Rabbi Eliezer Waldenberg (Israel, 1915-2006), in his treatise "Ramat Rahel," cites a comment from the Ramban (Rabbi Moshe Nachmanides, Spain, 1194-1270) in his work Torat Ha’adam delineating two distinct aspects of Bikur Holim, the obligation to visit ill patients. The first aspect of this Misva is the obligation to offer whatever assistance the patient needs, including both practical and emotional support. For example, the visitor should inquire into whether the patient is receiving proper care, and whether there is anything he needs to get done but cannot because of his condition. The visitor should also offer to bring the patient something he needs – such as another pillow, for example – and make sure that the temperature in the room is comfortable.
It should be noted that these Halachot apply even if a patient is in a well-staffed hospital. Hospital staffs are not always able to offer patients the personalized "tender loving care" that people need when they are sick. It is therefore important that patients receive visitors to offer whatever assistance they may need.
Another way of offering assistance is simply to converse with the patient, about any subject. The Sefer Ha’haredim writes that conversation has a therapeutic effect for ill patients. People suffering from illness can easily fall into depression, God forbid, and friendly conversation diverts their attention from their illness, helping to uplift their spirits and provide comfort. In fact, Rabbi Shelomo Ibn Gabirul (Spain, 1021-1057), in his "Azharot" listing of the commandments which we read on Shabuot, describes the Misva of Bikur Holim as "Ve’ha’holim Tesihem," which literally means, "Converse with the ill." This demonstrates the importance of engaging a patient in friendly conversation as part of the visitor’s efforts to offer assistance, as required by this Misva.
The second aspect of Bikur Holim, the Ramban writes, is to pray on the patient’s behalf. Besides offering practical and emotional assistance, a visitor must also make a point of extending to the patient his wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery. The Ramban explains that a prayer recited in the patient’s presence is far more beneficial than prayers recited elsewhere. Of course, prayers are always immensely valuable. But the prayer recited for an ill patient in his presence is particularly effective, because, as the Sages teach, the Shechina (Divine Presence) hovers over the bed of an ill patient. The Shulhan Aruch thus writes that a visitor must wish the patient, "Hashem shall grant you a complete cure among the other sick patients of Israel." In fact, a visitor who does not pray on the patient’s behalf during the visit does not fulfill the Misva of Bikur Holim. Although he has performed a worthwhile act of Hesed (kindness) by lending the patient assistance, he has not fulfilled the specific obligation of Bikur Holim, because he did not pray on the patient’s behalf.
Summary: The Misva of Bikur Holim consists of two aspects: helping the patient, and praying for his behalf in his presence. Visitors should look for ways to offer the patient practical and emotional support, such as offering to run errands for the patient or do whatever is needed to make him more comfortable. Engaging the patient in friendly conversation is also a critically important aspect of this Misva.
