Despite trying their best, hospital staff are often overworked and understaffed. During your visit, try to act as an advocate for your loved one by being willing to walk to the nurse's station to ask questions if needed.

Reader's Experience: "After I had emergency surgery I was exhausted, and my partner was so sleep deprived we often couldn't remember what we wanted to ask the doctor when he came in. A friend wrote down questions for us, talked to the nurses, and fetched extra blankets, ice, and whatever else we needed. I remember feeling like I could relax because I knew she was on top of things!" - Liann