Hospital visits can be a frightening experience for all of us, especially children. Whether they are there due to some kind of health condition or an unlucky accident, each experience is unique to every child, but the ways to prepare and improve their experience don’t have to be. If they understand what is going on before their visit, they will hopefully start to feel more relaxed.
We all fear what we don’t know or understand, and the same goes for a child, so this can be a difficult task if the issue is serious. However, there is plenty of professional help and support out there to help you explain the situation to your child. If you are taking them to hospital for the first time or you’ve been many times before, below provides information on how you can prepare and improve the experience of your child’s hospital stay.
Fully Understand Relevant Information
To prepare for your child’s hospital stay, you must fully understand what is going on by asking questions. Don’t be afraid to ask about things like:
- Any aspects of treatment
- Things to expect during their recovery
- Visiting times for others
- Accommodation for you and others
- Information on the caregivers
- Parking arrangements, etc.
You have the right to know what’s going on so that you can reassure yourself as well as your child.
Get Things Organized
Write down a list of things you need to get together for the hospital stay to ensure you bring everything they need to feel comfortable. Although your mind will be preoccupied with looking after your child, remember that there are things outside of the hospital that you will need to sort out too. If you are working, make sure your employer is aware of the situation and that you book the time required off. You should arrange care for your other children and your pets if necessary. Make sure you reach out to your family and friends for help, advice, and support.
Speak to Your Child
Being honest and truthful with your child about their hospital stay is highly advised. When they understand what is going on, the whole thing won’t be as confusing and scary. You will also be able to reassure them according to their reaction. The older the child is, the more you will need to prepare them. You can do so by telling them in advance about their hospital stay and allow them to ask questions. Always use simple words and don’t joke about the situation around adults.
Consider Consulting a Child Life Therapist
A child therapist is trained in the developmental impact of illness and injury and can help you understand what to expect when you go into hospital. As well as this, they can:
- Answer any questions about your visit
- Show you the areas in which your child will be treated during their hospital stay, which will improve familiarity
- Show your child any equipment they might come across
- Explain the procedures and their purpose through play and demonstration
This is something that you will need to arrange before you go to the hospital, and is more suited for long and frequent visits.
Preparing Your Child
Give your child plenty of chances for ‘hospital play.’ This should be determined by their age. For example, you can get them to practice taking medicine, bandage a teddy, or listen to the heartbeat of a family member. Read books about going to the hospital and prepare yourself for answering questions about their stay. Always be consistent when it comes to reassuring your child and make sure you are there for them throughout their stay.
Packing for Your Child
Packing can be associated with good times, such as visiting a friend, family member or going on vacation. You should apply these positive experiences to packing for the hospital. Involving them in all the hospital preparations will make them more comfortable about the whole thing. When packing their bags, include items like:
- Their favorite toys and any comfort items
- An activity they love or a new one they’re excited about
- New sleepwear
- Toiletries and medication
- Photos of the things they love
Packing for Yourself
When packing for yourself, try to include your child in this activity to reassure them that you will be going with them. Be sure to pack yourself:
- Comfortable clothing
- Personal items if you plan to stay overnight
- Health insurance information (including Medicare)
- Activities and reading materials for yourself
- A pen and notebook, so you can write down any information you need and the questions you want to ask
Communicate with the Care Team
There will be a home team that is responsible for the medical care of your child once they have been admitted, and it is important that you are able to communicate with them. There will usually be a number of different professionals, including doctors and nurse practitioners. A family nurse practitioner role is fairly broad, but they are able to monitor the health and wellness of you and your child, as well as treat minor acute illnesses. They, alongside other medical consultants and professionals, will be key to making you and your child’s hospital experience better.
Always Be There
Now that you know how to prepare yourself and your child for their hospital stay, all you can do now is be there as much as you can. Most hospitals will allow you to stay overnight with your child but speak to someone to confirm this. Also, try to maintain as much of your child’s regular routine as possible. Don’t forget to look after yourself and take regular breaks.
A visit to the hospital can be an extremely difficult time for everyone involved, but you need to keep a positive mind throughout the experience to make it better for you, your child and your loved ones. You need to remember to be honest with your child in the best way possible, to involve them during hospital preparations, and allow them to explore the facility before they are admitted.