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Bring Cheer to Shut-Ins |
Being shut in, whether in your own home or in a nursing home, can
become dull, routine, and lonely. It helps when family and friends
add a little variety to everyday life.
1. Plan an indoor picnic complete with a red-checkered tablecloth
and your friend’s favorite treats. Pizza with soft drinks
is an easy picnic food.
2. Take a freshly cut flower in a bud vase once a week. Flowers
from your garden are special. However, if you have no garden, purchasing
single flowers is not too costly.
3. Once a month, give your friend a manicure and/or pedicure. Be
gentle but thorough.
4. If your family member or friend enjoys reading, perhaps you
can read a chapter at a time to him or her from the Bible or another
book.
5. Something as small as a piece of fruit or a candy bar, diet
allowing, can bring cheer to a shut-in.
6. On pretty days, take your family member or friend for a short
ride in the car. (Arrange this with the nursing home before following
through.)
7. Listen to music together. A small cassette or CD player can
provide a lift for those who enjoy music or singing.
8. Take time just for talking or listening to your family member
or friend. (Even if the person is not alert, give him or her your
undivided attention.)
9. There is comfort in the human touch. Hold the hand of the person
you are visiting. A hug is always appreciated.
10. A short prayer is always in order unless the person refuses.
(Check the policies of nursing homes.)
Diet and physical well-being should guide the types of activities
you choose. Go with your ideas! Even playing table games may work
for the person you are visiting.
SPECIAL DAYS
Birthdays: Many bakeries make small cakes that can help make the
day very special.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day: A small gift of lotion
or aftershave or just a card can brighten the day.
Christmas: Be sure your friend or family member has a special gift
for this holiday.
Two people could perhaps team up for special activities. Use your
imagination! Brighten the day for someone less fortunate. |
