Bedside Manner And Illness Etiquette

Frequently, informing friends that you are sick is a daunting task.Telling the story and outcome repeatedly can be stressful so try not to be upset if you're the last to know.Should you notice a friend that's not looking well or is absent more than usual, a tactful question such as, "You're looking a little tired, are you feeling alright?" or "You've been out for a few days, is there something I can help with?" can open the door to an explanation as well as show that you care.

Long illnesses or treatments that harbor side affects can be problematic to any relationship.During the illness the patient will tend to be self-absorbed, stressful and worrisome.A friend or family member's concern will be helpful and should stress the positive.Focus on the treatments that are working, not necessarily the side affects.Find the little things that haven't changed or have changed for the better.Always try to be upbeat and encouraging.Ask the patient if they would prefer to talk about something other than their illness before launching into a story of your own.Though you may want to share your adventures, it may cause jealousy or depression in a patient. Your stories will hold until the patient is well.

If you are not certain if visits or phone calls are welcome, ask other people who are involved with the patient for clearance.If you think you're visiting too much or calling too much, be blunt and ask the patient, "Am I being a pest?"It's always nice to call before visiting, or if simply dropping off something, leave it by the door and call to say its there.

Terminal illnesses require a bit more tact.Expressing emotions, sadness or anger is natural but try to keep them in check, as you don't want the patient to feel as if they need to worry about or comfort you.Offer your support by asking how you can help them get through this and make certain you follow through.

Patients who are in the hospital do require a bit of extra protocol.Check with the hospital for rules, visiting hours and patient updates before visiting.Always contact the patient via phone before arriving as they may be scheduled for procedures that cannot be interrupted.Do your best to stay out of the way of staff members and respect the privacy of other patients within the room.If the patient is a family member and a number of other family members are present, designate a spokesperson of the group that can update others on the patient's condition, needs and moods.

When visiting a recuperating patient, it's always a nice gesture and thought to bring along a small gift.Though the person's illness and personality should be considered before purchasing, a few welcome generic gifts include:

Travel size games or a deck of cards to break the boredom.

Gift certificates to places that can make deliveries such as pizza, pastry or coffee shops.

Hot, off-the-press book releases, magazines, CDs or videos.

Tickets to a show that's months in the future - something to plan on and strive to attend.

Homemade cookies, muffins, soups or complete meals to make things easier.

Or, the best gift of all, a welcome listener who offers their services for carpooling, driving to appointments, picking up dry cleaning or grocery shopping.

Though flowers or plants are usually great gifts, do keep in mind that flowers can be germ factories or allergy prompts and plants may require more care than the recipient is willing to provide.

Overall, just being available to the patient without complaint or inconvenience, will result in a speedy recovery and will definitely harbor a long friendship.