Writing thoughtful get well messages for someone in the hospital shows you care about their recovery and wellbeing.
Simple Get Well Messages for Hospital Stays
- “Wishing you a speedy recovery. You’re in great hands.”
- “Sending healing thoughts your way.”
- “Looking forward to seeing you back on your feet soon.”
- “You’ve got this! Take it one day at a time.”
- “Recover well and rest up – we miss you!”
What to Write When Someone is Having Surgery
Messages sent before surgery should be encouraging and positive while acknowledging normal anxiety.
- “You’ll be in my thoughts tomorrow during your procedure.”
- “Your medical team has your back – and so do we!”
- “Sending extra strength for your surgery and recovery.”
Practical Ways to Show Support
- Offer specific help like walking their dog or picking up mail
- Send a care package with approved items (check hospital policies first)
- Coordinate meal deliveries with other friends and family
- Help manage their visitors schedule if needed
What to Include in a Hospital Care Package
- Comfortable non-slip socks
- Lip balm and hand lotion
- Electronic device chargers
- Light reading materials
- Small puzzle books
- Eye mask for sleeping
Hospital Visit Guidelines
Always check visiting hours and policies before going to the hospital.
- Keep visits brief (15-30 minutes)
- Don’t visit if you’re feeling unwell
- Wash hands before and after visiting
- Check if flowers are allowed in the ward
- Respect quiet hours and rest periods
Religious & Spiritual Well Wishes
- “Keeping you in my prayers during this time.”
- “May God’s healing presence be with you.”
- “Praying for your comfort and healing.”
Digital Support Options
- Send e-cards through sites like American Greetings
- Set up a CaringBridge page for updates
- Use hospital patient portals to send messages
Remember that sometimes the simplest messages mean the most – authenticity matters more than perfection.
Tips for Long-Term Hospital Stays
- Rotate visit schedules with other friends/family
- Bring fresh items periodically to replace care package supplies
- Help maintain connection to outside world with updates and photos
- Assist with practical matters like bill payments or pet care
What to Avoid
- Sharing stories about negative medical experiences
- Bringing up stressful topics or work matters
- Overwhelming the patient with too many visitors at once
- Making promises you can’t keep about visiting
Supporting Family Members
- Offer to stay with the patient so caregivers can take breaks
- Bring snacks and drinks for family members staying at hospital
- Help coordinate communication with extended family
- Assist with transportation or parking arrangements
After-Hospital Support
- Help prepare their home for return
- Arrange transportation from hospital
- Set up a medication schedule system
- Plan for follow-up appointment transportation
Conclusion
Supporting someone during a hospital stay involves both emotional and practical assistance. The key is to be consistent, reliable, and mindful of the patient’s energy levels and needs. Remember that recovery continues after discharge, so extend your support beyond the hospital stay itself.
FAQs
- What are appropriate things to write in a hospital get well card?
Keep messages positive and uplifting, express hope for their recovery, offer specific support, and avoid mentions of illness details. Simple messages like “Thinking of you” or “Wishing you a speedy recovery” work well. - When is the best time to send hospital well wishes?
Send well wishes as soon as you learn about the hospitalization. For planned procedures, you can send them before admission or during the hospital stay. For emergency situations, send them once the patient is stable. - Should I include religious messages in hospital well wishes?
Only include religious messages if you’re certain about the recipient’s religious beliefs and practices. Otherwise, stick to secular well wishes to avoid potential discomfort. - Is it appropriate to send well wishes through social media?
Check with family members first, as some patients prefer privacy during hospital stays. If the patient or family has publicly shared the news, social media messages are generally acceptable. - What gifts are typically allowed in hospitals?
Most hospitals allow flowers (except in ICU), cards, magazines, and small personal items. Check hospital policies first, as some units restrict certain items due to infection control or safety reasons. - How long should a hospital well-wish message be?
Keep messages brief and concise, typically 2-4 sentences. Patients often have limited energy and attention while recovering. - Should I mention specific medical details in my well wishes?
Avoid mentioning specific medical details or procedures. Focus instead on positive thoughts and recovery wishes. - Is it appropriate to use humor in hospital well wishes?
Light humor is acceptable if you know the patient well and understand their personality. Avoid jokes about illness or medical conditions. - What should I avoid saying in hospital well wishes?
Avoid comparing their situation to others, sharing negative stories, discussing death or complications, or making promises about recovery timelines. - How can I show support beyond sending well wishes?
Offer specific help like providing meals, childcare, pet care, running errands, or coordinating hospital visits with other friends and family.
