Resources to Connect to Loved Ones in the Hospital
In order to protect our patients, visitors and staff from the spread of COVID-19, we have limited the visitor policies of Johns Hopkins Medicine facilities. We encourage you to use digital resources connect with your loved ones in the hospital and to assist them in their care. Below are free resources that are available to use:
Text, Phone and Video Chats
Zoom
At some Johns Hopkins locations, Bedside tablets (iPads) may be available to help connect with loved ones. A ‘Zoom Room’ can be created by our staff that stays open for time the patient is in the hospital can be used on these patient tablets to video chat with your provider, family or friends. Zoom is a video conferencing platform that allows you to connect with your loved ones via video or audio call on your smartphone, tablet or computer. There are both free and paid plans available.
How-To:
Instructions on how to setup Zoom for a patient virtual visit with provider, family or friends.
Other languages: Arabic | Chinese | Russian | Spanish
Instructions on how to setup Zoom family and friends virtual visit with a patient.
Other languages: Arabic | Chinese | Russian | Spanish
FaceTime
FaceTime is a free app available on Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Mac/MacBook) that allows you to make video and audio calls with your loved ones who also have Apple devices.
How-To:
- Instructions on how to download and use FaceTime on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
- Instructions on how to download and use FaceTime on your Mac/MacBook.
Google Hangouts
Hangouts is a free communication platform that allows you to connect with your loved ones via text chat, phone call or video call on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Hangouts can be accessed in Gmail, YouTube, the Hangouts app in the Apple or Android stores and on the web.
How-To:
Sign into your Google account. If you do not already have an account, you can create one here.
Below are instructions on how to start a text chat, phone call or video call:
Skype
Skype is a free communications platform that allows you to connect with your loved ones via text chat, phone call or video call on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
How-To:
- Download Skype to your device.
- Create a free account for Skype.
- Sign in to Skype.
Below are instructions on how to start a text chat, phone call or video call:
Tools to Help Loved Ones with Care
MyChart Proxy Access
MyChart is a free, secure portal that provides the most up-to-date medical information available about your or your loved one’s Johns Hopkins care. Parents, family members, legal representatives and other individuals may also obtain a MyChart account if they become authorized as a proxy to access a patient's medical record for approved purposes.
CaringBridge
CaringBridge is a blog platform that allows you to create a free website to write updates about the health of you or your loved one and share with family and friends.
How-To:
- Create a CaringBridge account.
- Follow the prompts to create a personal website. It should take five minutes or less to create.
- Personalize the website by giving it a name, adding a main photo and adding a cover photo.
- Post an update about the health of you or your loved one.
- Write a message to let your friends and family know how they can support you or your loved one.
- Share the site with friends and family by sending them a link or sharing on social media.