This article was written by a guest contributor, John Trompeter, the owner/operator of ComForCare of Wheaton, IL.
Many adult children choose to stay overnight in the hospital when a parent undergoes surgery, hoping to provide comfort and support.
While this practice, often referred to as “rooming in,” has been linked to better patient outcomes, it can also lead to unnecessary stress for both the patient and the family.
Based on my experience working with families during these situations, I’ve observed that while well-intentioned, staying overnight can sometimes create challenges. Patients often need uninterrupted rest to recover fully, and visitors, even loved ones, can unintentionally disrupt this. Additionally, family members may feel pressure to remain at the hospital for extended periods, even when they have other responsibilities, like work or childcare.
One woman shared her perspective online, explaining how she kindly asked her husband to leave the hospital after her surgery because she preferred to recover alone. She wrote,
“So the day of surgery, I waited until like 6 pm and then I kindly told him to get out of there and go get some dinner and go home to our kiddos.”
This highlights an important consideration: not every patient wants or needs a constant bedside presence.
Here are some tips to navigate this situation effectively:
- Respect the patient’s need for rest: Recovery often requires quiet time free from distractions.
- Take care of yourself: Family members should take breaks, eat, and rest to stay physically and emotionally prepared to provide support.
- Be mindful of others: In semi-private rooms, frequent visitors can disturb the patient’s roommate.
- The most important step is to communicate openly with your loved one and understand their wishes. This ensures everyone’s needs are respected during this critical time.
If staying overnight isn’t feasible or creates undue stress, consider enlisting outside help. Our agency, ComForCare Home Care, can provide trained caregivers to support your loved one during their hospital stay. We tailor our care to meet their specific needs, giving both the patient and family peace of mind. This way, everyone can rest assured that their loved one is in good hands.
By John Trompeter Owner/Operator, ComForCare of Wheaton