Picture a hospital room.
Now picture the surroundings you would most like to be in if you were sick. The sort of environment that makes you feel safe, secure, relaxed, loved.
Was there even a single thing present in both environments? If so, you are probably in the minority! When children are in hospital it's common to take them a favourite soft toy, blanket and pillow - why don't we do the same for adults? Research has shown that people recover better when surrounded by familiar and comforting things.
Cards and bunches of flowers are the usual gifts for somebody in hospital. What about flower pots that won't wilt in 2 days, and posters they can see from bed?
One of the fun things about being in hospital is that soft toys aren't just for kids - even the biggest and bravest is allowed to have a teddy on the bed and nobody will blink. I always take my stuffed polar bear to hospital with me, it's become a tradition now. Sometimes he even gets his own name-band!
Comfort is important when somebody is in pain, and hospital beds and blankets aren't always the best in the world. Think of bringing in the person's own pillows and doona or quilt. Once when I was in hospital for an extended period, Mum brought in new pajamas with smiley faces all oven them! As well as being comfortable to wear in bed, they provided a talking point for the staff.
Having familiar and encouraging things to look at is a great boost to the mood. Make sure you put cards, flowers and other gifts where they can be seen by the patient - I recently visited my grandfather in hospital and discovered all his cards and flowers carefully stowed on a shelf behind his head!
Photos of family and friends can help the sick person feel cared for in between visits. And you will often be allowed to blutac things on the walls, or at least the cupboard doors, if you ask nicely - children's drawings, photos, cards, and positive or inspiring posters are wonderful things to distract the eye.
This may be well and good when you have time to plan for your stay, but where somebody is rushed to hospital, you could be forgiven for thinking of the patient's immediate health rather than their favourite teddy bear. When things have calmed down, stop and think and surprise them with some comforts from home. Better late then never.
There are, of course, some caveats about taking personal effects in to a hospital environment: There are stricter rules in places like intensive care because of infection risks, ask first if you aren't sure if it's okay. Put your name on everything. Don't take anything valuable or irreplaceable, things may be lost, stolen, or damaged while you are out of the room. And be prepared for your items to maybe need a bout in the washing machine, sick people can be unpredictably messy even with the best of intentions!
Hospitals are rotten places to spend time, but with a little thought and care they can be at least bearable.
