Ways to Help Before a Hospital Stay

MAY 14, 2019  /  MAUREEN WITMER  / 

Ways to Help <i>Before</i> a Hospital Stay
When my son was born with a congenital heart defect, we were told that he would need 3 heart surgeries. The first two came quickly during his first year of life. Now he is five years old and the time has come for the final planned surgery we've been anticipating all these years. As his surgery date looms closer, and my stress level rises, I've been encouraged by the ways family and friends have come alongside us, showing their support through thoughtful expressions of love.
We've written before about ways to care for others during a hospital stay, but if you know of a person or family who has an upcoming surgery or hospital stay, keep these ideas in mind. I can tell you from experience, it lifts one's spirits when others acknowledge and even anticipate your needs, especially when you're in the hard place of waiting.
  • Give a gift card to a favorite restaurant or ice cream shop for a special family outing
  • Bring freezer meals to use whenever needed or plan a freezer meal workshop to stock their freezer
  • Offer to pay for a photo shoot for the family or the individual being hospitalized
  • If it's a child who is going to the hospital, buy gifts he or she can pack to brighten their hospital room. I just discovered these neat bed sheets that double as game boards!
  • For the mom, give a gift card to her favorite store so she can pick out comfy and cute clothes. It's nice to feel put together, even in a hospital
  • If the family agrees, set up an online giving page to help alleviate financial burdens
  • The ladies from my church have set up a prayer breakfast before our surgery date. I'm looking forward to having that time of fellowship and prayer.
  • Use TakeThemAMeal.com to set up a calendar for childcare for siblings. It's so helpful to know your other children are being taken care of during the long hours you're beside your child in the hospital.
  • Even a simple card can mean so much. A friend gave me a card yesterday with this quote and it spoke to my heart-
"Watch your way then, as a cautious traveler and don't be gazing at that mountain or river in the distance saying 'How shall I ever get over them?' But keep to that present little inch that is before you, and accomplish that in the little moment that belongs to it. The mountain and river can only be passed in the same way; and when you come to them, you will come to the light and the strength that belong to them." - M.A. Kelty
Anything you do to show that you're with your friend in the "present little inch" is appreciated.

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Adina & Maureen
Adina & Maureen

Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. Our own joys and sorrows have taught us that a well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes to take to friends, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you.

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