Brighten the Holidays for a Hospitalized Loved One

Spending the holidays in the hospital is not ideal. But if you have a friend or family member in the hospital during the holidays, there are a number of ways you can brighten his or her spirits and spread some holiday cheer.

“We encourage family members and friends to get creative around the holidays,” says Carolyn King, Director of Therapy at Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute. “Any thoughtful gestures or acts can help make the best of the situation for a loved one. Being in the hospital during the holidays can feel isolating, so including your loved ones in activities can help encourage them while allowing them to feel appreciated and involved.”

Before initiating plans, be sure to get pre-approval from the hospital staff to ensure the activities won’t disrupt the patient’s care or cause a safety concern. Some ideas that King recommends include:

1. Help relieve the patient’s stress. If your family member is concerned or worried about tasks that he or she usually performs around the holidays, offer to help. Purchase presents or address holiday cards for the individual (you may even be able to shop online or work on cards together at the hospital).
2. Decorate the patient’s room with a small tree, menorah, festive blanket, New Year’s hats, or even some drawings from children in your family. Be sure to check with hospital staff and follow facility regulations.
3. Bring the holidays to the hospital. If your loved one is receiving cards and presents at home, bring them to share. If you’re giving a holiday present, consider something that may be of use in the hospital, like a book or warm socks.
4. If allowed, bring your loved one special treats or meals that he or she associates with the holidays. In addition, hospital cafeterias often provide special holiday meals that are offered to patients and visitors.
5. Bring holiday DVDs or music to watch and listen to together in the room.

“Most importantly, remember that your loved one is in the hospital to heal, so don’t overwhelm him or her,” King says. “Typically, you’ll want to keep your visiting time short to allow plenty of time for rest and sleep, which is critical to recovery. You can always come back later or the next day when the patient is refreshed and ready for visitors again.”

Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute

Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute is a 40-bed, free-standing facility providing intensive physical rehabilitation services to patients recovering from strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries, and other impairments as a result of injury or illness. For more information, visit SRI.ernesthealth.com

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