Ok, raise your hand if you don't like visiting hospitals. *Yes, I see all your raised hands.* Ok, let's see, can I guess why? It's because they smell weird? they creep you out? you don't find scrubs attractive?
But here's the thing: sometimes you have to visit hospitals. When you really care about the person lying in that bed, you better believe you'll find yourself by their side. This definitely doesn't make hospital visits any easier, but today I read 7 tips that are sure to improve the caliber of your visit.
- Send a card to the person being hospitalized: it'll brighten up their room and their spirits.
- Call before you visit: make sure the person is up to a visitor and give them something to look forward to.
- Knock before entering the room: give the patient the privacy they're not allowed.
- If the patient wants to talk, be their listening ear.
- Offer to pray with the patient: Psalm 23 is an excellent choice.
- If you are unable to visit a hospitalized person on a holiday, visit just before: help them feel in touch with what people are doing outside the walls of the hospital.
- Arrange for a prayer to be said for the sick person in the synagogue.
Sadly, I was recently visiting my great-great aunt (z"l) in the hospital, and I can honestly say that she truly valued our visits and the visits of her rabbis who brought her joy over Chanukah.
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