My FIL was brought to the hospital last night, he may need surgery today they are still trying to figure out whats going on. My hubby and 2 of his brothers were there last night. Today my hubby has to work so I am planning on going. His 2 other brothers will be there, as well as his other brother and wife and 2 children (ages 4 and 8).
I have a concern about taking my 4 year old to visit because of the hospital germs. Am I being silly? Also, with her cousins there, I have a feeling it will turn into a playground. But if I don't bring her I'm sure they will criticize me for being a germ freak.
Should I bring her or leave her with my mom while I go visit?
When my dad was ill I brought my two children with me every day. They were young at the time and it made my dad feel good to see them. Its all up to you what you want to do. Leave her at home or take her to see her granddad. I for one do not like to stay long so with the kids it was an early exit.
I would leave her home if possible.
Most hospitals have rules about visitors ages (typically 14 years). If she isn't able to visit, why take her.
I have taken my daughter to a hospital but only because all my back ups were not available and I had someone to watch her once I was there while I visited my nephew (who was not sick but had been in a bad accident).
I say it's all about the benefit vs the detriment to the patient. If you think seeing the grandkids will help improve his mood and add a sunny spark to his day, then I say bring her. If you believe that your daughter and her cousins will be more exhausting and stressful for him, then I say leave her home.
You do have to check with the hospital visiting policy as well, and find out what floor or section of the hospital he is in also.
My mom had cancer and eventually had a bone marrow transplant. My daughter, who was about 4 was able to visit her everywhere, even in the bone marrow ward - she did have to wear a mask there though. It was good for my mom and it was fine for my daughter. Yes, hospitals are very germy places, but these days they have hand sanitizer everywhere. Do not bring your daughter if she has the slightest hint of a cold as this isn't fair to your FIL or any of the other patients, but otherwise go. Yes, she will climb all over the lounge furniture if you go out to a sitting area and you will cringe the whole time. Bring some wipes and wipe her hands periodically.
On the other hand, if he is not in for an extended period, just do what you feel is best for your daughter. If he'll be out in less than a week, don't even bother bringing her - you could always have her draw a picture for him or make a get well card and bring that.
Best wishes to you and your family.
I would be more worried about the germs SHE might pass to others than the other way around - that's why many hospitals don't allow children under a certain age (i.e. 12). My mother was undergoing aggressive chemotherapy last year for leukemia and needed to be hospitalized because of all the risks of infection. There was no way my then 2 yo DD was going to be allowed anywhere near her. Check what the hospitals policy is, the other kids may not even be allowed. If they are, but you are still reluctant to bring her, you could always say that she came down with a cold and you didn't want to take the chance. And if they criticize you - so what? You are just trying to do what is best for everyone, including your child.
I wouldn't. Does she have a runny nose or anything? If so you could just say she might be getting sick and you didn't want to risk your FIL catching anything on top of already being in the hospital.
I'd leave your 4 year old with your mom for the first visit. Give your self a chance to check things out so you can prepare your 4 yr old for the visit.
Find out about visitation first. Germ-wise, it's probably cleaner there than other places, but you could even ask the hospital just to help yourself feel better. Do what will make you and the situation less crazy - it's tough enough as it is.
I would check hospital visiting policies first you may not be able to bring the kids.. besides if FIL is having surgery the peace and quiet is helpful.. no worry bout germs
I think you are being silly about hospital germs.
She'd get more germs from a trip to walmart.
I agree with Amy. Would it make your FIL happy to see her (assuming hospital policy allows her to go in the room? - if it doesn't- who will watch her while you go in?)? Is she the type of child who would be disturbed or upset by seeing her granddad in that sort of setting? (monitors beeping, IV lines, antiseptic atmosphere, etc)... I mean.. you wouldn't want granddad there eagerly wanting her to come kiss him on the cheek and your daughter balks and is scared because he has oxygen attached to his face or something.
So, you have to sort of weigh out what the experience is likely to bring. Both for your daughter and (more importantly) for your FIL.
Perhaps it would be best if you had someone watch her for a few hours and you went for a quick visit, and sort of tended to the REST of the family? Hubby's brothers and SIL may need a quick errand run or want someone to bring a sandwich or some coffee. Or maybe they would prefer to step out and get their own and someone else could sit with Dad for 30 minutes.
My own dad was in the ICU unit for 3 days several years ago... an hour from his home. It was a great blessing to have some folks from their church come and just sit with my mom. They couldn't see my dad at all... but sitting with my mom was a big help, even for 30 minutes. It was a nice distraction for her.
Is there one of the brothers (or the wife) that you could call just before you head to the hospital? Let them know you are on your way and were wondering if there was anything any of them would like you to pick up on your way in.. a newspaper... a magazine... some pencils to do crossword puzzles?
Take her, but don't let her sit on the floor! I've had nurses even tell me that. Everything else is cleaned well between patients. Nurses and doctors are constantly walking from room to room and all over the place they carry who knows what on the bottom of their shoes! Yuck!
Visit for a short time and leave. You don't have to hang around all day, then visit longer period when your hubby is available.
Check the hospital's visitation policy. But I'd probably leave her with your mom anyway. If asked, you can say that you didn't want your daughter to spread her germs instead of the other way around. Your FIL as a patient is more likely to catch something in the hospital than your daughter anyway.
Can you go at a different time than when the other 2 kiddos are there? I have taken my kids to hospitals to visit my mom (who works in the ER at one) -- we do not stay long (20-30 min) and I do not let them touch anything and I clean their hands thoroughly with wipes after. I think it would depend on what kind of "ward" your FIL is in and how comfortable you are with staying a short time. If you aren't and want to stay longer, I would leave the kiddo with your mom. I worked in a hospital ER for 5 years (ages 18-23)....so Just my 2 cents.
Alot of hospitals don't allow children under the age of 12 in for visitation. Period. My sister had my infant nephew in to visit our grandfather and she was asked to leave. It's not you being a germ freak. It's the hospital's policy. Leave her with Grandma.
I wouldn't worry about the germs in a hospital or your daughter catching anything. I just think 4 year olds don't need to go to the hospital to see Grandpa. Take her when he gets out.
