choosing gifts for long-term care patients and hospital patients

Appropriate gifts for long-term care and hospital patients involve a number of considerations: tight storage space, limited display space and the need for comfort and beauty.

One option is to purchase small decorative boxes such as ring boxes, trinket boxes or keepsake boxes for long-term care patients and hospital patients put their rings, jewelry, and watches in during times when they cannot be worn. Too often these small valuables are thrown in a drawer or put in a plastic dish provided by the institutional facility and intended for less appealing uses. Memorable and beautiful, these small boxes help patients locate their valuables when needed and make attractive items to display in sometimes drab surroundings.

Small pieces of art and other decorative items also make perfect gifts for long-term care and hospital patients with limited display space. Artwork intended for tabletop display is a good choice as well as small decorative plaques or miniature art. Sizes from 3x5” to 8x10” will probably be the best. These pieces of artwork could be designed either for tabletop or wall display and can be displayed singly or in small groups.

In addition, art can have therapeutic value for long-term care patients and hospital patients. Research has shown that images of nature: reduce stress and mental fatigue, speed recovery from illness, relieve depression, reduce negative emotions, lower blood pressure, reduce muscular tension and increase brain activity in the alpha range.

Nature images dominated by water or trees and floral images can have healing effects and make wonderful gifts for long-term care and hospital patients. Florence Nightingale was among the first believers in attractive surroundings for patients and claimed that she had witnessed the sight of beautiful flowers directly reducing a fever!

The colors used in art can also have therapeutic value. Warm colors (red, yellow and orange) can be used to alleviate depression and to stimulate metabolism. Cool colors (green, blue and purple) can help to offset fevers, relieve exhaustion and encourage relaxation.

When choosing gifts for long-term care patients and hospital patients, keep in mind that tight storage space, limited display space and the need for comfort and beauty are paramount. Find a gift that fills all three of these needs, and you’ll be sure to please!

By: Kathleen Karlsen

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Kathleen Karlsen is a writer, artist, life coach and design consultant. Karlsen’s writing and art are featured online at www.livingartsconsulting.com, www.livingartsoriginals.com and www.uniquefineartgifts.com.