How Healthcare Providers Can Bring Holiday Cheer
Chronic illnesses and accidents don’t take the holidays off. Just like every other day, hospitals will be filled with patients this season. It may seem like a lonely place to spend the holidays, but there are plenty of ways to bring holiday cheer to patients.
Holidays in the Hospital
Not many people expect to spend the holidays in the hospital, but the reality is that thousands of Americans will miss out on their holiday traditions due to illness or injury. In fact, studies show that emergency rooms are at their most crowded this time of year. But just because patients can’t be home with their families and friends, that doesn’t mean they can’t have a memorable holiday. As healthcare providers, we can help the season feel festive and create memories that last a lifetime.
How to Bring Holiday Cheer
Here’s a few ways you can bring the sights and sounds of the holidays to healthcare settings.
- Turn on the tunes. Nothing sparks holiday memories like music. Play classic holiday music at the nurses’ station, or invite staff to go caroling door-to-door.
- Deck the halls. The holidays can still feel festive with a little bit of sparkle. Staff can decorate the hallways of the hospital with lights, or wear fun scrubs to bring a smile to patients’ faces.
- Open the doors to loved ones. The holidays are all about family and friends. As vaccines and boosters become more accessible, it’s not as difficult for patients to have visitors. Offer cookies for patients to share with their loved ones — or set up a Zoom call for patients who aren’t able to accept visits.
- Spread the love. Distribute holiday cards — no postage necessary! Buy a stack of non-denominational holiday cards and hand-deliver a sweet greeting to each patient.
- And, last but not least, hire the big guy! A visit from Santa Claus can bring joy to patients of any age. Seek out a local Santa (or enlist a staff volunteer) to pop in each room for a quick hello.
There are so many ways to bring joy this holiday season. Get inspired, get creative – and enjoy!
Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care provides care and support to patients and families facing serious and terminal illness along with family grief support. To learn more, please call 1-888-564-3405.
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