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How can we be there for family durning Covid-19?

alot of signs and people are saying we are in this together but hospitals are not allowing visitors and we might have family there
#hope #Covid-19

covid-19 hope
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Lewis’s Answer

It sounds like you have a family member in the hospital and you're torn with not being able to be there, in person, to care or support them? If this is the case, you have to understand the times we're living and adjust your approach, despite it not being a preferred option for you. You following the hospital guidelines are exactly the type of support you can offer your family and others, without even communicating directly with them.

My wife and I had our first-born 3 months ago and our family was not able to be in the hospital for us. This would usually be a time in our lives that we would've welcomed visitors to see their newest family member, but it just wasn't an option. The hospital and it's staff had the main concern of keeping their patients safe & healthy during their stay and our family HAD to understand that stance. To get around this, we organized e-mails, social posts and video calls for the best introduction we could offer and those options were obvious, but great alternatives that I would recommend to anyone wanting to be supportive.

We're in a time in our world that we have to be selfless and think about others health and well-being, despite what we would prefer. Offer up support through a call or e-mail, check in quickly to simply let them know you're thinking of them or find another way to bring your family together virtually, for your loved one in the hospital.

I wish the best of health and safety to you, your loved one(s) in the hospital and your family.
Thank you comment icon I had a grand baby born 3 months ago. I love the comment "We're in a time in our world that we have to be selfless and think about others health and well-being, despite what we would prefer. " And Congrats!!!! Michelle Riddle
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Krystyna’s Answer

I definitely agree with setting up some skype/zoom type meetings so your family can all get together virtually and communicate. Some other things I have done are driving by a family member's house on their birthday and holding up signs. I have also put together gift baskets on random occasions and dropped them off for a surprise to hopefully brighten the day of someone who might be struggling. In terms of the hospital, if they are able to get up and walk around their room, you might be able to assess if they could see you in the parking lot or somewhere else from their window where you could hold up a sign and let them know you are thinking of them!
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Suzanne’s Answer

Hi Marie,
I had a family member in the hospital during August and September. We were not allowed to visit. I called the nurses desk and the nursing office to make sure that someone could hand the hospital room phone over to our family members when we called. I called the doctor's private office and made sure to get updates every day. It's a lot of effort. Try to find out who the nursing supervisor and nurse managers are. Call them. Let them know your concerns. You will have to call these folks every day, perhaps even multiple times a day. Try to get to know the secretary or medical clerk who works in the attending doctor's office. This person can relay messages over to the doctor in charge for you.
I hope this helps. The pandemic has changed and challenged almost every aspect of life.
Best,
Sue, RN
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Sheila’s Answer

Hello Marie:

I have several relatives that are "essential workers" ranging from doctor, nurses, and teacher. The way I keep in touch is via TEXTING. Simply because the doctor and nurses don't have time to get on zoom or skype due to their workload, traveling, etc. But, they are able to respond almost quickly to my text messages. In the beginning when COVID-19 first occurred, I would text early in the morning every other day; just to see how things are going. Sometimes I'd get a message swiftly while other times it would take several hours. The bottom line is that although the world was using zoom and skype, simple texting continue to work for me and my family.

I hope my story was helpful to you.

Best of luck!

~ Sheila

Sheila recommends the following next steps:

Set-up a "group" distribution list
Organize your group by discipline (doctor, nurses, teachers, etc. etc.)
Send text messages at a set time being mindful of the "essential worker's" schedule
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Kiirsten’s Answer

Hi Marie,

You seem to be a very thoughtful person, that is a special characteristic to have! I know things are difficult now with certain rules and regulations put in place, but we are in the digital age-- so maybe you can facetime/skype or email your family? I think the best thing you could do right now is try to be brave and positive for those who you are unable to see. It is very important to follow the hospital rules even though it may seem unfair to you now.

Keep being awesome!
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Esther’s Answer

From personal experience it is very hard having COVID. You can be there for people that have COVID by video chatting, and calling them. It is hard being isolated so hearing a friendly voice or seeing a smiling face is amazing. You can send cards, care packages. When i was in he hospital my family came with signs and waved from the window! They were really funny and danced around like crazy people. You can help with errands and any family obligations they have.
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Kimberly’s Answer

Hi Marie,
There are so many ways to show people and our loved ones that we care and we are there for them even if we cant physically be there for them. Look at small things that you can do to make them happy, weather its a card, or a phone call. The smallest things can mean the most. Loved ones appreciate things from the heart, so take some time for yourself and make them something special just from you! I'm sorry you aren't able to see your loved ones but they know how much you love them even though you aren't with them.

Stay safe,
Kimberly
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Mylinh’s Answer

Simple things right now matter the most.

1. Send a text to loved ones here with a funny joke or interesting fact. Right now things are a bit crazy and seeing a positive message can uplift anyone's mood.

2. Create a care package and leave at their door. Think of special things that remind you of them to know they are special and you are thinking of them.

3. Most of all, be vulnerable about how you're feeling, good, bad, happy, sad? It's good to let it out and know we're all going through this together. Breaking down that barrier will help the others feel comfortable showing their feelings. Everyone feels alone in this world and it's up to us to reach out and be there for one another.
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Sandeep’s Answer

I think we should really be thankful to God that this pandemic happened in 2020. Yes I mean it! Had this pandemic happened during early 2000 or even in 2010 we would not have had this privilege of making video calls, whatsapp call, instant messages via whatsapp , so many options to send groceries and essentials to any where and complete information on finger tips of mobile. Though there is physical separation from the family but still we can be connected 24/7 and its just about planning how to be connected may it be zoom call or video calls.

I've heard some of people even worked from hospital being connected to their family just prepare mentally that things are just normal. :)
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Rhudaynath’s Answer

This is a great question and many people are thinking about this. Trying to be better and innovative. Considering the situation we are in is not that great i.e. lockdown at home, not meeting frds, etc.

Working with new normal is need of time. Work on hobbies and me time to keep yourself motivated and enagaing. Call your friends and have some conversations to relax. Watch positive filled videos and web-series.

Help each other to be in good mood... this time will pass !!!
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Aaron’s Answer

Hi Marie,

The reason why hospitals such as the hospital I work at in Honolulu, Hawaii Queen’s Medical Center Punchbowl are not allowing visitors is to protect the patient’s and staff’s health from getting infected from COVID-19 due to my state and other areas still considered having a high prevalence of this virus in our community meaning there is an increase chance of getting infected with this virus. My hospital makes accommodations for visitors for certain patient’s such as cancer treatment, surgeries, end of life care, labor and delivery meaning women giving birth to a baby and who could benefit from having a visitor to keep them company during their stay at the hospital. These patients are only allowed to have one visitor and they have to answer a series of questions such as if they experience any signs and symptoms of this virus, and they need to wear a bracelet that shows they have been screened. My hospital also allows patients to see their visitors using apps such as Skype or Face Time to supplement face to face visits. This is a very difficult decision for hospitals to make because visitors help with the positive recovery of people’s stay at the hospital where they get the support they need to recover. Hope this helps.

-Thank you,
Aaron
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Yasemin’s Answer

Hi Marie! It is definitely a difficult time and I'm sorry if you are having difficulty staying in touch with your loved ones. I definitely think the best thing is Skype/Zoom/FaceTime/WhatsApp video, etc., this will be a good and safe way to keep in touch. There has been some restrictions lifted with nursing homes and visits and if you do live in one of those states then you can look into a physical visit if it is possible! Just remember to take precautions and keep hope because these times will past. The best thing is to try to focus on the positivity even though times may seem difficult!

Best of luck!
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Madison’s Answer

Hi Marie! You're so kind for thinking of your family and others! Similar to other responses above, try to call, text, FaceTime, Zoom, etc. if that's an option. I also saw on the news a family would write anonymous get well soon cards and the hospital would put them in patient rooms. Didn't matter who they went to but it showed that someone was out there caring about them. Best of luck!
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Julietta’s Answer

Hello Marie,

I know its hard, I recently had the same experience. I had my family member at a nursing home and as you know there were no visitors allowed and therefore it was impossible to communicate. What I ended up doing was getting a tablet and sending it to the nursing home so that we can chat on video. The CNA's and nurses are more than happy to help get the video set up if your loved one is not able to do it themselves. We also wrote letters and dropped it off at the front desk of the nursing home to get it delivered to the room.

Hope this helps!
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Sara’s Answer

Hi Marie.
 
The current times are indeed very complicated; and it is difficult when we are not able to meet and support loved ones being in the hospital or living elsewhere. However, it is important to follow the hospital’s instructions and understand that their objective is to cure and to protect us all from this pandemic. I very much agree to the comments below that we need to find other ways to connect, it could be via Skype, Zoom or WhatsApp. Although it is not the same as a personal visit, I am sure that a phone call also can cheer people up.
 
I wish you all the best.

Stay healthy and positive!
 

Sara
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