Jordan Ellis
When a loved one is in the hospital, many people like to bring gifts to cheer them up and relieve their boredom. However, it is important to be aware of what the patient might need or want, as well as what is permitted under hospital rules. For example, while flowers and food are common gifts, they may not be allowed in every part of the hospital. Instead, consider bringing items that will make the patient feel more comfortable, such as comfortable clothing, puzzles, books, or technology. Alternatively, you could offer to help out or provide companionship, recognizing when the patient needs to rest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gifts | Comfortable clothing, puzzles, games, books, magazines, audiobooks, podcasts, candy, chocolate, flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, photo albums, collages, comfort boxes, manicure or pedicure sets, music players, candles, cards, lip balm, lotion, etc. |
| Food | Check with the hospital before bringing food. The patient may be on a restricted diet. |
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What You'll Learn
Comfort items and personal care products
Comfort Items:
- Soft pillows and cushions: These can make the hospital bed feel more inviting and comfortable.
- Blankets: A soft and cosy blanket can provide warmth and a sense of comfort.
- Comfortable clothing: Hospital gowns can be uncomfortable and dehumanising. Bringing some loose, comfortable, and practical clothing can help the patient feel more like themselves. Consider clothing that allows easy access for medical procedures, such as button-down shirts or loose-fitting pyjamas.
- Familiar items: Items such as family photos, a favourite book or magazine, or a stuffed animal can provide comfort and a sense of home.
- Entertainment: Boredom can be an issue during long hospital stays. Consider bringing puzzles, crossword puzzles, playing cards, or a deck of cards. Handheld video games or a tablet loaded with games, ebooks, or audiobooks can also help pass the time.
Personal Care Products:
- Toiletries: Items such as toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash can help the patient feel fresh and clean.
- Skin care: Moisturiser, lip balm, and hand lotion can help combat the dryness often experienced in hospitals due to the indoor climate.
- Hair care: A brush or comb, hair ties, and other hair care accessories can help the patient feel more put together.
- Personal hygiene items: Feminine hygiene products, adult wet wipes, and other personal hygiene items can be useful.
- Slippers: A pair of comfortable slippers can provide warmth and comfort when walking around the hospital.
Remember to be mindful of the patient's specific needs and any restrictions they may have. Always check with the hospital and patient before bringing food or drinks, as dietary restrictions may be in place.
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Food and drink
Snack baskets are a great way to provide a variety of food and drinks that can be enjoyed throughout the day. Some ideas for snacks include granola bars, fresh and canned fruit, crackers, cookies, beef jerky, fruit leather, nuts, popcorn, pretzels, and candy. Drinks such as juice, milkshakes, and yoghurt drinks are also good options. If you want to provide something more substantial, consider a warm meal that can be transferred to the patient's dishes, or a freezer meal that can be saved for later.
For those with a sweet tooth, chocolates, boiled sweets, or mints are excellent choices, especially for dry mouths. Jam and marmalade can also be added to toast, bread, or pudding for an extra treat. If you're looking for something savoury, ask the nurse or hostess for extra butter or margarine portions to melt on vegetables or mix into mashed potatoes.
Additionally, it is important to consider any dietary restrictions the person may have. For example, if they have diabetes, ask to speak with the dietitian about appropriate food and drink options.
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Entertainment and gifts
When deciding what to bring someone in the hospital, it's important to be aware of what the patient might need or want, as well as what is permitted under hospital rules. Gifts can help lift their spirits and relieve boredom, but it's important to bring something that is appropriate and does not interfere with their recovery.
- Books: Bring a new book or the latest issue of their favorite magazine.
- Digital subscriptions: If the person has a smartphone or tablet, consider gifting them a subscription to an online audiobook service or an ebook app. Alternatively, introduce them to some new podcasts.
- Puzzles and games: Crossword puzzles, word searches, card games, and other compact games are great for passing the time.
- Comfort items: Soft pillows, comfortable clothing, or a cozy robe can make the patient feel more at ease.
- Personal care items: The patient may appreciate receiving personal care items such as calming lotion or soothing lip balm.
- Photos and mementos: Compile photos of friends, family, and pets in a small album or print a few to stick on the wall. Alternatively, create a comfort box filled with family pictures, their favorite quotes, and playlists.
- Music: Bring a music player and their favorite music to lift their mood.
- Entertainment: If the patient is up for it, consider bringing a movie or TV show they might enjoy, or offer to stream it from your device.
Remember to always check with the hospital and the patient's doctor before bringing any food items, as there may be dietary restrictions in place.
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Clothing
When it comes to clothing for a hospital stay, comfort and practicality are key. It's important to choose items that are easy to move around in and that provide easy access for medical examinations and treatments. Here are some key considerations and suggestions for clothing to bring to the hospital:
Comfort and Functionality:
Prioritize comfort above all else when selecting clothing for a hospital stay. Opt for soft, loose-fitting garments that allow for ease of movement and accommodate any potential swelling, tenderness, or pain. Comfortable clothing can enhance your overall well-being, promote better sleep, and potentially aid in a faster recovery.
Personal Clothing vs. Hospital Gowns:
Patients are often encouraged to bring their own clothing to wear when they are not undergoing treatment. Familiar clothes can provide comfort and a sense of normalcy, positively impacting your mood and outlook during your stay. Look for items that are easy to put on and take off and provide some extra roominess. Consider clothing with adaptive features, ensuring medical staff have easy access while maintaining your comfort.
However, hospital gowns are specifically designed with patient care in mind. They feature openings to facilitate medical access, and newer innovative gowns offer improved dignity and coverage. Ask your medical team if you can bring your own gown, especially if you have cultural or religious clothing preferences, to ensure your comfort and modesty needs are met.
Specific Clothing Items:
- Pajamas
- A robe
- Front-button shirts
- Sweatpants or leggings
- Non-slip socks or slippers
- Shower shoes or flip-flops
- A hoodie or cardigan
- Comfortable shoes and clothes to wear home
- Short-sleeved shirts (for accommodating IVs)
- Soft cotton shirts that open in the front (for nursing)
- Comfortable maternity clothes (for postpartum mothers)
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Companionship
A hospital stay can be a lonely experience, so companionship is a wonderful gift to give. If you are able to visit in person, your time is likely to be the most valuable thing you can offer. Simply being there for your loved one can provide mental stimulation and a feeling of normal social interaction.
If you are unable to visit in person, there are still ways to offer companionship. One idea is to create a comfort box, which you can send to the hospital or save to give to your loved one after they return home. You could include family photos, their favourite quotes, playlists, and small gifts or notes to open on different days. Alternatively, compile a selection of photos of friends, family, and pets in a tiny album or on a photo board, or print a few favourites to stick on the wall.
If you are able to visit in person, you could bring an empty shoebox and supplies to decorate it together, then discuss what your loved one would like to put in it. This can be a comforting activity and a way to brighten their hospital room. You could also offer to help with personal care items, such as washing their hair, giving them a manicure or pedicure, or a hand or foot massage.
Remember to be mindful of when your loved one needs to rest. If you are unable to visit in person, a phone call can be a good way to provide companionship without tiring them out.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some thoughtful gift ideas to make a hospital stay a little brighter:
- Comfortable clothing
- Books, magazines, or comics
- Puzzles and games
- Handheld games
- Coloring books
- Audiobooks
- Podcasts
- Chocolate
- Family pictures
- Favorite quotes
- Playlists
- A comfort box
It's important to be aware of what the patient might need or want, as well as what is permitted under hospital rules.
Yes, it's best to avoid gifts like flowers and food unless you know they are allowed. Many patients are on restricted diets, so always check with the hospital before bringing food.
Yes, sometimes the best gift is simply your time. A surprise visit can brighten someone's day and provide mental stimulation. You could also offer to help out or bring food for family members sitting with the patient.
Yes, human touch can be meaningful. A hand or foot massage, manicure, or pedicure can be soothing. You could also offer to wash their hair, bring them a cup of coffee, or sing/play music for them.
It's important to choose something comfortable and practical. Keep in mind that there may be intravenous (IV) drips, surgical drains, or electrocardiogram (ECG) cables that limit what the patient can wear. The clothing should also be washable and not something that will be ruined by bleeding or spills.
