Help with Hospital Stays

Send us Fan Mail This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Beth Suereth. Among her vast experience, several certifications, and many titles, Beth is a Certified Caregiving Consultant, educator, facilitator, and end of life doula. She is the founder and CEO of Caregiving Pathways. Her experience caring for her father prompted her to form this organization that helps others manage the hospital stays and end of life events of the caregiving journey. She provides the following insights: During hospital stays, it is important to be there with your loved one. However, if restrictions prohibit visitors, establish a regular line of communication. Know the difference between the procedures and processes available during weekdays vs. weekends. Understand that you need to fit into the hospital personnel’s world vs. them fitting into yours. Learn to ask, “How can I make it easier for you to do your job?” Keep a notebook in the room where all interactions with hospital personnel can be recorded and then later referenced. Keep questions to ask the nurses/doctors listed there as well. Use the phrases, “I wonder if it is…” and “Can you help me understand?” Communicate to doctors/nurses what is important to your loved one. Visit https://www.caregivingpathways.com/the-hospital-stay for a free download.