Even if your child has to stay in the hospital for an extended period of time, you are likely going to want to visit every day. What can you do to make sure that your child is safe and healthy during this trying time?
First of all, be very careful about bringing germs into the hospital room with you. You do not want to cause an infection or make the situation worse. Wash your hands before going to the hospital. Use hand sanitizer again when you arrive.
It is also important to talk to the doctor and the medical staff. Find out when the best hours are for you to visit. Ask about any potential health risks and what you can do. Take the doctor's recommendations seriously, even if they conflict with what you want to do.
Remember, one of the greatest healers is sleep, so allow your child to have free time to rest, as well. Do not stay too long. Talk to doctors about what is best for your child. Emotional support can be very helpful, but rest is also helpful. Try to find a balance.
Be careful about bringing young siblings into the room. Young children often carry germs and they may even be sick. A person in a fragile state in the hospital could be especially vulnerable. Take precautions and try to limit exposure.
If you believe your child ended up in the hospital because of someone else's negligence, make sure you also know what rights you have to compensation. A long hospital stay is not cheap, even with insurance.