Alone in hospital over shabbos:( how to cope

rose1236

Today at 7:02 am

Anyone been in this situation and have suggestions?
I already am struggling being here during the week and looks like I'm here for the long haul.
How do u fill the time and manage the loneliness

sub

Today at 7:15 am

Any volunteers in your area?

Dev80

Today at 7:16 am

Hugs. I spent many shabboses in the hospital alone. I am in Israel so it's easier in terms of food and not being mechalel shabbos, but also feels super lonely when you see everyone else with their visitors.
Lots of books, lots of sleep, some treats (I like candy so I make sure to have). But yeah I usually switch on my phone the minute shabbos is over since it is lonely.
I'm sorry you are going through this ❤️

singleagain

Today at 7:39 am

I forget if it's bikur cholim or someone else who has a shabboss in a box with electric tea lights, challah, grape juice etc.

I would also have someone bring you books and games . Maybe a pack of cards... If I was home I'd snap pics of my Friday night and beyond book .. they have a whole section on Shabbat in the hospital.

redheaded

Today at 7:42 am

Refuah Shleima!

readreread

Today at 8:05 am

singleagain wrote:

I forget if it's bikur cholim or someone else who has a shabboss in a box with electric tea lights, challah, grape juice etc.

Chesed 24/7 has one! No challah though.

I'm sorry OP. Been there. I read a lot of books, but that's all I've got. Wishing you refuah shleima.

imaima

Today at 8:14 am

rose1236 wrote:

Anyone been in this situation and have suggestions?
I already am struggling being here during the week and looks like I'm here for the long haul.
How do u fill the time and manage the loneliness

Books
A friend and my dh came to visit me.

4geesmom

Today at 8:32 am

All your favorite food treats, some books.
I got myself some nice beanie special for shabbos. And did my makeup so at least when I looked in the mirror I felt shabbosdig.
About loneliness- im a loner by nature so I loved shabbos alone without ppl so no advice there.
Refuah shelaima!

bbhem5

Today at 9:40 am

I spent many Shabbosim alone in the hospital. I have a medically fragile child with special needs so my husband really was needed at home.
I wasn’t eating but, if you can, please make sure you have everything you might enjoy as other posters said.
I’m always a big reader so I was very happy with all my books and magazines.
I’d cover the tray table (or nightstand) with a white cloth (usually a hospital pillow case, though a lot of Bikur Cholims send a white disposable tablecloth to cut) to be Shabbosdik. I’d also light the Bikur Cholim Shabbos licht to look and feel Shabbosdik (even though my Rav paskekened not to make a brocha- despite the packaging that says to- so maybe check with your own Rav).

Let your nurses know about Shabbos. Ask them to leave any lights as you wish, check on you often, etc. My night nurse would usually do her charting on her computer right outside my room so she was close by and could hear if I needed something, or even if my iv was beeping. Also, they’d check on me every time my monitor beeped even though it was often fine.

If your hospital treats a lot of frum patients they will probably know already.

When I was able to get out of bed I would tape the bathroom light switch since the cleaning staff would often turn it off regardless and then I’d be stuck until someone came in.

Most of my treatment was in a hospital without Bikur Cholim. They had few frum patients, but enough that the staff was kind of familiar- and always very respectful.

Refuah sheleima!

May you have a comfortable, restful Shabbos and may it be the last you need to spend in the hospital.

notshanarishona

Today at 10:18 am

Bring a lot of food, reading material (have a friend pick up a new book or magazines). See if someone can come before Shabbos and set everything up for you. Last time plugged in a cholent pot and hot plate and no one noticed or made an issue. You can pm me if you want to vent. I am in the hospital a lot.