Tessa Quinn
Staying in the hospital can be a stressful and challenging experience for patients, and it can be difficult to know how to best support someone in this situation. However, there are many ways to bring cheer and comfort to a hospitalised friend or family member. Spending time with the patient, offering encouragement, and sharing humorous messages or videos can help to lift their spirits and ease their anxieties. Gifts, such as an e-book reader or individually wrapped treats to be opened on different days, can also bring joy and provide a sense of celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spend time with them | Your presence will help the time go by more quickly, easing their anxieties and fears |
| Gift-giving | Gifts can be a great source of joy. Gifts to family members, such as hospital parking passes, are also thoughtful |
| Play music | With the hospital's permission, you could sing in their room or ask the nurse if you can play a mini-concert in the hallway |
| Share stories | Sharing read-aloud stories is a great way to lift the spirits of hospital-bound children |
| Watch movies | Schedule a movie-watching session, humorous movies will especially help lift their spirits |
| Send encouraging messages | Sending a quick, encouraging message over the phone or delivering it in person can do wonders to make your friend or family member feel better |
| Offer help with day-to-day tasks | Offer to help with day-to-day tasks to make their post-recovery easier |
| Make things easy | Make it easy for patients to interact with your medical practice. The more comfortable you make it for patients to contact you, the more satisfied they’ll be |
| Explain the benefits of your products | Show patients that they need a product or service to protect their health, save money and give them peace of mind |
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What You'll Learn
- Gifts: small, thoughtful, funny, individually wrapped for different days
- Visits: spend time, bring treats, and offer caregiver respite
- Music: play an instrument, sing, or suggest a movie night
- Contact: send encouraging messages, make phone calls, and be a patient advocate
- Photos: compile albums, print favourites, and bring familiar items
Gifts: small, thoughtful, funny, individually wrapped for different days
Gifts are a great way to motivate someone in the hospital and lift their spirits. Here are some ideas for small, thoughtful, and funny gifts that can be individually wrapped for different days:
Day 1: Comfort Items
A hospital stay can be uncomfortable, so practical gifts that provide comfort are always appreciated. Consider a soft shawl, which is easier to wear than a sweater if the patient has intravenous lines. Other ideas include warm socks with grips, a nice blanket, or a comfortable pillow. If the patient is allowed to eat and drink whatever they want, you can bring their favourite snacks and drinks. Just be sure to confirm any dietary restrictions with the hospital staff.
Day 2: Entertainment
Boredom is a common issue for hospital patients, so bring something to help pass the time. Books, magazines, crossword puzzles, or adult colouring books are great options. If the patient is a techie, consider a tablet or e-reader, which can provide access to books, movies, and games all in one device. You can also get them a subscription to an online audiobook or podcast service.
Day 3: Self-Care and Pampering
Bring some calming lotion or soothing lip balm to help the patient relax and feel pampered. You could also offer to give them a manicure or pedicure, or bring some nail polish so they can do their own nails. If the patient is feeling up for it, you could bring some makeup or skincare products for a mini spa experience.
Day 4: Personal Care Items
Sometimes it's the little things that get forgotten, so bring some personal care items that will make their stay more comfortable. High-quality tissues and soft toilet paper can be a surprisingly thoughtful gift. You can also bring their favourite brand of toothpaste, shampoo, or any other toiletries they may need.
Day 5: Something Funny
Laughter is the best medicine, so bring something that will make them smile. This could be a funny movie, a comedy audiobook, or a joke book. You could also bring a small stuffed animal that represents their beloved pet or a favourite character. Alternatively, you could bring a board game or card game that will bring some laughter and friendly competition.
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Visits: spend time, bring treats, and offer caregiver respite
Spending time with a hospitalised loved one is one of the most important things you can do for them. Your presence will help ease their anxieties and fears, and laughter is an important part of the healing process. If you can, try to be there in person to ask them how they're doing and express your love and support. If you can't visit in person, a quick phone call or message can also be encouraging. Just be sure to follow their lead and avoid making jokes if they're not interested.
When you visit, it's important to know when to leave. Recognise when the patient needs to rest and respect their privacy. You can also offer the caregiver some respite by giving them time to take a break, run an errand, or spend time alone. Before your visit, check with the patient to make sure they're prepared for your arrival.
Bringing treats is a great way to cheer up a hospitalised friend or family member. You can bring thoughtful gifts, such as a shawl, an e-book reader, or individually wrapped gifts to be opened on different days. You can also bring treats for the caregivers, such as hospital parking passes or a few nights at a local motel. Just be sure to avoid anything scented or flavoured, as this can be unpleasant for patients who are feeling nauseous.
If your loved one is staying in the hospital for a longer period, you can make their room more enjoyable by decorating it with colourful lights and festive decorations or encouraging quotes. You can also bring touches from home, such as a pillow, a throw blanket, or photos of family and pets. These familiar items can make a hospital room seem more home-like and comfortable.
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Music: play an instrument, sing, or suggest a movie night
Playing an instrument, singing, or suggesting a movie night are all great ways to bring motivation and joy to someone in the hospital. Music, in particular, can be a powerful motivator and can brighten someone's day. If you're musically inclined, consider playing an instrument or singing for the patient. This can be a heartwarming and meaningful gesture, as nurse Emma Lestrange recalls: "This was heartwarming, and it meant a lot to the people who were ill. Something like this could really brighten someone's day."
If playing an instrument or singing isn't possible, creating a personalized movie night for the patient can be a fun alternative. Choose a movie that aligns with their interests or is simply something they've been wanting to watch. You can even bring some movie theater-style snacks, like popcorn or their favorite treats, to enhance the experience.
If you're unable to visit in person but want to incorporate music, create a personalized playlist for the patient. Take into account their music preferences and any songs that may have special meaning to them. This can be a thoughtful way to show you care, even from a distance.
For a more interactive musical experience, consider gifting the patient a simple instrument, such as a small drum or a Kalimba, if their health condition allows them to play. This can provide them with a creative outlet during their hospital stay and a sense of accomplishment as they learn something new.
When incorporating music into your motivational efforts, it's important to be mindful of the patient's health and energy levels. As nurse Marilyn O'Connor advises, "Know when to leave. Recognize when the patient needs to rest." By respecting their boundaries and listening to their needs, you can ensure that your musical gestures bring joy without causing exhaustion.
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Contact: send encouraging messages, make phone calls, and be a patient advocate
Sending encouraging messages, making phone calls, and being a patient advocate are all great ways to motivate someone in the hospital.
Sending Encouraging Messages
Sending a quick, encouraging message can make your friend or family member feel better. Depending on the nature of their illness, you can send a joking text or a silly video to make them laugh and help them cope. For instance, you could say, "I'm surprised this is your first time in the hospital since you're so clumsy! But seriously, feel better soon!". You can also send them a thoughtful text, such as, "Miss seeing you at the gym! Can't wait to work on hitting our squat goals once you've recovered!".
Making Phone Calls
Phone calls can provide mental stimulation and encouragement for the patient, especially if they are mentally alert but require lengthy rest and recovery. It helps them feel connected and gives them a sense of normal social interaction.
Being a Patient Advocate
Being a patient advocate for your loved one in the hospital is crucial, especially when hospital staff may be overworked and short-staffed. During your visit, you may need to walk to the nurse's station to ask questions and check in on things. You can also offer the caregiver respite time by running errands or bringing food, as it is often not included in hospital meals.
Remember to be mindful of the patient's needs and preferences, and always ask before bringing any items or making arrangements to ensure they align with hospital guidelines and the patient's comfort.
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Photos: compile albums, print favourites, and bring familiar items
Photographs are a great way to motivate someone in the hospital. They can provide inspiration for the patient to work hard at getting better, and help hospital staff see the patient outside of their patient role.
Nurse Marilyn O'Connor suggests that companionship is important for patients, but it's also important to know when to leave and let the patient rest. Photographs of friends, family, and pets can provide that companionship when visitors are not there. Intensive care unit nurse Owen Flynn agrees that phone calls and visits help provide mental stimulation and a feeling of normal social interaction.
There are several ways to incorporate photos into a hospital room. You could compile a selection of photos into a small album, or print a few favorites to stick on the wall. Nurse Michelle Archer from the medical intensive care unit favors photo boards or collages. Photos of family with the patient can remind them of their support network and encourage them to get better. It can also help patients see a reminder of who they are and what they are fighting for.
In addition to photos, you can bring other familiar items to help the patient feel more at home. Consider bringing a pillow, a throw blanket, or other touches from home.
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Frequently asked questions
Sending a quick, encouraging message over the phone or via text can be a great way to motivate your friend. You could also send a silly video or meme, or offer to help with day-to-day tasks like mowing their lawn or picking up their mail.
Gifts that can be used during a hospital stay, such as an e-book reader or iPad, can be a great way to motivate a friend. You could also bring in touches from home, such as a pillow, a throw blanket, or photos of family members or pets to make the hospital room feel more familiar and comforting.
It's important to be sensitive and follow their cues when visiting or communicating with a friend who is very ill. Offer to help the caregiver by giving them some respite time or running an errand for them. You could also bring in their favourite baked goods or treats to help lift their spirits.
