No one plans to be sick. It hits us unexpectedly and it’s a lonely feeling because no one else understands exactly what you’re experiencing. It can be difficult to express what you need because sometimes YOU don’t even know what you need! However, I think we can make our home the best place to get well, with a few thoughtful expressions of love and care.
While being sick with the flu this week, I was so touched by my husband’s thoughtful gestures. It was a comfort to me, and I realized that not everyone has the gift of mercy and knows what to do to help someone feel better. If you need some ideas, here are some sweet tokens of care to make your home the BEST hospital…
- Bring meals on a pretty tray. I haven’t eaten much, but simply having my tea in a favorite mug (I’m a HUGE Pooh Bear fan!), my toast on a cute plate and a cloth napkin for the crumbs, made it seem like a lovely fare.
- Scoot a table beside the bed close enough to reach anything they need. I have bedside tables beside our bed, but even that “normal” distance was too much while sick. Dale brought it over right beside me so anything I needed could be retrieved without strain.
- Put cold beverages into an insulated tumbler. Ginger Ale -(Ale-8 is my favorite!) was what I drank because it soothed my stomach. It was constantly cold in my cup. So refreshing. Be sure to add a straw so it won’t spill.
- Check in occasionally – even if the patient is sleeping. I could “feel”Dale’s presence beside me and my eyes would open. It’s nice to know you’re not alone. (Oh how my heart hurts for women, like my mom who are alone now. But God is the God of all comfort.)
- Touch. No one wants to spread germs, but Dale’s hand on my blanketed foot, or leg was a comfort.
- Think ahead of what they might need. Dale knows that in the morning I want a warm washcloth for my face. His gesture of setting one at my sink with our little “I love you” bear touched my heart. Does your patient need Chapstick for dry lips, lotion for their hands, a little light on in the darkness, a cracker for nausea, something to read, or even a little time with you, even if there’s no conversation?
- Be willing to call for medical help. Obviously we do this for our children, but if it’s your spouse that is sick, they may not feel up to making a phone call. Dale was in contact with our doctor several times, and it was a blessing to know that my physician was up on what was going on each day. (Covid was ruled out, thank the Lord!)
- Turn on quiet music. At times all I wanted was quiet, but later, instrumental music was an encouragement.
- When you don’t know what to do, ask if they have a need. Dale would just ask, “Is there anything I can get you? A fresh glass? Something to eat? How are you feeling?”
Though sickness is difficult, it can be a time to serve our loved ones at HOME, the best place from which to get well!
We can also reach out to those outside our home that we know are alone. What could you do for them? Take a meal. Pick up a prescription. Clean their house. Call, Check on them. Send a card.
Show mercy.
RefreshHer 