How Hospital Sitter Services Improve The Patient Experience

Hospital sitter services are becoming more and more popular in today's hospital settings. These certified aides provide an important service to ensure the safety and comfort of hospital patients. These specialized services provide around-the-clock care for those who cannot be left alone, such as elderly or disabled patients. In this blog post, we'll go over some of the key benefits that hospital sitter services can offer hospitals and their patients.

What Is A Hospital Sitter?

Why Hospital Sitters Are Important For Patients

Hospital sitters are invaluable for helping patients complete tasks safely, as falls are an all-too-common occurrence with dire consequences in healthcare, especially among elderly patients. A 2020 study noted that between 700,000 and 1 million hospitalized patients fell yearly, with up to half of them sustaining significant injury. These falls comprise an additional healthcare cost of over $34 billion annually.

Even the presence of a 'virtual' hospital sitter resulted in a 14% decline in fall rates, with the prospect of an in-person sitter likely to reduce them even further. Without the presence of an individual to help them and or a way to alert medical staff, hospital patients may feel the need to get out of bed to handle tasks themselves which can lead to injury.

Services Provided By Hospital Sitters

Hospital sitters play a vital role in healthcare, as they can supervise patients and assist them with basic tasks more immediately than a nurse may be able to, which frees up nurse resources for their more specialized duties. Offloading some of these duties to a sitter has been linked to an improved work environment for nurses, which translates directly into better patient outcomes.

Hospital sitters provide more than just physical support, they also provide emotional support to those who need it. During a hospital stay, patients may be suffering from anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, during which a voice of comfort and understanding is greatly needed.

Hospital sitters can listen to patients' needs and help them express their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment, as well as provide reassurance for those who may feel overwhelmed by their situation. Having an empathetic companion during what is often a difficult time of life offers great comfort to those recovering in a healthcare setting.

Here's a look at some services Hospital Sitters may provide on a daily basis:

• Observing and monitoring the patient to ensure their safety
• Attending to patient needs
• Providing companionship and emotional support to patients
• Notifying medical professionals about patient development
• Documenting any changes in the patient's condition
• Intervening in emergencies
• Assisting with basic activities of daily living, such as eating and using the bathroom
• Assisting in administering medications
• Bathing, grooming, and dressing the patient
• Maintaining a clean environment for the patient
  

The Skills That Hospital Sitters Need To Be Successful

On top of basic communication and interpersonal skills, hospital sitters must have knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare processes so that they can understand the patient's condition, and know whether they can assist the patient directly or defer to nurses or doctors. Hospital sitters also need to have keen observational skills, so they can recognize any changes in the patient's behavior or health status.

Additionally, hospital sitters need to be highly empathetic and understanding when conversing with patients, providing emotional support not only through listening but also by being a source of comfort and assurance.

Looking For Hospital Sitter Services? Call Thoughtful Care Today!

Hospital sitters provide an invaluable service for both patients and medical staff. Their presence is linked directly to both an improved working environment for medical staff and the emotional and physical well-being of the patient. Hospital sitters from Thoughtful Care provide a gentle, sympathetic touch that can ensure your patient is well-cared for as you handle work or family obligations. Reach out to schedule a consultation today.