MPMC Rehabilitation Department offers Gift Ideas for Stroke Survivors
12/19/2011
Helpful Holiday Gifts
During the holidays, we often find ourselves stumped as to what to buy for the different people in our lives. This question can be more complicated when choosing a gift for someone who has experienced a life-changing stroke, accident or illness. The traditional gifts of clothing, perfume, even special treats may now be inappropriate or even dangerous offerings. This leads us to the inevitable quandary of what to give to show that special person you are thinking of them not only at this time of year, but always? The perfect gift is not always something we can buy at a mall or big box store. Consider the following non-traditional gift ideas--one may become the most appreciated present under the tree:
Holiday Decorating: Offer to assist or take charge of decorating their home or room for the holidays. Familiar sights, sounds and scents of the holidays can really help to lift spirits and restore a sense of normalcy that may have been absent from that individual’s life since their health event.
Companionship: Going out for dinner may be challenging and tiring; but not getting out can lead to feelings of isolation. A home-cooked meal (or store-bought, depending on your culinary skills!) can be a fun way to spend an afternoon as you share stories and cooking tips while the home fills with the aromas of your creation.
Be a Stand-In: Caregivers and the people they care for have a truly special bond. However, everyone needs a break from one another--if only for an hour or two. Offer to spend time with your friend/loved one while their caregiver has some alone-time. Or, if possible, arrange a time where someone you all know and trust can be a temporary stand-in while you treat the caregiver to a respite date.
Scheduled “visits”: Establish a routine time and day to call them. Knowing that someone will be phoning at a set time allows both of you to plan your schedules around calls; this ‘standing date’ may turn into an event that you both look forward to!
Donate Your Elbow Grease: Grocery shopping, trips to the post office and library, cleaning the fridge, yard work, and completing basic household chores all take time and energy that may be in short supply as your loved one focuses on rehabilitation and recovery. A donation of your time and energy can be an invaluable help to decrease the stress of having daily chores that may be going undone.
Rally the Troops: Organize a support network. Encourage people who know your friend/loved one to write a note telling them what they admire most about him or her or sharing a favorite memory. This is also a great way to show support for caregivers who often struggle with their own challenges regarding how this health event has changed their lives too.
Traditional, Thoughtful Gift Ideas: Many of the following items can be found at local medical supply stores, on-line or at local department stores and can really be helpful in the daily lives of loved ones faced with physical challenges. Consider: reacher/grabber; elastic shoe laces; long handled shoe horn; properly installed grab bars; shower seat/bench; electric can opener; playing card holder; LifeLine emergency response system (involves an installation charge plus monthly fee).
Loved ones dealing with illness and injuries need our help and support throughout the recovery and rehabilitation process. It is often difficult to know what to say or do; but sometimes just being there is the greatest gift. Maria Parham Medical Center offers several support groups including groups for stroke survivors, women cancer survivors, and caregivers. Please see our website: www.mariaparham.com or contact Liz Karan at 252-436-1604 for more information about any of these groups. Happy Holidays!
This article was provided by MPMC’s Rehabilitation Department- here to meet your needs…..
About Maria Parham Medical Center, A Duke LifePoint Hospital
Maria Parham Medical Center, located in Henderson, NC, is a regional hospital serving the people of north central North Carolina and Southside Virginia. As a Duke LifePoint Hospital, Maria Parham offers a combination of Duke University Health System’s unparalleled expertise in clinical excellence and quality care, and LifePoint Hospital’s extensive resources, knowledge and experience in operating community hospitals. Maria Parham offers a wide range of services and the latest technology to meet the healthcare needs of the community. It is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and CMS. For more information about Maria Parham Medical Center, please call (252) 436-1800 or visit www.mariaparham.com.