculean when it comes to hospital trips.
The often-thankless task of the caregiver can become even more onerous when someone is moved to a medical facility. There are strange faces who come and go at random, who poke and prod with both questions and medical devices. There are worries about exposure to other sick people.
The hospital can almost seem like a necessary evil, a last resort when the needs of a loved one outstrip the capabilities and resources that can be provided at home by the one responsible for the health of the patient.
If a visit to the hospital is inevitable, here are some things you need to remember as a caregiver, in order to make the trip more bearable for both your loved one and yourself.
Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up
The worst thing about being in the hospital is the unknown. The staff isn’t always around because they may be overworked. However, don’t hesitate to actively seek out nurses and doctors and ask for their attention. Don’t be afraid to be the advocate for your loved one’s care. There is no prohibition on taking charge of the situation.
Call (and Plan) Ahead
Speaking of taking charge, don’t feel sheepish about letting the hospital know you’re coming. Give them a call beforehand. Yes, they are busy places full of stressed personnel. But, you can save them—and yourself—time and frustration if you get some questions answered before you’re standing at the admissions desk.
Also, you can have a hospital bag packed and ready to go in case of emergencies. Essential items include a robe to supplement the flimsy gowns hospitals provide. It may seem like a small thing, but one of the last things you want for your loved one is for them to feel uncomfortable. Helping to preserve their sense of dignity can help give them vital peace of mind, and offer some of the comforts of home.
Get Help to Take Care of Responsibilities
Unfortunately, just because someone goes to the hospital, it doesn’t mean the world stops spinning. Bills still need paying, kids will still need to be looked after. Caregivers should not feel they need to drop their own lives during a loved one’s hospitalization.
Don’t let yourself feel embarrassed because you need extra help. This can come in the form of family members, of course. Don’t feel like you’re imposing if you must reach out for some extra hands to carry the burden. You can repay the kindness and assistance of others in the future. Just get help now.
This is a good excuse to build relationships in your community as well. Think of it as establishing an “assistance barter system,” where you exchange favors and develop a support network in your area.
The tips suggested in this article may not make a hospital stay a pleasant experience, but they can go a long way to making it a more bearable, manageable experience.
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