How to Visit

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VISITING THE SICK

1. Hospital Visiting

1. When to visit
        A. Emergencies- as soon as you can get there
        B. Operations -
                1] 1 hour before they go to surgery.
                2] 4 days after the surgery.
        C. General visits -
                1] shortly after lunch or supper
                2] during visiting hours - obey hospital rules
        D. Learn hospital procedure and rules.

2. Length of stay
        A. 30 seconds to 3 hours.
        B. Here are the rules:
                1] No longer than the need requires.
                2] No longer than the patient can stand.
                3] Err on the side of brevity.

3. What to do
        A. Prayer
                1] Not a long prayer.
                2] Be specific about their needs.
                3] Remember the other patient in the room.
        B. Scripture
                1] Not about death.
                2] Passages of hope and comfort.
                3] Not a whole chapter.
                4] Read a few verses and discuss them.
        C. Visit
                1] The word "visit" means "Look for ways to help."
                2] Seek to make them comfortable -
                        a) Fluff pillow
                        b) Wash PJ's
                        c) Adjust their covers
                3] Run errands for them -
                        a) Get mail for them
                        b) Pay some bills
                        c) Get them a magazine or newspaper
                        d) Water their plants
        D. Conversation
                1] Keep it positive
                2] Don't tell about others with the illness who died.
                3] Let the patient set the tone
                        a) If serious - don't make jokes
                        b) If light - keep it that way
                4] Do not ask what their problem is!
                        a) They will tell- if they want you to know
                        b) Let them decide when to talk about it
        E. Touch them - be cautious of IV needles

2. Special Situations

Shut-ins and convalescents
        A. Understand
                1] This is not a crisis situation.
                2] They have lots of time on their hands.
        B. What to do
                1] Bring time consuming materials
                2] Plan to stay 20 - 45 minutes
                3] Explain why you can not stay longer
                4] Avoid gossip
                        a) Rule: Tell either "who" or "what"
                        b) Rule: I do not have the right to reveal such information. You will need to check with the family.
                        c) Use the word "Gossip" - "I'm afraid that would get into the area of gossip."

Children
        A. Bring a small, quiet toy or book
        B. Visit the child - not mom and dad
        C. By phone - speak to the child
        D. Cards - address to the child
        E. Let the child know that they are important.

Contagious diseases
        A. Us the telephone
        B. Use the mail
                1] Letters or notes are best
                2] Cards with note is OK
        C. In hospital - Use caution
                1] Wear special garments and mask
                2] Keep the visit short
                3] Don't touch the sick person
                4] Wash hands and face as soon as you leave

Those near death
        A. Talk softly
        B. Rule: NEVER tell them they are dying.
                1] You do not know for sure.
                2] NEVER take away their hope.
        C. You must deal with the possibility of death
                1] If they are confident - read scriptures of hope
                2] If doubts arise - talk about grace, forgiveness
        D. Remember that in this patient is:
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