Some really simple things can make a patient's hospital
stay tolerable. Little things can make a
patient more comfortable. For example, tall patients can be uncomfortable in beds; however, most
hospital beds can be extended. It's at least worth checking.
If your patient will be in bed for any appreciable
amount of time, they will be more comfortable if lying not just on the
mattress, but also on a bed pad designed to improve her blood circulation. The
new approach is an inflatable bed pad that automatically adjusts itself under
the patient to avoid sustained pressure in one spot or another. Bed sores can
be an issue, but even if they’re not a concern for your patient, a pad will
make a hospital bed much more comfortable.
To protect patients, mattresses and pillows are encased
in plastic. Hospital beds are covered to
preserve them, which can make for a very uncomfortable sweaty patient. When changing linens, add a cotton blanket
under the patient.
Many hospitals are very dry environments, your patient
may have hands that are dry, and that would welcome an application of
moisturizer. Consider asking the patient if they would like a humidifier, and
offer lotions to help the skin.
Decorate your patient’s room. Hospital rooms are
usually all bland, and what art they have is mediocre. Just a few changes and
additions will make all the difference in the world. Be sure, of course, not to
do anything that will get in the way. Decorations can be as simple as hanging up a reproduction of a piece of
art or a child’s artwork, and bringing in a colorful quilt, suggest family
members bring some amenities from home.
If your
patient’s circumstances prevent them from wearing clothing of their own, you
can help make do with what the hospital has to offer by asking for extra hospital
gowns. Worn the other way around with
the ties and opening in front, a second gown will function like a robe, and
cover your patient’s backside.
You may well
find your patient tired to the point of delirium, and if it appears that the
problem is due at least in part to all the visits they receive throughout the day,
you can ask if they prefer to have their visits grouped. It may work, it may
not, and you may have to advise as the shifts change, but ideally, it’ll mean
that your patient gets their visits in clusters, giving them more of a chance
to rest between all of the activity.
It will boost your patient’s spirits to be groomed.
Happily, many hospitals provide access to grooming services, beyond the basic
care that nurses provide. Ask about getting someone to come into your patient’s
room to care for their hair, shave her legs, or give a pedicure and massage. If
the services aren’t available in-house, ask family to arrange for an outside
provider to visit.
Flowers are always welcome, well, not always. Some
hospitals don’t allow them, but even if they’re allowed, your patient may find them
unusually sensitive to scent. Stuffed
toys or a scentless flower may be a better solution.
The main gift
you can give your patient, however, is your company. Visit and talk if you think that would cheer
them up, or read aloud, provide a sympathetic, listening ear, or just sit with
them. Your presence, whether you’re interacting with them, or working on them,
is always appreciated times from a patient's perspective. Doing a few little
things to make your patients stay more welcoming can make a huge difference to
them, and we all aim to have comfortable and happy patients.
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