When someone you hold dear is in hospice care in Virginia Beach, you’ll want to offer your love and support. You might also want to give them a gift, something that shows how much you care – but if you’re like many people in this position, you’re finding it difficult to pick a present.
So, what would be a good gift for a hospice patient?
With the end of life approaching, gifts that make the final days, weeks or months more enjoyable are ideal. At Suncrest of Virginia Beach, we’ve seen hospice patients receive many different types of presents from friends and family members. As the saying goes, it’s the thought that counts, but you’ll be hoping your loved one appreciates whatever you put forward. When looking for the right gift, consider the following.
Nostalgic Gifts for Hospice Patients
When faced with a life-limiting illness, many people enjoy thinking about happier times and people from the past. Choose one of these gifts, and your loved one in hospice care will be able to relive their most cherished moments whenever they’d like:
- Digital photo frame – Gazing at a digital picture frame loaded with tons of special photos can help a hospice patient focus on positive memories.
- Photo album – Similarly, a small album filled with photos of special people and notable life experiences makes a good gift for someone in hospice.
- Memory jar – Filled with heartfelt messages and reminders of the past written on slips of paper, a memory jar offers comfort whenever it is needed.
- Home movies – When a hospice patient has a collection of old slides and home movies, getting them digitized is a great way to show love and support.
- Much-loved music – Favorite songs can bring up pleasant memories, and a personal playlist on an iPod or Kindle is sure to be appreciated.
Comforting Gifts for Hospice Patients
The primary goal of hospice care is to improve quality of life as the end draws near, and Virginia Beach hospice professionals make every effort to ensure patient comfort. Go with one of these ideas, and the gift you offer your loved one can provide comfort, too:
- Cozy blanket – People on hospice care often experience chills, and with a plush, ultra-soft blanket, they can stay warm and comfortable at all times.
- Fuzzy socks – A comfy pair of socks, one with slip resistance to help prevent falls, is a gift that any Virginia Beach hospice patient would appreciate.
- Soothing candle – Aromatherapy can be beneficial at the end of life, and if approved by the hospice team, a scented candle might be just the right present.
- Hot water bottle – In hospice care, these bottles are often used to help reduce pain, but gifting one with an attractive cover offers an additional dose of comfort.
- Spiritual gift – A contemplative art piece, prayer journal or other meaningful gift that touches the heart and eases the mind may be perfect for a spiritual person.
Fun Gifts for Bored Hospice Patients
Ask almost anyone in hospice care, and they’ll tell you there are long periods of time with very little to do. For a hospice patient, it can seem as if there is no escape from the boredom. Offer one of these gifts to your loved one, and they won’t feel that way:
- Puzzles – Whether a traditional jigsaw puzzle or a book of crosswords and Sudoku puzzles, anything that occupies the mind and hands is a great choice.
- Arts and crafts – Adult coloring books, paper crafts and simple art projects are entertaining ways for an individual on hospice to spend their time.
- Personalized journal – When the end of life is near, writing down thoughts and feelings or using a digital voice recorder to recount memories can be cathartic.
- Reading materials – Books and magazines can be fun for a hospice patient to read, but for those who are unable, audible books are just as enjoyable.
- Desktop Zen garden – Creating a miniature Japanese garden using sand, stones and small tools can bring peace and tranquility to someone in hospice care.
The Greatest Gift for a Hospice Patient is Your Time
We could go on to suggest other ideas of what you could give to your close friend or relative, but in all honesty, the very best gift for someone in hospice care is the gift of your time. By offering your undivided attention as often as possible, you’ll let the person you hold dear know how much they’re valued.
Whether you sit and chat, take a walk or go for a drive, time spent together can be both enjoyable and heartwarming. When you visit, listen to what your loved one has to say, lend a sympathetic ear, and share positive memories. With that approach, you can bring comfort and peace of mind – and to a hospice patient, that’s worth more than anything you could buy.
At Suncrest of Virginia Beach, we support individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses. To learn about the services we provide, or for more gift ideas for a loved one in hospice care, contact us today.
