It can be so hard to know what to do when a loved one is in the hospital for an extended period of time. You want to help, but how? Below are three ideas of things to do for them while they're in the hospital. 

1. Check in

Check in with them regularly. If you normally call them (instead of texting), do that, but do be mindful that they won't be on their normal schedule while in hospital. A daily check in or even every other day, depending on how you normally communicate with them, can do wonders for their spirit. 

2. Send/deliver snacks or take-out

If the hospital allows it, have food (appropriate to their medical protocol of course) delivered, or bring it yourself. Hospital food for an extended period of time gets old, really fast. A nice culinary treat would be a welcome distraction. Just make sure to check with them first on what they're allowed to have. 

3. Send useful, thoughtful gifts

Well, this is where we really shine. Send them a care package filled with goodies to make their stay more comfortable and a bit more luxurious too. A bonus is that whenever they use the gifts, they'll think of you and remember you're with them on this medical journey. Key gift ideas include an eye mask to shut out harsh lights, a comfortable blanket to make those hospital sheets a bit more bearable and cozy socks with grippers that are eons better than the ones given in the hospital. 

For more gift ideas, check out our blog post with even more information.