| When someone arrives home from the hospital | | | | sure they are low in sodium and fats. |
| following an operation, they may be stuck in bed | | | | If they are having cosmetic surgery, they will |
| for several days or weeks. For most people, | | | | surely welcome the best quality sunscreens with |
| finding ways to pass the time while they are | | | | a high SPF, anti-aging lotions, creams, and gels, or |
| cooped up can be a challenge. If you know | | | | makeup specially formulated to cover new scars |
| someone about to go into the hospital, how about | | | | from plastic surgery. |
| putting together get well from surgery gift | | | | Patients undergoing back or knee surgery will |
| baskets? All it takes is a little creativity and time | | | | have problems in the beginning with mobility. Many |
| to put together or purchase the perfect basket. | | | | great tools are available for helping them do the |
| Here are a few things to consider: | | | | necessary daily tasks. Dressing sticks aid in putting |
| What are their hobbies? | | | | on shirts or jackets, shoehorns help in getting |
| If you know a crafter, you might want to offer | | | | shoes off and on when bending is difficult, and |
| small craft kits that can be laid out on the bed for | | | | "grabbers" help pick things up from the floor that |
| easy working. Cross stitch or crochet supplies are | | | | they might otherwise be unable to reach. |
| good ideas that take time to complete. | | | | How long is their recovery time? |
| If you know someone who enjoys sewing, give | | | | If the surgery is a minor one, and they will |
| fabric squares in a variety of colors and patterns | | | | recover quickly, think short-term. Fashion or |
| for a small quilting project. Be sure to include a | | | | sports magazines can be read fairly quickly. |
| miniature sewing kit with thread, needles, thimbles, | | | | Crossword puzzles or other games can be fun |
| and other necessary items. | | | | while confined up to bed. A mug with a funny get |
| Model airplane and model automobile kits work | | | | well saying might give them a chuckle with their |
| well for men or boys, especially if you know, for | | | | morning coffee. |
| example, a certain muscle car or sports car they | | | | If the patient will be in recovery for some time, |
| have always wanted. | | | | you might think about ways to help them do the |
| What kind of surgery are they having? | | | | things they cannot do. Offer to mow the lawn, |
| If they are having heart surgery, why not | | | | water the flowers and plants, do the laundry, |
| encourage future healthy eating by purchasing | | | | cook, take care of pets, and run errands. As you |
| cookbooks filled with heart-healthy recipes. | | | | can see, the list of thoughtful things you can |
| Another great idea is signing them up for a fruit | | | | include in your gift basket is limited only by your |
| of the month club so that fresh fruit is always | | | | imagination. |
| handy. If you include snacks in your basket, make | | | | |