When a person has endured a severe burn injury, having a support system can be crucial to their wellbeing. Friends, family, and even acquaintances can prove to be very helpful to patients in the aftermath of the burn. There are numerous ways to help burn survivors during their recovery process.
- Visiting The Hospital:
If someone you know is in the hospital burn unit, you may want to pay them a visit. One thing to know is hospitals are different with visiting hours or who is allowed to visit. Burn units also do not often allow flowers. Acceptable gifts can include:
- Books
- Drawing/ journaling supplies
- Posters/pictures
- Favorite foods
Presents can be tailored to the patient’s tastes.
- Respectful Conversation:
Being a listening ear may be what your friend or loved one needs. When you do converse, it’s important to not dismiss or minimize what they’ve been through. Let them guide the conversation and continue to offer support. Avoid bringing up the accident or any physical changes that resulted from it.
- Hospital Visit Alternatives:
A severe injury and long-term hospital stay affect the patient and their immediate family. If you are unable to visit the hospital, you can help the burn victim and their family in other ways, including:
- Yard work or odd jobs at their home
- Child care
- Delivering meals to their family
- After Discharge:
In the case of severe burns, coming home from the hospital is not the end. It’s a new phase in their healing and recovery. The patient will need time to regain mobility and strength. They will likely also require outpatient help such as physical rehabilitation. Some ways to help burn victims and their families at this stage include:
- Offering transportation to appointments
- Delivering meals to the patient and their family
- Offering to do household chores such as cleaning or laundry
- Offering to do yard work such as mowing or raking
- Helping with childcare if needed
- Helping with pet care such as grooming or dog walking
- Being available to listen compassionately
- Planning a party when the person is ready
When it comes to experiencing and recovering from a severe burn injury, most people will be grateful for all help they can get.