Ideas for Hospital Care Package??

[scrapperjade]

This morning, I found out that an acquaintance’s little 3 year old is in ICU. They were out tobogganing, and she hit a tree. I’m assuming someone was on the sled with her because she is a TINY little thing.

She is in a body cast for 4-6 weeks, and they had a meeting with a specialist today to see if she needs surgery or traction. I’m not sure of the outcome of that meeting, a mutual friend who is close to the family is keeping me filled in as she gets information. If she needs surgery, they are looking at at least a week in recovery/watch, and if she is in traction, she will be admitted AT LEAST 2 weeks.

I want to get together a care package for the little girl and her mom, who will staying with her full time. For the girl, I’m thinking a few books, a coloring book, crayons, glow sticks, puzzles, a game (Candyland??), a stuffed animal.

I’m not sure what to get the mom. Her husband has taken her a bag of her necessities, so she doesn’t need personal care items. I’m thinking of some things to help her pass her time. Maybe puzzle books, a novel? I’m not sure! I was also thinking of tucking some $$ into a card, I know how much that hospital charges for meals and parking! Would that be tacky?

Any gift ideas would be much appreciated!!

[Misty Cato]

I don't think money would be tacky at all. You could also find out what restaurants or delivery places are near there and see about getting a gift card to one or more of those.

Ideas for mom; magazines maybe?

Maybe you could pick up a couple of books mom could read to daughter. Perhaps a book of fairytales? If she's closer to 4 or a bit ahead of the curve the Treasure Tree or any of the Mr. and Mrs. Green books might be good. They are a bit longer than your average preschool picture book and broken into chapters or shorter stories.

[kristijoy]

Love the book idea and gift cards to food places.

I'm not sure if the mom has a particular faith or spirutal life, but when I was in the hospital, I took a small battery powered tea-light candle looking thingy. I put my favorite spiritual picture up with that little battery powered tea-light and it really helped change the energy in the room.

You might also consider some comfort things for mom. LIke a nice soft eye shade (you know those ones you sleep with on airplanes?) Even as a patient I wore that thing, because those lights are horrible. And maybe a soft shawl or blanket. These would help her nap at unusual times of the day.

[clearskies]

I love the idea of a blanket... My little one spent a week in the hospital last year...makes for a long week (even with SSD). I would grab some magazines...anything that you can flip through easily. I was also given a journal and pen to record my thoughts while we were there.

[rach3975]

I don't think the money is tacky, especially if you do gift cards or a bunch of singles with a "for the vending machines" note.

I don't know how high a body cast comes or how far you can sit up while in traction, but will she be able to position herself well enough for things like games, puzzles, and crayons? Maybe a few dolls or DVDs (if they have access to a portable DVD player) with the books would be better. As for books, my 3 year old loves Fancy Nancy, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and anything with princesses.

[nesser1981]

Here is a suggestion that helped me survive all the weeks that Keira was in the hospital these past couple years.

You'd have to do a little digging, but if she has her computer there and doesn't have a netflix subscription, that would be something awesome.

Usually there is only one TV, and of course if little one is using it, you can't. And there is never anything good on. Having netflix seriously kept me sane.

[kscwgirl]

Trust me, money isnt tacky. Esp $1's for vending. Books and magazines would be my first choice....i went to the library twice just in 5 days lol

[nesser1981]

Rolls of quarters would be a great idea too!

I don't think money is tacky, you'd be surprised at how much you can spend at the hospital just eating.

Snack foods would be good too.

[scrapperjade]

Okay - thanks so much everyone! I am definitely planning on things like coloring books, crayons, puzzle, a couple DVD's, and a stuffed animal for the little girl.

I like the ideas for Mom. I will try to find out if she has a DVD player or laptop with her. I don't know much, she's more of an acquaintance than a personal friend, but we have a lot of mutual friends, and our girls play together some when we all get together. Unfortunately, I live both an hour from the hospital, and an hour from her home (both in opposite directions actually... her home, my home & the hospital are situated in a triangle, kwim), so I can't do things like do her laundry or take her hubby meals (suggestions from another board). I also don't have much $$ to spend... I want to do EVERYTHING you guys are suggesting, but will have to cut it down, lol!

THANK YOU ALL for your suggestions this far!!

[nesser1981]

I think a month of netflix for streaming is only like $8. I honestly spent most of my day watching netflix, or crocheting when Keira was in the hospital. Or if I wasn't watching it, she would watch cartoons on it.

Originally Posted by scrapperjade

Okay - thanks so much everyone! I am definitely planning on things like coloring books, crayons, puzzle, a couple DVD's, and a stuffed animal for the little girl.

I like the ideas for Mom. I will try to find out if she has a DVD player or laptop with her. I don't know much, she's more of an acquaintance than a personal friend, but we have a lot of mutual friends, and our girls play together some when we all get together. Unfortunately, I live both an hour from the hospital, and an hour from her home (both in opposite directions actually... her home, my home & the hospital are situated in a triangle, kwim), so I can't do things like do her laundry or take her hubby meals (suggestions from another board). I also don't have much $$ to spend... I want to do EVERYTHING you guys are suggesting, but will have to cut it down, lol!

THANK YOU ALL for your suggestions this far!!

[DawnMarch]

I was thinking an eye-shade too. When my son was in the hospital, I slept there with him and the lights are bright, even at night. Magazines are good because you can read them in short bursts. The other thing I really appreciated was when people would just visit and play (or read or talk) with him for a while so that I could have a break. He was so bored that I felt bad not keeping him entertained, but it is hard to keep that up hour after hour.

[scrapperjade]

So good news! I was talking to my friend tonight, and the little girl mustn't have been quite as bad as they thought, because if she has a good night tonight, they will be released to go home tomorrow! I am SO relieved for them!

[kristijoy]

Originally Posted by scrapperjade

So good news! I was talking to my friend tonight, and the little girl mustn't have been quite as bad as they thought, because if she has a good night tonight, they will be released to go home tomorrow! I am SO relieved for them!

Fantastic!!