Have you ever wondered what to get for someone in the hospital or on hospice? As nurses we have seen it all….and most gifts that people give are short lived. A balloon or flowers for instance is fun and vibrant the first few days the patients have them. However, after a few days the balloons and flowers become a bit deflated. Patients that are in the hospital have extended time being “the patient” tend to have the similar feeling after being in the hospital for an extended period. It has often led me to question what is a good gift for someone who has an extended recovery or is in hospice.
Some of my favorite gifts I have seen working in the ICU are pictures of loved ones and messages of support and love. These give continual good vibes to the patient and the family caregiving the patient.
Gifts with favorite books and activities for the patient are also excellent gift ideas. Depending on the age of the patient I have seen families bring in video games, adult coloring books, sudokus and crossword puzzles. This gives the patient entertainment, and they can feel more like themselves.
Food is always a good bet for patients but be sure you check and make sure the patient does not have any diet restrictions prior to bringing. This can be a bummer for a patient with diet restrictions to see all sorts of delicious foods they are not allowed to eat currently.
Any items of comfort are a good option to bring. Fuzzy socks or slippers are a good bet as hospitals are generally chilly. Make sure the socks or slippers have good traction as patients generally do not have shoes on and might be on medications that make them more susceptible to falling.
A warm fuzzy blanket to cuddle with is always a plus. Most of the hospital blankets are a bit rough and a fuzzy blanket can make a patient feel cozier and more comfortable. There are weighted blankets that can help with anxiety that would be a good gift idea as well.
Essential oils are a great gift for in the hospital to give the room a better smell than the sterile hospital smell. There are also added benefits to essential oils such as help relaxing, sleeping, and reducing nausea. Lavender is great for relaxation and sleep whereas; peppermint, ginger, lemon, chamomile, and fennel are good for nausea.
DIHGS (Dignified In Hospital Gowns) This is a nurse designed product that is shorts and a top that allow all the access medical professionals need while maintaining patient dignity. Patients can walk through the hallway of the hospital and not have to worry about their bottom being exposed. Check it out at: www.empowrn.com
The key to getting a patient a gift in the hospital is to think about what will make them more comfortable. I hope you find this guide helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. We would love to hear your gift ideas that have not been included.