Hospital Bystander Support
Medicine Hat | PineWell Home Care
Overview
Hospital stays are often a stressful and exhausting time for both the patient and their family. Our Hospital Bystanderservice is designed to provide a continuous, supportive presence at the bedside, ensuring your loved one is never alone while allowing family members the necessary time to rest and manage other responsibilities.
Our Core Services
24/7 Bedside Companionship: We provide dedicated support during the day or overnight, offering comfort and a watchful eye.
Non-Medical Assistance: Helping with basic needs such as adjusting pillows, providing water, or reading to the patient.
Nursing Liaison: Promptly alerting the nursing staff to any changes in the patient's comfort or immediate needs.
Family Updates: Keeping you informed throughout our shift so you can stay connected even when you are away.
Emotional Support: Offering a calm, reassuring presence to reduce patient anxiety in a clinical environment.
Why Choose This Service?
Prevent Caregiver Burnout: Allows family members to go home, sleep, and shower, knowing their loved one is in safe hands.
Reduced Patient Isolation: Constant companionship helps prevent hospital-induced confusion or loneliness.
Reliable Advocacy: A dedicated bystander ensures that the patient’s non-medical requests are heard and addressed immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a Hospital Bystander and a Hospital Nurse?
A hospital nurse is responsible for medical tasks like administering medication, monitoring vitals, and wound care. Our Hospital Bystander provides constant non-medical support. We focus on companionship, comfort, and safety, acting as your eyes and ears at the bedside when you cannot be there.
2. Can the bystander stay overnight?
Yes. We offer flexible shifts, including 24/7 coverage and dedicated overnight stays. Many families find our overnight service especially helpful so they can get a full night's rest at home.
3. Does the hospital allow professional bystanders?
Generally, yes. Most hospitals welcome bystanders because they provide extra attention to the patient, which can help prevent falls and reduce patient anxiety. We recommend informing the nursing staff that a professional companion will be present.
4. Will the bystander give me updates throughout the day?
Absolutely. We can provide regular updates via phone or text (as per your preference) to keep you informed about your loved one’s mood, comfort level, and any non-medical observations we’ve shared with the nurses.
5. Can the bystander help with feeding or mobility?
Our staff can assist with basic tasks like setting up meal trays, helping with water, or encouraging the patient during a short walk (with hospital staff approval). For more complex mobility needs, we always coordinate with the hospital’s physiotherapy or nursing team.
6. How quickly can I book this service?
We understand that hospital stays are often unexpected. We strive to provide support as quickly as possible, often within 12 to 24 hours of your request.
7. What happens if there is a medical emergency while the family is away?
Our bystanders are trained to immediately alert the nursing staff and activate the hospital's emergency response system. We will also contact you immediately to inform you of the situation.
