Visits also help the family members who are often at their loved ones side a lot. At some point, there just isn’t that much to say or do in a hospital or rehab room so having others come is wonderful!
4 Likes
I will give a bit of personal experience…when my dad passed and I got divorced, most of my family members and friends thought I would just carry on. It would have been helpful if they would have just called to see how I was doing. My mom and one friend called me everyday just to let me know I wasn’t alone. That friend also made a point of knowing when I was traveling so I had someone to tell, “I got here safely.” I will always be grateful to that friend. I think just a call or visit when someone is down or sick is what they need.
12 Likes
I am not one of these people but I know that some people feel they CANNOT go somewhere empty handed. Gift giving is part of their love language.
I would just say for someone older or not well or who doesn’t have specific item needs, make your “gift” something consumable. Tea as mentioned above. Fruit that won’t go bad fast. Homemade quick bread. For themselves or to have something on hand for home helpers or visitors.
I really dislike being give something I don’t need and having to figure out what to do with it.
5 Likes
A gift that I’ve sometimes included when sending a card to older relatives is postage stamps. I try to find something they’d like, sometimes one of the specialty collections (like national parks etc).
2 Likes
A Yeti cup - for keeping bedside drinks cold - has been much appreciated. For folks who like to correspond, notecards (and stamps!) can be great. I visit a couple of people who love getting books, and we can later chat about them (even on a phone call.). Disposable coasters!
I often shop for my mom’s older friends. They usually have a system in place for groceries, but weird things - a certain bottle of liquor, getting a watch battery replaced – often end up on my list.
2 Likes
When my daughter was sick, everyone and their brother brought her blankets. My D loves blankets and always has one around.
She now has quite the collection. Maybe like mugs!
1 Like
Next time I’m where the stroke person is, I will take her a nice soft throw. I think it will be appreciated, especially when the weather gets cooler (although the inside temps in these places is set pretty high).
1 Like
Nice! Watch battery tasks can be a pain. I once had to buy my mother a new watch. I bought 3 or 4 different styles at Walmart, let her choose her favorite. Returned the others.
For my grandfather, I once bought a clock for for the nursing home wall, with huge numbers. (Made a joke of it. Temporarily lashed it to a belt and said, “You keep wanting a watch with bigger numbers….” Laughter is good medicine).