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Jan 22

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Suggestions For Visiting The Ill

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by Gary Henson

January 22, 2026

  1. Make your visit short. The more ill they are, the shorter the visit. The ill need their rest.
  2. Visit at an opportune time. [Not during meals, tests, or therapy].
  3. Smile; be cheerful. A cheerful disposition makes another cheerful. Yet this does not mean to be a circus clown. They would think you have no idea of how they are feeling.
  4. Speak softly, yet audibly; avoid loud laughing.
  5. Usually you will already know what the medical problem is, but if you don’t know, and unless you are very close to the person–don’t ask. It might be something, that to them, is embarrassing If they want you to know, they will tell you.
  6. Do not suggest a “sure cure” to the patient. With some problems, there certainly may be other treatments that have helped some people, but you might, outside the room, suggest to a relative about reading up on it.
  7. When a person is in pain or very ill, do not expect him to converse. Simply step in, smile, wish him well, and, if any of the family walks out with you, you can then visit with them.
  8. In the presence of one apparently sleeping or unconscious, never say what you do not want them to hear. They may not be sleeping.
  9. If they are asleep, do not awaken them. Leave a note.
  10. Sometimes, other visitors will engage in a long conversation with you. Don’t let this happen. Direct your attention to the one that is ill.
  11. Make your visit personal, not professional. You are there because you care about him;–let it be obvious to them.
  12. Leave on a cheery and comforting “get well wish.”
    Gary Henson

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