The Bedside: 5-Step Guide

Find yourself suddenly taking on the role of caregiver to a loved one in the hospital? Here are 5 essential tips from someone who has been there, to help you navigate it all.

1 — Show Up

for yourself + for your loved one

For Yourself: In order to give care to others we need to show up for ourselves first. Prioritize self-care. Remember to eat, sleep, hydrate, bathe and breathe. Sounds easy - but it’s not when we’re prioritizing another’s wellness over our own. As one doctor put it to me during my time in intensive care: you’re in the marathon, not a sprint. Fuel yourself to go the distance. This is first on the list for a reason…

For Your Loved One: Make your presence known and your voice heard on their medical team. This is especially important when caring for patients who cannot articulate needs for themselves (ie: infants). Actively participate in doctor rounds, voice any and all questions or concerns. Be your loved ones advocate and thread of continuity throughout their medical journey by showing up & speaking up.

2 — Reach Out

embrace human connections

Staying in the hospital feels like living on the moon. It’s isolating. It’s disorienting. Human connection helps break the monotony and sterility. Find in-person support at the hospital - a friendly face you can connect with daily. Lean on your support system outside of the hospital too. Tell them what you need and embrace what they give. Love is your lifeline so grab on tight.

3 — Stay On Top

of info + logistics

There are so. many. things. to absorb and keep track of as a caregiver. From medical jargon, test data, insurance details, names of staff - it’s like drinking from a firehose of information. Stay organized. Make lists. Set reminders. Take detailed notes. Ask questions. Delegate tasks. Being a caregiver means momentarily being CEO of someone’s life. There are a lot of balls to juggle and hats to wear - so use the tools and techniques that work for you for staying on top of it all.

4 — Celebrate

the wins + milestones

It’s hard seeing light at the end of the tunnel in a crisis. This is especially true when faced with longer hospital stays, undefined discharge dates, and unknown diagnoses. Don’t let the bright moments and the small wins pass you by. Celebrate the good days.

5 — Let Go

of expectations

Medicine, oftentimes, is turning over stones in search of answers. Doctors don’t known everything. Nature can take unexpected turns. I heard this over and over again from the most brilliant surgeons and doctors: Let go of expectations. Life is happening in its most raw and pure form - surrender on this journey.