Michelle T
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BC CANADA
Member since 8/24/02
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Date: 3/23/12 6:10 PM A co-worker was in a terrible car accident 2 weeks ago. She has a spinal injury and will likely never walk again.
She will be in hospital and or rehab for the next 3-4 months. She has an incredibly positive outlook.
I would love to make something for her that will be useful during her hospital/rehab stay, but I have no idea what to make.
I do know that she sews and enjoys sewing for her young daughter. Hopefully her sewing machine has a start/stop button so she can continue to sew.
Can someone please give me an idea of what I could make? I have about 8 hours to put into the project and perhaps $40.00 for supplies.
I did wonder about a bed jacket with a hood (half her head has been shaved) sleeves and pockets, but no back. But sleeves may not be a good idea as I have no idea how long she will have IV's and monitoring.
We are putting together a care package at work that will be delivered next week. So far we have books, toiletries, Apple Itune cards, a Visa gift card and a few other things. ------
Proud parent of a Dwight International School Honour Roll Student |
moushka
 
Intermediate
ON CANADA
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In reply to Michelle T <<
Date: 3/23/12 8:00 PM What a challenge your friend is facing!
I like the bed jacket idea because you can really customize it. How about making it with raglan sleeves with snap tape along the upper seams and a front opening? Then it could easily be opened and closed for any type of injection/IV therapy. If she lost half of her hair, I'm sure she'd appreciate a pretty comfort cap in a softy, stretchy fabric, or even a couple of cotton voile scarves 36 x 36 inches square. How about making the jacket in her favorite colour and including a couple of coordinating scarves?
If she has mobility in her arms, a magazine pocket that tucks into the side of her mattress might work so that she could keep some reading material handy.
The gift basket is a lovely idea. Books on tape (or Itunes) would be great additions. Also room spray in a scent she likes (if you can find out).
Also, I don't know how BC hospitals work but in Ontario it's about $45/month for a TV. I'm sure the family would appreciate any contributions to a TV fund for the time she's in the rehab hospital. Parking costs are another burden for families while someone is hospitalized. Would your employer consider a donation to her family to help offset the parking and meal costs? My dad was in hospital for eight months before he died and the costs of visiting him five times a week really stretched my mom's budget. Just a thought.
Let us know what you decide. It's good of you to want to make her something and I know she will appreciate it. |
Michelle T
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BC CANADA
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Date: 3/23/12 11:49 PM Thank you Moushka for the practical suggestions.
I did ask her mum about books on tape and have a few authors to check out for her.
Matching scarves to a bed jackets sounds like a great idea. They would cover the injury and hair loss and keep her warm too.
I had not thought about the cost of parking. I may call the hospital and ask if there is a way of prepaying for parking.
Maybe some fun socks too. She cannot use her feet, but that does not mean they will not be cold or should not look good. ------
Proud parent of a Dwight International School Honour Roll Student |
NM gal
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Date: 3/23/12 11:53 PM Some chic hats cause she's probably cold.
And cute jackets that are easy to get on & off.
Will be checking on this post as this is happening to alot of people, especially in motorcycle accidents. |
Cathy Loves Fabric
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USA
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Date: 3/24/12 3:43 AM I spend a lot of time in the hospital and all of those sound like wonderful gifts. A special fleece blanket or special pillowcase is nice too. Both should have a distinctive pattern or color so they don't get taken up with the regular laundry. You are really thoughtful to think of these special gifts for your friends. So many people who are sick and injured get abandoned by their friends who now feel uncomfortable around them. You are a doll! ------
My hope is to sew to the very end. They'll find my head slumped over my precious Kenmore 19606 and have to pry the seam ripper from my cold, dead hands. |
KensingtonCrab
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SC USA
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Date: 3/24/12 7:59 AM When I was in the hospital. I loved my long fleece robe because it doubled as a blanket and I kept it around my shoulders when I had IVs running. Love the bed jacket idea with hood--maybe a cape style instead? My prayers to your co-worker and her family...life can change in a blink of an eye! |
tourist
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BC CANADA
Member since 7/23/07
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Date: 3/24/12 10:14 AM I was only in hospital for a short time a couple of years ago, but I really relied on my eye mask review here and ear plugs to help me sleep. A colourful water bottle or travel mug might also be nice.
If she is a person who does her nails (once the possibility of any surgeries is over), she might like some emery boards etc. I bought peel and stick nail polish at Shoppers recently and it is a great way to do nails without bothering others with the smell of polish. Plus it comes in cool designs like plaids and other prints that can't be done with polish. ------
http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown. |
gramma b
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USA
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Date: 3/24/12 10:40 AM Perhaps a cute quilted carpenter-type multi-pocket apron for later that she can hang on a mobile chair or sewing area so supplies, kleenex, glasses, etc. are close at hand? |
Michelle T
Intermediate
BC CANADA
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 4179 |
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Date: 3/24/12 12:21 PM Quote: tourist I was only in hospital for a short time a couple of years ago, but I really relied on my eye mask review here and ear plugs to help me sleep. A colourful water bottle or travel mug might also be nice.
If she is a person who does her nails (once the possibility of any surgeries is over), she might like some emery boards etc. I bought peel and stick nail polish at Shoppers recently and it is a great way to do nails without bothering others with the smell of polish. Plus it comes in cool designs like plaids and other prints that can't be done with polish.
More great ideas.
Tourist she may well enjoy the stick on nail polish. She is a massage therapist and generally has to keep her nails clear of polish and very short.
I will check out your eye mask.
She is in a hospital a long ways from home. I will not be able to visit her but want to know I am thinking of her.------
Proud parent of a Dwight International School Honour Roll Student |
khurtdvm
Intermediate
MO USA
Member since 8/6/04
Posts: 422 |
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 1 member likes this. I don't have any great gift ideas beyond what the others have suggested, but may I also suggest that you send regular, small gifts? 3-4 months is a long time to be in the hospital, and it would be great for your friend to feel loved the whole time. You might send cards and a book on CD or a new scarf every other week or something like that - small, but a reminder that you're thinking of her. ------
khurtdvm
http://drclements.blogspot.com |
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