We’ve reached a time in our lives when friends and family members are often in hospital, or experiencing long recuperations at home or in care centers. Based on my 50 years experience as a caregiver, here’s my list of the items I like to take with me or send to a loved one who is ill, or working their way back to health.
These gifts can be offered individually, or you can buy a basket, line it with a pretty placemat (which is then especially nice for use on a hospital bed table!) and fill the basket with a selection of goodies. Deliver personally, and bring a along a couple of good jokes or funny stories to tell. You are only limited by your imagination.
- a funny card guaranteed to make them laugh
- a current issue of one of their favorite magazines
- aromatherapy spray (something very soft, like vanilla or lavender)
- a journal and pen to write down their thoughts (very healing!)
- hand and foot lotion
- a small framed photo of a loved one or favorite place, or a wall poster of beautiful outdoor scenery
- a homemade CD of uplifting, hopeful & healing music
- a book on tape (how about a Michael Connelly mystery read by my husband, actor Len Cariou!)
- a colorful fleece lap blanket (they are very inexpensive at Bed, Bath and Beyond)
- a small, squishy stuffed animal (comforting even for grown-ups)
- a pair of very soft, colorful socks
- a package of face wipes, and/or a bottle of refreshing face spray
- dry shampoo & a nice hair brush
- a selection of dried soups, energy bars, a bottle of Vitamin Water and other healthy snacks (check to see what’s allowed on the patient’s diet)
- eye drops
- Intentional Chocolate (www.intentionalchocolate.com ) – “Whoever consumes this chocolate will manifest optimal health and functioning at physical, emotional and mental levels and in particular will enjoy an increased sense of energy, vigor and well-being for the benefit of all beings.”
- a bracelet made of healing stones
- a book of Mary Oliver poems
- a silk herbal eye pillow
- an angel ornament from Seasons of Cannon Falls (just Google them, you’ll find lots to choose from)
- a beautiful mug and a package of tea
What would you add to this list?
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My friend and colleague of twenty five years suffered a cardiac arrest a little more than a week ago. She had a stroke (right side) two years ago. She has been in ICU ever since. I had an angel I purchased that I put a bouquet of her favorite silk flowers ( no real flowers in ICU) My sister in law donated a video picture frame, my niece has been putting together pictures of her family (‘specially the grand babies) and friends from work with healing music. Hope to have it in her room this weekend. I thought that way when they kick us out of ICU, during those times she will still have a smiling face that loves her looking back at her. ICU has limited what we can do, but I am hoping this will help.
Love your ideas, perhaps if she gets moved to a regular room.
What a wonderful list. My boyfirend’s mother loved my small dog. I would bring my dog to visit her at her apartment when I could. When she went into the hospital I brought a small stuffed dog that looked very similar to my dog. It had a note attached that said, get well soon because you always give me more treats than mom! She was so tickled to get that little stuffed dog. It made her laugh and smile. She died the next day. We buried the stuffed dog with her.
What a touching story, SeekerPatty. Just knowing that you were able to give your boyfriend’s mother a reason to laugh and smile at the end made such a difference.
I thank you so much for sharing your story. I make recovery care baskets and have been thinking should I include a stuffed bear, so I though I would ask my friends and family what do you think about putting this in my baskets some said yes and more said no. Your story tells me yes! Thanks for your help. Sending love to you and your boyfriend:)
Warmly Linda http://www.recoverwithangels.com
What a great list, Heather. Thank you. I intend to print out a copy for those times when I’m looking for just the right gift.
1) Depending on the person’s health, sometimes it’s simply the gift of our presence for a brief period that can be restorative.
2) If the patient has difficulty writing, you could offer to interview her and jot down her thoughts in a journal for her and/or family members.
3) You could offer to contact her friends to give them an update on her health.
4) Give her an update on what’s happening in the world (inspirational, heartwarming stories!).
5) Read selected poems or a short story to her.
Great ideas! I’m loving the feedback on this list! Thanks and blessings, Heather