Jordan Ellis
Staying in the hospital can be a lonely and boring experience. Luckily, there are many ways to keep someone occupied during their stay. From bringing a shawl instead of a sweater to avoid interfering with intravenous lines, to providing a laptop or tablet to stay connected with friends and family, there are numerous ways to keep patients entertained. Decorating their space with pictures of loved ones or other mementos can also make patients feel more at home. In addition, gifts such as individually wrapped presents or thoughtful notes can brighten someone's day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gifts | Small thoughtful or funny gifts, individually wrapped, notes, photo boards or collages, stuffed animal, shawls, flowers or artificial flowers |
| Entertainment | Laptop, cell phone, tablet, books, magazines, crossword puzzle books, TV, Netflix |
| Companionship | Phone calls, visits, photographs of friends, family and pets |
| Food | Takeout food, chocolate chip cookies, chicken soup |
| Music | Music player |
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What You'll Learn
- Bring a laptop, cell phone or tablet to stay connected with friends and family
- Decorate the room with pictures of loved ones and mementos
- Bring a book, magazine, crossword puzzle or other reading material
- Play music, or bring a musical instrument to play for the patient
- Bring a small gift, such as a stuffed animal, to represent a beloved pet
Bring a laptop, cell phone or tablet to stay connected with friends and family
Staying connected with friends and family can be a great way to keep someone occupied during a hospital stay. A laptop, cell phone, or tablet can be used to stay connected with loved ones and provide mental stimulation, which is important for patients who are mentally alert but require lengthy rest and recovery.
One way to use technology to stay connected is through video calls or phone calls. This can allow friends and family to see and speak to the patient, providing a sense of normal social interaction. It can also be a way for the patient to feel included in events or gatherings that they may be missing due to their hospital stay.
There are also a variety of apps available that can help patients stay connected with their support network. These apps can provide updates to friends and family, coordinate visits or errands, and facilitate communication between the patient and their loved ones. For example, the app Life360 allows users to create different "circles" to send relevant information to specific groups of people.
In addition to video calls and apps, patients can also stay connected through text messages or social media platforms. This can be a more casual way to check in with friends and family and provide updates on the patient's condition or treatment.
It is important to remember that while technology can be a great tool for staying connected, it should not be the only means of communication. Sometimes, a simple visit, phone call, or handwritten note can mean a lot to a patient and provide a sense of comfort and encouragement.
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Decorate the room with pictures of loved ones and mementos
Decorating a hospital room with pictures of loved ones and mementos can be a great way to keep someone occupied and positively distracted during their stay. It can also help to create a comforting and familiar environment, making the patient feel less isolated and more at home.
Firstly, it is important to check with the hospital what items are allowed to be brought in and displayed. For example, some hospitals may not allow flowers, but may permit artificial flowers. Once you have confirmed what is allowed, you can start gathering items to decorate the room.
Pictures of friends, family, and pets are a wonderful way to personalise the space. These could be compiled in a small album or printed individually to stick on the walls. If possible, consider bringing in a photo board or creating a collage, which can be a fun activity for the patient to put together. Alternatively, a simple picture frame or two can be used to display cherished photos, allowing them to be easily changed or updated.
In addition to photos, other mementos and keepsakes can be used to decorate the room. This could include items such as a small stuffed animal, especially if it represents a beloved pet. Encouraging quotes can also be added to the walls, providing motivation and a positive mindset. If the patient has a favourite colour or theme, consider incorporating it into the decorations to make the space feel even more personalised.
Remember to be mindful of the patient's energy levels and preferences. While decorating the room can be a fun activity, it is important to avoid overwhelming the patient or causing unnecessary clutter. Involve them in the process, allowing them to decide where items should be placed and how they would like the space to be arranged. This gives them a sense of control and ensures the decorations are tailored to their tastes.
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Bring a book, magazine, crossword puzzle or other reading material
If you're looking to keep someone occupied during a hospital stay, bringing reading material is a great idea. This could include books, magazines, or crossword puzzles.
If you're bringing a book, it's important to consider the patient's preferences. Novels or short story compilations can be a good choice, as they can be easy to put down and pick back up between interruptions from medical staff. For example, a lighthearted novel like "The Bride Test" can provide an enjoyable escape without being too heavy or difficult to follow. Alternatively, if the patient is a fan of comics, consider bringing them a friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man comic book.
If the patient is not much of a fiction reader, consider a memoir or non-fiction book. "Home Remedies: Stories" by Xuan Juliana Wang is a collection of short stories focused on the young Chinese generation finding their identity in a modern world with traditional values. Alternatively, if the patient is interested in the medical field, consider a memoir by a surgeon, such as those by poet-philosopher Richard Selzer or Atul Gawande. These provide insight into the world of medicine and surgery and can be an interesting read for those curious about the inner workings of a hospital.
Magazines can also be a good option, especially if the patient has varied interests. Scientific magazines, in particular, tend to stick around in hospital waiting rooms, according to a 2014 study in The BMJ. If the patient is undergoing chemotherapy, for example, magazines can provide a welcome distraction during multiple wait times.
Crossword puzzles or other word puzzles can also be a good option to include, as they provide a different type of mental stimulation and can be done at the patient's own pace.
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Play music, or bring a musical instrument to play for the patient
Playing music or bringing a musical instrument to play for a hospitalised patient can be a great way to keep them occupied and positively impact their recovery. Music therapy is a growing field in healthcare, with many hospitals adopting it across various specialties. Music therapy involves directly interacting with music to improve medical outcomes and can be an effective tool for pain management, stress reduction, and mood enhancement. It can also help with anxiety reduction, relaxation, and emotional expression.
Music has been shown to positively influence emotions, and in a hospital setting, it can be a powerful tool for calming and healing. It can provide a sense of familiarity, security, and predictability, which can be especially beneficial for patients who may feel a lack of control or safety in a hospital environment. Additionally, music can help to reduce agitation and improve the overall environment of the ward.
When bringing music to a hospitalised patient, consider their music preferences and interests. If they enjoy a particular genre or have specific songs that hold special meaning for them, try to incorporate those into the experience. You can create a personalised playlist or bring a musical instrument to play their favourite tunes. If the patient themselves plays an instrument, encourage them to play if they feel up to it.
If the patient is mentally alert but requires a lengthy rest and recovery, playing music or singing along with them can provide mental stimulation and a sense of normalcy. It can also be a wonderful way to create new memories and forge a stronger connection with the patient. In addition, if the patient is celebrating a special occasion during their hospital stay, music can enhance the celebration and make it more enjoyable and memorable.
It is important to be mindful of the patient's condition and energy levels. While music can be uplifting, ensure that you do not overstimulate the patient or interfere with their rest. Be attentive to their needs and adjust the volume or type of music accordingly. If possible, involve the patient in the selection process to ensure their preferences are considered.
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Bring a small gift, such as a stuffed animal, to represent a beloved pet
If you know someone who is going to be in the hospital for an extended period, you might want to bring them a small gift to keep them occupied and to lift their spirits. A thoughtful present can be a great source of comfort and mental stimulation for patients, especially those who are in hospital for a long time.
A small stuffed animal is a great gift idea, especially if it represents a beloved pet that the patient has at home. This can be a wonderful reminder of their furry friend and can provide comfort and companionship during their stay. If the patient has a dog or a cat, a stuffed animal version of their pet can be a fun and comforting presence. It can also be a conversation starter with other patients and hospital staff, creating a sense of familiarity and social interaction.
When choosing a stuffed animal, opt for something that is small and easy to keep on the bedside table or hold. It should be something that can be easily cleaned and maintained in a hospital setting. You could also consider adding a personal touch by choosing a stuffed animal that resembles the patient's pet in colour or breed. This could make it even more special and meaningful for the patient.
If you want to enhance this gift further, you could include a small photo of their pet, or even a collection of photos of their friends, family, and pets. These photos could be compiled in a small album or printed individually to be stuck on the hospital room wall. This adds a visual element to the gift and can further brighten up the patient's surroundings.
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Frequently asked questions
Gifts that can keep someone occupied in the hospital include books of crosswords or puzzles, a series of individually wrapped small gifts or notes to be opened on different days, a stuffed animal, a shawl, or a bag filled with basic toiletries.
If the patient has access to a laptop, cell phone, or tablet, they can use it to stay in touch with family and friends through video chats, social media, or Skype. They can also watch shows or movies on Netflix or the hospital television. Alternatively, they can bring their own pillow, blanket, or lounge clothes to make the hospital feel more like home.
Before heading to the hospital, it is important to prepare one's home for the stay by tidying up, arranging for pet care, and paying bills or setting up auto-payments. It is also helpful to make a list of all medications and important paperwork, and to have all doctors' numbers readily available.
Companionship is important for patients in the hospital. Visitors can bring in takeout food, a music player, or a guitar to play for the patient. They can also decorate the patient's room with pictures of loved ones, encouraging quotes, or flowers (if allowed by the hospital).
