How can I comfort the crying patient?

[WVStarFish]

As a new nurse in LTC, I've come across several residents who get bouts of crying and feeling down and alone and helpless. Some have dementia, some are just physically disabled and mostly realize their situation.

It breaks my heart to see them so depressed and crying, and usually I'm passing meds and can't stop and take the time that I would like to, because I do love these residents and care about them, even if tomorrow some will not remember that they cried all day the day before.

I'm not really good with words, so does anyone have some suggestions of what I can say or do to comfort them, even briefly, and let them know that I still care even though I'm on the med cart?

Alot of times, they don't even know why they are sad and crying, or they want to go home (when really they no longer have a home), or a stroke survivor who is crying because they can't communicate anymore, or someone who is obsessing, or one who feels neglected and unloved.

What can I do to comfort them, dementia or not?

Thank you!

[MeJane19]

I'm not a nurse yet but I would think a hug and sitting holding their hand or just touching them lightly on the arm would mean alot to them. Just be a good listener. Great question.

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

I'm not a nurse yet but I would think a hug and sitting holding their hand or just touching them lightly on the arm would mean alot to them. Just be a good listener. Great question.

Great answer! I have been a nurse a long time, and I have nothing to add to your response.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

I just get really quiet and hold their hand or touch their shoulder.

[MisterSimba, BSN]

I'm not a nurse yet either, but I agree about hugs and holding the patient's hand, listening to their concerns, etc. Are there volunteers at the LTC that would have the time to keep the residents company and provide emotional support? I'm volunteering on an oncology floor, and many of the elderly patients love having someone to talk to about their kids, grandchildren, their pets, etc. I think having someone to talk to and connect with is so important!

Also, does your LTC have pet therapy? If not, maybe find out if this would be an option? Pets have such a positive effect on physical and emotional health, so pet therapy would be wonderful to have! I'm sure you don't have time to make a bunch of changes, but maybe ask the director of the LTC to get the community involved, ex. having a local high school choir come and sing for the residents, etc.....

[nursemike, ASN, RN]

It may not be realistic to take a lot of time to empathize during your med pass, but a touch on the shoulder and a "Can I get you anything?" is one way to show caring, and perhaps you can follow up with a short visit, later. In a hospital setting, I sometimes give meds last to patients I've learned need extra attention, so my other patients aren't kept waiting. But that might not be practical in LTC. Now and then, I just take a deep breath and decide some things are more important than getting meds passed on time--if I found a patient bleeding, or in respiratory distress, I doubt anyone would question making that a higher priority. Clearly, emotional distress can be just as serious.

But it's a fact of our lives that there's never enough time. All you can do is what you can do. It's clear from your post that you care about your patients, and I'll bet most of them do know that, even when you are rushed.

[jeepgirl, LPN, NP]

oh, this breaks my heart!!

i wish we did have time to sit down and talk to our patients....

i would definetly show them i cared by asking them if i could help them, etc. also, this stuff probably needs to be entered onto the chart because they might need an indepth depression screen... especially the disabled ones.

[leslie :-D]

aside from the tlc, please, if the crying/sadness is persistent, get them a psych eval so they can get on some antidepressants.

leslie

[lpnstudentin2010, LPN]

aside from the tlc, please, if the crying/sadness is persistent, get them a psych eval so they can get on some antidepressants.

leslie

Yup, When I first got diagnosed with depression, my main sypmtom was crying for no real reason, just crying.

[HappyPediRN]

Truly, sometimes the best form of comfort is to say nothing at all. Sometimes all it takes is to sit by the beside a few minutes, take their hand, and let them cry. I think the most important thing is to let your patient feel validated. Tell them it's okay to be angry, that it's okay to cry. Patients know when a nurse genuinely cares and they often find comfort in that. I think it speaks volumes when a patient is comfortable enough to cry in front of their nurse. These patients have experienced life-altering changes...they've experienced tremendous loss, be it physical or emotional. Sometimes their emotion is all they have left. Eventually you will become more comfortable wth patients' expression of emotion, but for right now the best way you can comfort them is just be present for them.

[towntalker]

i loe all the above posts..

remember some patients are 'all cried out' and they cannot express their overwhelming sadness give hem a minute or two also

i know that there is only so much that you have the time to do but being a strong presence for your patients will be remembered

[Penny8611]

I have nothing to offer but my gratitude. People like you made my Mom's final years more bearable. God bless you!!!!!