Comfort for Hospital Patients

On Fridays I’ve been doing book reviews and author interviews, but I’ve not had time to read recently, so I don’t have any for today. Look for #FridayReads to return next week, I hope …
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A friend recently emailed me saying, “Since you spent a long time in the hospital I was wondering what you suggest I put in a goodie bag for a friend who will be in the hospital for a few days following a surgery?”

I thought I’d share the list with you. Hospital comfort baskets shouldn’t be too large, smaller is better, because space to set them can be limited. A small basket, decorative box or purse (as shown in the picture) is better than a gift bag, because the patient can see what is in it without digging through it. Plus gift bags fall over too easily.

Chapstick - While in the hospital, my lips were always dry … maybe it was air, maybe the meds I was on, but either way I always needed some type of moisturizing lip balm.

Breath mints - To counter-act the dry mouth and bad breath due to the meds.

Gum – Any gum is good, but bubble gum wins! Because it gives the patient something to do during times of boredom. Can they still blow a bubble as big as they did as a kid? (Not that I tried this …)

Soft tissues - The hospital ones are coarse.

Nail file - This one might only be for the females, but there’s nothing like a broken, jagged nail to add more annoyance to an already tough situation.

Fuzzy socks – Warm feet helps one deal with being in the hospital better.

Magazines - Easy light reading. Reader’s Digest is good because it has short stories and jokes … and sometimes when life sucks, it helps to laugh.

A soft blanket - The hospital ones can be coarse.

Favorite snack* - For me, it would be combos (the cracker kind with cheddar cheese)

Fresh fruit – I’ll never forget the fresh, sweet peaches, my stranger-turned-friend Brenda (who I introduce to the world in Because I Can) brought me.

Homemade cookies – Comfort food!

Chocolate – Dove dark chocolate for me.

*Depending on the reason for the hospital stay, food items might not be appropriate. 
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If you’ve spent time in the hospital—what have I missed?

 

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  • http://www.alise-write.com Alise Wright

    What a great, practical list. My hospital stays have always been short, after giving birth, so I wouldn’t really have any idea of long-term things people might need.

    The only other thing that I would want if I were stuck in a hospital for a long time would be music/audio books to listen to. Obviously I’d want people to get some kind of idea what style I like, but yeah. New music is always a balm to my soul.

    • http://www.JanetOberholtzer.com Janet Oberholtzer

      Thanks Alise! Music/audio books are great suggestions for a longer hospital stay … though you might also have to provide a Cd player or give them electronic formats for phones/ipads/etcs.

  • melissa

    This is great info. I’d add a big fluffy towel.

    • http://www.JanetOberholtzer.com Janet Oberholtzer

      Great idea! Thanks for sharing. 

  • http://www.hillsideslide.blogspot.com hillsideslide

    Great list!  My friends brought nail polish & my sister would paint my toenails.  My fav gift we couldn’t use was when some of the college-aged “kids” brought a candle.  They asked the nurse if they could light it.  “In this oxygen-rich envirnoment?  No.”

    • http://www.JanetOberholtzer.com Janet Oberholtzer

      Nail polish … what a fun idea. 
      Candle … not so much.