Support groups for conditions
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How family & friends can help
Emotional support comes in many forms and by supporting parents and family you in turn support the teenager/young person.
Texts
Sending a text to a loved one in hospital is a great support but don’t be offended if you don’t get a reply straightaway. If it’s possible to help out in any way, do offer.
During hospital stays
Teenagers & young people may not want lots of visits but support can be shown again by just dropping something in from a sandwich from a favourite bakery to a get well card.
Thoughtful gestures help
When things are difficult, simply offering to pick up some shopping can be a great help, not only does this help in a practical way but also shows your support.
How health professionals can help
Never underestimate the role you play in the emotional care & support of your patients and their families.
This is even more important when dealing with teenagers and young people due to the sensitivity of their age.
Walking into a clinic or ward and being greeted by a friendly and understanding person has a huge impact on emotional well being and is an enormous support to a young person and to their loved ones.
For a young person needing long-term care you may become part of their hospital family.
Listen to your physiotherapist
If you don’t have a physio but are getting stiff and sore from being inactive then ask to be referred for advice on stretches and exercises to help.
If we don’t regularly move joints through a full range of movement during the day our joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons WILL tighten leading to pain and discomfort. (A painful lower back or sore shoulder is no fun on top of everything else).
Whenever possible, a little bit of movement, even if it is stretching regularly, will save you from pain and discomfort. It’s really hard to motivate yourself to keep moving when you’re tired from your illness, after surgery or because your medication is making you feel rough but do your best to keep the rest of your body moving. When sitting watching TV etc. set a kitchen timer as a reminder to get up and stretch every half hour.
Musculo-skeletal physiotherapist
If you have a physical problem e.g. a painful lower back, that is not a part of your condition and not responding to stretching and/or painkillers, don’t be afraid to ask to be referred to a physiotherapist who specialises in treating musculo-skeletal problems.
Make hospital visits more bearable
In the bag
Hospital can be very warm, even in winter. Make sure you pack lots of T-shirts to keep you cool. Don’t forget your toothbrush! If you prefer your own drinks a cool bag will keep chilled drinks more tempting than if they’ve been sitting in a warm hospital room and it’s usually best to drink plenty unless you’re told not to.
Beat boredom
Days can be long in hospital so bringing your favourite games, books and a note pad and pen may come in handy.
If you get tired of social networking or gaming you could always ask your visitors to bring in some playing cards (UNO is a good one) or a crossword. It’s much easier to chat over a game and makes visiting time more fun.
Music is great therapy
The BtG TeenZone is a chill out/ music room in children’s ward and for young adult patients from adult wards we have provided the BtG Pod which has guitars and a Teenage Cancer Trust juke box.
Music is great therapy, have a good selection of tunes on your mobile phone and have your earphones ready, just contact us if you need help with this.
Get some sleep
If you’re in hospital for a while try to get into a routine.
If possible make an effort to get dressed in the daytime & try to wear pyjamas only when you go to bed at night. This should make you feel more like yourself.
Try to set a rough time you’ll settle for the night (don’t forget to brush your teeth!).
Try to avoid watching TV or playing games for an hour before bed; maybe read a book instead.
Company at night
Nights can seem long in hospital, especially if you can’t sleep. You may find you settle easier if a parent or loved one can stay. This is always an option on children’s ward and also in side rooms on adult wards so don’t be afraid to ask – Bridge the Gap are to sponsor reclining chairs for use on adult wards so do ask if you feel you’d like company and support at night!
Friendly faces
While it’s good to keep in touch online, if you feel up to it, get your friends to come and visit in person. Don’t forget to let them know if there’s anything you need.
Never knock crosswords
You may think crosswords are a bit old fashioned and some are incredibly hard & off putting (some are just impossible so look for another type!) but if you find a book that suits you, after a little while you will find they become easier & are really good at helping pass the time in hospital.
Meeting doctors and other medical staff
Questions
If you have questions for the doctors jot them down in a notepad every time one pops into your head. This way you won’t forget them when the doctor comes to visit and if it’s easier you can just hand them your pad.
The same applies for outpatient appointments; don’t be afraid to check your notes, as it’s easy to forget something you planned to ask.
Never be afraid to say, “I don’t understand,” or to ask what something means. If you’re still having trouble understanding, ask the doctor to write it down so you can discuss it later.
Nervous about needles?
If you are not a fan of needles, don’t be afraid to tell your doctors and nurses. Ask for some anaesthetic cream or try distracting yourself with music or reading your favourite magazine.
Further Information
Become a donor
Many of us can help patients with a wide range of complex medical needs by becoming a blood donor.
For more information about giving blood and to register online:-
The UK NHS Blood donation Facebook page may inspire you to register
Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Register
A UK stem cell register that enables leukaemia patients who need a stem cell, bone marrow or cord blood transplant to find a match. For more information:-
For more information about registering as an organ donor –
