Family Life for Dignity in Hospitals

I chatted to a good friend on the phone this morning. We hadnt spoken for a while and I didnt realise she had been in hospital over Christmas. No decorations, no warmth. She was not asked once during her stay how she was feeling. Tests, scans, technology but no warmth or human connection.

My friend spent a lot of time in hospital as a child and has negative and difficult memories about the things that went on there. Go to a childrens' ward now and you will find colour, toys, smiles and maybe even joy. The wards were opened up to families and were transformed because love entered and the care giving teams became partners and allies in the care and healing of both the children and their families.

Maybe the only way to bring real dignity and compassion to the lives of older people in hospitals is to mimic this change - throw open the doors and embrace family life. Knowing that Bill with dementia is a dad, a grandad, a widower and a gardener may just be the only way that Bill will be known and his real presence will be felt.

When I was 5 I had an operation in the local hospital. I remember so clearly holding back the tears, burying my head in the pillow as my mum walked out when visiting hours were over. This crushing loneliness and isolation is what is experienced by so many of our elders in wards up and down the country.

Can we create a new, family oriented reality? can hospitals re-discover their roots - places of hospital - ity?

Add your comments on what it will take to meet our elders with dignity.

Andy