What can you do for a hospitalized loved one during the pandemic?

Let me start by saying that we’re a very lucky family – so far as we know, no one has been diagnosed with COVID-19. However, unfortunately, one of the older members of our family has been hospitalized with a broken hip. She’s already had surgery and will be hospitalized for at least the next week.

I knew from reading the news that hospitals and even doctor’s offices have severely limited access. Basically, only patients are allowed in.

This means that our family member is all alone in the hospital. Her husband and children can’t visit her, and getting second- or third-hand information has been difficult.

All of the restrictions are in place for a good reason, of course. And obviously things are much, much worse if your loved one is in more serious condition in the hospital.



But it didn’t immediately occur to me that we can’t do any of the things we’d normally do in this situation. We can’t visit. Even flower shops are closed, and hospitals aren’t accepting such deliveries anyway.

Needless to say, I’ve been racking my brain and searching online for ways we can show our love and support during this difficult time.

Our loved one is technophobic and doesn’t even have her cell phone with her in the hospital, so texting is out. If she did have her phone, I’d be sending her funny and cute stories that I think she’d enjoy, plus photos or videos of the kids wishing her a swift recovery.

I’m sewing pretty masks so she can feel better about wearing one, since I’m sure she has to wear one 24/7 in the hospital. I’ve also ordered trial size lotion, lip balm, and a Hearth and Hand blanket from Target because she’s a big Joanna Gaines fan.

Normally I’d get magazines, but you can’t buy them using the pickup services at Target and Ralphs. I did buy a couple of novels for her. I’m also including a framed family photo, potted artificial flower, and handwritten note. I know we won’t be able to see her and will just have to drop the care package off, but hopefully these items will let her know we’re thinking of her.

Finally, I’ve already had food delivered to her nurse’s station once, and I’ll be doing it again soon. Food is one of my love languages, and I get to spread a lot of love this way.