Jordan Ellis
Being in hospital can be a challenging and boring experience, but there are many ways to keep someone entertained during their stay. From thoughtful gifts and activities to comfort and companionship, there are numerous ways to lift a patient's spirits and help them pass the time. Whether it's providing mental stimulation, offering comfort and support, or simply being present, there are a variety of ways to bring joy and fun to someone's hospital stay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gifts | Books, comfortable clothing, tech, puzzles, games, personal care items, shawls, food, flowers, gift cards, etc. |
| Activities | Scavenger hunt, making giant get-well cards, playing board games, video games, learning a new hobby, taking a stroll, etc. |
| Companionship | Phone calls, visits, surprise visits, etc. |
| Entertainment | Watching TV, listening to music, watching movies, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Gifts: comfort items, books, games, and puzzles
Comfort items, books, games, and puzzles are excellent gifts to keep someone entertained during a hospital stay. These gifts can help relieve boredom and lift the patient's spirits. When selecting comfort items, it is important to consider the patient's physical limitations and any potential interference with their recovery. For example, shawls are preferable to sweaters as they do not interfere with intravenous lines. Other comfort items could include comfortable yet practical clothing, such as a soft robe and slippers, which can help the patient feel more human after days of wearing a hospital gown.
Books are another thoughtful gift, offering entertainment and a means to unwind. If possible, ask the patient about their reading preferences and browse a bookstore for suitable options, or purchase a gift certificate for ebooks or audiobooks.
Games and puzzles are also a great way to keep the patient entertained and mentally stimulated. Physical games, such as chess or backgammon, can be enjoyed with visitors and provide social interaction. Alternatively, puzzle books, crosswords, Sudoku, or other brain games can be enjoyed independently.
For tech-savvy patients, digital gifts such as a tablet pre-loaded with movies or music can be a welcome distraction. A month's subscription to a popular streaming service can also be a thoughtful gift, allowing the patient to discover new shows or catch up on their favourites.
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Visits: social interaction, companionship, and support
Social interaction, companionship, and support are essential for a patient's recovery. Humans are naturally social creatures, and social interaction provides patients with the encouragement to get better and a feeling of normalcy.
Visits
Visits from friends and family can significantly impact a patient's recovery and provide comfort and support. It is important to be mindful of the patient's rest and recovery time and know when to leave. A surprise visit from a close friend or family member can brighten a patient's day and provide a sense of companionship.
Social Interaction
Social interaction can help provide mental stimulation for patients, especially those who are mentally alert but require lengthy rest. Engaging in conversations about shared surroundings, sharing stories, and simply being present can make a difference. If possible, taking a stroll down the hallway with the patient, perhaps to the hospital café or communal lounge, can provide a change of scenery and a break from the monotony of the hospital room.
Gifts
Thoughtful gifts can also provide comfort and support during a patient's hospital stay. It is important to consider the patient's needs and wants, as well as any hospital restrictions. Comfort items such as soft pillows, shawls, and comfortable clothing can make the patient feel more at ease. Personal care items, books, puzzles, and games can also help relieve boredom and provide entertainment.
Meals
Bringing a home-cooked meal or a favourite snack can be a wonderful treat for a patient, as long as there are no dietary restrictions. Sharing a meal can create a sense of normalcy and provide an opportunity for social interaction and companionship.
Entertainment
In addition to gifts and meals, there are other ways to entertain and support a patient during a hospital stay. Singing or playing an instrument for the patient, as well as bringing in board games or a gaming console, can create a fun and engaging environment. Creating a scavenger hunt or bringing funny wigs and props for the patient and visitors to wear can add a touch of humour and light-heartedness to the hospital stay.
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Food: treats, snacks, and meals
Food is a great way to keep someone entertained during a hospital stay. It is important to check with the hospital and confirm that there are no dietary restrictions before bringing food. It is also a good idea to bring food that does not require immediate refrigeration and is not crumbly or easily spilled.
Meals are always appreciated, especially freezer meals, as they can be stored and eaten at a later date. Good options for freezer meals include soups, casseroles, pasta dishes such as lasagna, and Mexican dishes like enchiladas.
Snack baskets are another great option to keep someone entertained with food during a hospital stay. They are portable and can be carried back and forth to the hospital. Snack baskets are also quick and easy to put together. They can include items such as granola bars, fresh and canned fruit, crackers, homemade cookies, beef jerky, nuts, popcorn, pretzels, juice, and even some chocolate or candy.
If you are visiting, it is a nice gesture to bring a favorite food or treat, such as chocolate or ice cream, to share with the patient. You can also get a tea, coffee, or cold drink to enjoy together during your visit.
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Entertainment: TV, music, and hobbies
If you or someone you know is facing a long hospital stay, it's perfectly normal to feel bored or restless after a few days. Here are some tips to keep yourself or someone else entertained with TV, music, and hobbies:
TV and Movies
Catching up on TV shows and movies can be a great way to pass the time during a hospital stay. If there's a show everyone at work has been talking about, now is the time to binge-watch it. You can bring DVDs or use streaming services to access the latest films and shows. Many hospitals have TVs available, and you can connect your laptop or tablet to them. Alternatively, you can bring your own device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or iPad, to watch your favourite shows and movies.
Music
Music can be a wonderful way to keep yourself or a loved one entertained and engaged during a hospital stay. It can be especially beneficial for people with dementia, making them more alert and communicative. Bring your own device and a pair of headphones to listen to your favourite tunes. You can also sing along, as long as it won't disturb others.
Hobbies and Crafts
Picking up a new hobby or revisiting an old one can help pass the time and give you a sense of accomplishment. Knitting, crocheting, sewing, drawing, and model building are just a few examples of hobbies that can be easily pursued in a hospital setting. Craft projects, such as colouring books or simple puzzles, can also keep you entertained and engaged during your recovery.
Games
Handheld gaming devices, board games, and video games can provide hours of entertainment and keep your mind sharp. If you're feeling up for it, you can even play games with friends online or in person.
By combining these various forms of entertainment, you or your loved one can stay engaged and occupied during a hospital stay, making the time pass more quickly and pleasantly.
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Activities: walks, cards, and scavenger hunts
Walks, cards, and scavenger hunts are great ways to keep someone entertained in the hospital. If your companion is able to walk, you could take them on a short walk around the hospital premises. This could be a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to get some fresh air. Alternatively, if your companion is unable to walk, you could offer to push them in their wheelchair while you take a stroll. Walking can be a great way to improve someone's mood and get them moving, even if it's just a short distance.
If your companion prefers quieter activities, cards are a classic form of entertainment that can be enjoyed at a slow pace. You could bring a deck of cards and play a variety of games, such as solitaire, patience, or even simple matching games. Cards can be a good way to pass the time and keep your companion's mind active. You could also bring colouring cards or blank cards to write personalised messages on.
Scavenger hunts can add an element of fun and engagement to a hospital stay. You could create a list of items for your companion to find around the hospital, such as a stethoscope, a nurse's station, or a particular type of medical equipment. Alternatively, you could send them riddles or clues via text message, leading them on a fun and engaging hunt around the hospital. For example, "Where people sit and wait their turn, find this spot, and you'll learn!" leads to the waiting room. Scavenger hunts can be a great way to educate and entertain, providing an enjoyable distraction from the hospital routine.
Additionally, walks can be combined with scavenger hunts to create a more interactive experience. You could plan a walk around the hospital grounds and incorporate items to find along the way, such as specific types of plants, birds, or other points of interest. This can add an element of exploration and discovery to a walk, making it more engaging and enjoyable.
Whether it's a quiet card game, an engaging scavenger hunt, or a refreshing walk, these activities can provide entertainment, stimulation, and a sense of normalcy for someone in the hospital. It's important to adapt these activities to your companion's needs and abilities, ensuring their comfort and enjoyment throughout.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to keep someone entertained in hospital, here are some ideas:
- Bring in games, books, or puzzles
- Play video games
- Take them on a drive or a walk around the hospital
- Bring in their favourite snacks
- Play music or bring an instrument
Here are some gift ideas that can help relieve boredom and cheer up someone in the hospital:
- Comfortable clothing
- Personal care items
- Tech
- Gift cards
- Shawls
Here are some fun activities that can brighten a patient's day:
- Make giant get-well cards
- Bring in funny wigs, hats, or fake moustaches
- Make up silly stories about people who walk by the room
- Have visitors write fake stories about how they met the patient
