Hailey Tran
Spending time with a friend or relative in hospital is one of the best ways to cheer them up. Your presence can help ease their anxieties and fears, and laughter is an important part of the healing process. If you're musically inclined, you could sing or play an instrument for them, or you could bring them a gift to keep them entertained, such as a magazine, a colouring book, or a card. You could also help with practical tasks, like doing their laundry or picking up their mail, or bring them a home-cooked meal or their favourite snack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spend time with them | Your presence will help the time go by more quickly for them while easing their anxieties and fears |
| Bring gifts | Magazines, colouring books, puzzles, a cosy blanket, a water bottle, etc. |
| Help them feel appreciated and supported | Offer to run some errands, bring food, or provide childcare or transportation for family members |
| Make their hospital room more enjoyable | String colourful lights, supply festive decorations, gift wrap the door with colourful paper and ribbons, or hang cards around the room |
| Bring treats | Home-cooked meals, favourite snacks, cookies, or a tall milkshake |
| Play music or sing | With the hospital's permission, you could sing in their hospital room or ask the floor nurse if you can play a mini-concert in the hallway |
| Help with practical tasks | Catching up on the patient's laundry, mowing the lawn, picking up mail, watering plants, or fetching groceries |
| Check in on things back home | Be an advocate for the patient and help them feel more in control of their situation |
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What You'll Learn
Gifts, treats and decorations
When a friend or family member is in the hospital, a thoughtful gift can go a long way in cheering them up and making their stay more bearable. Here are some ideas for gifts, treats, and decorations to bring some joy and comfort:
Gifts
- Personal care items: These can include items such as cosy socks, lip balm, gentle organic lotion, or a soft blanket. These items can help your loved one feel more comfortable and taken care of.
- Comfortable clothing: A soft t-shirt, cosy robe, or humorous sweatshirt can make a great gift. Hospital gowns and clothing can be uncomfortable and dehumanising, so something familiar and cosy can brighten their mood and make them feel more like themselves.
- Books, magazines, or puzzles: These items can help pass the time and provide a much-needed distraction. If your loved one is a reader, bring them a book from their favourite genre or a magazine they enjoy. Puzzles, crosswords, or a deck of cards are also great options that don't take up too much space.
- Tech and gadgets: Many people bring laptops or tablets to the hospital to stream movies, play games, or listen to audiobooks. If your loved one enjoys technology, consider bringing them a new gadget or setting up a Skype call with a distant friend or family member.
- Games and board games: If your loved one enjoys a particular game, like chess or backgammon, bring a board game and play with them. It's a great way to spend time together and take their mind off things.
- Post-hospital care package: Sometimes, the best gift is one that comes after your loved one returns home. A care package with everyday items or a meal can make the transition home easier and less stressful for them and their caregivers.
Treats
- Food and drinks: While there may be dietary restrictions, a seasonal treat, an old family recipe, or some homemade cookies can be a wonderful way to bring cheer. Just be sure to check with the hospital and your loved one first to ensure it's appropriate.
- Comfort boxes: These boxes are filled with items to help someone feeling anxious or stressed. You can bring an empty box and decorate it together, filling it with family pictures, favourite quotes, playlists, or even some chocolate.
Decorations
- Colourful lights: String up some fairy lights or hang colourful paper and ribbons to add a festive touch to the room.
- Personal touches: Bring in posters, pictures, or decorations to make the room feel more welcoming and homely. These personal touches can brighten up the space and create a more positive environment.
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Music, games and entertainment
Games are a brilliant way to pass the time and distract from the hospital environment. Card games like Uno, Skip-Bo, and Sleeping Queens are easy to play in a hospital setting and can be played with multiple people. If your loved one is feeling competitive, they could try their hand at Sushi Go!, Qwinto, or Jungo. For something calmer, a puzzle book or a crossword puzzle could be a good option. If your loved one is a techie, they might enjoy playing games on a laptop or tablet, or streaming movies and TV shows.
Bringing entertainment from home can help to make a hospital room feel more familiar and comforting. Consider bringing their favourite pillow, blanket, or stuffed animal. A streaming service gift card, a book, or a magazine could also provide a welcome distraction. If your loved one is well enough, getting dressed up in comfortable but practical clothes can help them to feel more like themselves.
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Spending time and being present
Spending time with someone in the hospital and being present for them can be a great way to cheer them up. Here are some ways to do this:
- Offer to help with tasks and errands: Ask if there is anything they need or offer to take care of their laundry, walk their dog, or feed their pets.
- Provide companionship: Visit them in person and ask how they are doing. Be empathetic and let them know you are there for them. However, also know when to leave to let them rest.
- Send encouraging messages: Send a quick text or call to let them know you are rooting for their recovery. Send a funny video or make a joke to lift their spirits, especially if their illness or injury is less serious.
- Bring comfort items: If allowed, bring items from home that can provide comfort, such as their favourite pillow, blanket, stuffed animal, or a picture. You can also bring earplugs, an eye mask, or aromatherapy oils to help them sleep better in the hospital environment.
- Give thoughtful gifts: Bring individually wrapped gifts or notes that can be opened on different days to provide something to look forward to. You can also give photo albums or collages of friends, family, and pets, or a small gift that represents a beloved pet, like a stuffed animal.
- Help them feel like themselves: Bring comfortable and practical clothing to help them feel more like themselves, especially if they will be in the hospital for an extended period.
- Provide entertainment: Bring books, puzzles, games, or tech devices to relieve boredom and provide mental stimulation. If they have a special interest, like chess, bring a board game and play with them.
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Practical help and errands
While your friend or family member is in the hospital, things at their home may be left undone. Offering practical help with their daily tasks and errands can be a great way to ease the burden on the patient and their family. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Taking care of their pets
Offer to take care of their pets while they are away. This could include letting out their dog, feeding their cats, or taking their pets to the vet. Knowing their furry friends are being well looked after can give them one less thing to worry about.
Handling their mail
Collect their mail, whether it's picking up physical letters from their mailbox or reading out their emails to them. This helps them stay connected and prevents any important messages from slipping through the cracks.
Running errands
Ask if there are any errands you can run for them, such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or grabbing their favourite meal. Taking care of these small tasks can make a big difference in their daily lives.
Laundry and chores
Consider helping with their laundry or any other household chores that might be piling up. A fresh set of clothes or a tidy home can bring a sense of comfort and normalcy.
Childcare
If they have children, offer to watch them, take them to school, or attend their extracurricular activities and sporting events. This not only relieves the patient of childcare duties but also ensures their children are cared for and supported during this time.
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Emotional support and advocacy
Emotional Support
Being hospitalised can be emotionally challenging due to factors such as separation from friends and family, inability to engage in usual activities, and anxiety about treatments and health outcomes. Here are some ways to provide emotional support:
- Spend Time with Them: Your presence can help ease their anxieties and fears, making their time in the hospital more bearable. Remember that laughter is beneficial for the healing process, so don't be afraid to bring some humour into your visits.
- Listen and Empathise: Encourage open communication about their feelings. Listen without judgement and validate their emotions. It's normal for hospitalised individuals to feel sad, anxious, angry, or fed up at different times.
- Offer Distractions: Boredom is a common issue during hospital stays. Help your loved one combat boredom by providing engaging activities like crosswords, puzzles, or adult colouring books. Bring items such as magazines, books, or portable entertainment devices to help pass the time.
- Bring Comfort Items: Consider bringing comfort items such as a cosy blanket, a neck pillow, earplugs, or a favourite snack (if allowed by their dietary restrictions). These small comforts from home can make a significant difference in their overall well-being.
- Create Cheerful Surroundings: Decorate their hospital room with colourful lights, festive decorations, or cards. This can boost their mood and create a more positive environment.
Advocacy
Being an advocate for your hospitalised loved one is essential, especially when they may feel vulnerable or overwhelmed. Here are some ways to advocate for them:
- Communicate Their Needs: Be proactive in communicating their needs to the medical staff. Ask questions, seek updates, and ensure their concerns are addressed. This can help alleviate their stress and ensure they receive the best possible care.
- Assist with Practical Tasks: Offer to run errands, check their mail, water their plants, or provide childcare or transportation for family members. Taking care of these practical tasks can reduce their burden and show your support.
- Facilitate Connections: If your loved one has friends or family who live far away, set up virtual visits via Skype or similar platforms. Maintaining social connections can boost their morale and help them feel less isolated.
Remember, providing emotional support and advocacy is about making your loved one feel cared for, understood, and valued during their hospital stay.
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Frequently asked questions
Spending time with your friend is a great way to cheer them up. Your presence will help ease their anxieties and make them feel supported. If your friend is up for it, you could bring in some treats like homemade cookies or their favourite snack. You could also bring in some decorations to liven up their room, such as colourful lights or cards.
It's important to consider the patient's physical limitations and the fact that they may be feeling nauseous. Gifts that are good for passing the time are great, such as magazines, books, puzzles, or colouring books. If they're up for it, you could bring in a musical instrument and play a mini-concert for them, or set up a Skype call with a faraway friend.
It's normal to feel sad or fed up about being in hospital, especially if your friend has been there a long time. Encourage them to talk about how they're feeling, and let them know that it's okay to cry. Help them write down what they've done each day so they can see what they've achieved. If they're feeling up to it, you could suggest going for a walk outside or watching a funny movie.
