Wow, rhizo....if I'm ever in a bad way, I'll be sure to let you know! You have really stepped up for these people. I admire your kindness.

You have food covered, but maybe household help? If they have pets, you could make sure their needs are met. Also get the mail, any delivered packages, run an errand, put trash cans out?

Could you organize dinners/ and chores with the other neighbors? It's a lot to take on for one person.

Again, if you get other neighbors involved, you can collect magazines that people can pass on to them.

I'm not the only neighbor wanting to help; the family next door has been checking about the mail and that kind of thing. I've offered to go grocery shopping for them, but feel like they're too proud to ask.

We are fortunate in this little neighborhood in that we have all worked hard to be good to each other. I have been the recipient of great kindnesses, including from these very people. I am simply following their example.

Ellen, I originally posted before I saw your comments. Great minds, right? The magazine idea is a good one, I'll get that going today.

A package with Kind bars, cheese strings, nuts, waters. A small throw blanket and travel pillow. Books and magazines. I have sat in a trauma unit for a month, many hours a day and it gets exhausting. I didn't feel like eating but having a friend bring me a nice tote back with that sort of stuff in it was a way to keep up my strength while I was there. She also included face and body wipes, toothpaste and a toothbrush.

Your kindness is sure to be appreciated.

The coffee card or some cash (ones and fives for parking garage) are good ideas. At the trauma center my DH was in they had a monthly parking pass that could be purchased and my friend bought that for me. They would refund any moneys not used (unfortunately he was there for 40 days and I used it up) and it was at a reduced rate and even though I could have afforded the parking, making sure you have the cash on hand is taxing under stress and it was a big expense when medical bills were piling up.

Rhizo, I don't know what your weather is doing, but the first thing DH will do in that kind of circumstance for a neighbor or friend is mow, edge. Sweep or blow the walkway..... so it doesn't look like no one is paying attention, homeowners are gone or distracted.

You are the best kind of neighbor! I too have spent long hours in waiting rooms and hospital lounges. I appreciated books, magazines, word game books puzzle games, it distracts from the reality. Snack size treats, crackers with peanut butter center or crackers with cheese center, nuts, coffee candy for when you need that taste. Gum and mints for breath, the little toothbrushes that are disposable are great, as well as the toothpick flossing things. Definitely personal wipes. A freshening up is welcome.

Sounds like a good deal of help is being offered to them. How wonderful.

What a thoughtful neighbor you are!

You will be blessed for your kindness. You have been given several great ideas. Everyone needs a good, kind neighbor like you! Hugs

That's very sweet of you Rhizo. I am sure they will appreciate anything you do.

Sue

You are a good person.

I too was thinking about snacks. Also, easy to transport food that doesn't need a lot of care, so they can take a lunch without any bother. Leaving to find a meal can be more work than it's worth, and then people get run down from not eating regularly. Sandwiches, things that are good cold out of containers, easy to eat fruit like grapes, homemade protein bars, crunchy vegetable sticks, etc. Hospitals tend to have very dry air, so spring water in not too big, sport topped bottles. This is a situation where disposable is a good thing.

And an insulated tote bag.

And see if they'll let someone come in and do the laundry!

Many times hospitals will be very accommodating as far as feeding family members so check with them and see. They might not know that they might be able to eat there. When some friends' daughters were in the hospital after an accident the hospital gave them vouchers to use in the cafeteria.

Presumably they don't want to be searching for coffee shops around the area. Beverages are easy to get in a hospital. Food might not be as big a concern as you might think so check on it to be sure. If it's a problem then some healthy snacks, some fruit (cut fresh fruit is healthy and refreshing), maybe some apples, pears, oranges, etc, trail mix, sandwiches that don't require refrigeration. Normally there's a microwave available but check on it, since it varies and if there is, then that opens a new array of soups, casseroles or the like. Since they're not moving around a lot, other than pacing, lighter foods might be preferable and put seasonings on the side. If they're stressed, heavy seasonings could upset them. Things like muffins and sweet breads are a great idea. The other item is boredom and distraction. What do they like to do? Crossword puzzles, word search, etc. Offer to get some library books for them or if you have books that interest them they could borrow them.

Kudos to you for your kindness. Hope they learn about their son. And here's hoping he changes for the better. Maybe this will help change him. Just remember, you can't change him. I'm sure they appreciate all your support.

I don't disagree with Cynic, but what I was thinking of is that the food and beverages, even within a hospital, can be a pretty far hike from the patients' room. I've seen a lot of family members, especially elderly ones, just forego what they need rather than go looking for it when they're anxious and tired.

Great ideas, I knew I could count on you. I went over to their house with my neighbor who is taking care of their dogs. They have what I call "the posse", consisting of 5 (five!! ) dogs, all tiny breeds. They are extremely hilarious.

We didn't invade their privacy by cleaning, but the kitchen and living room looked fine. We will probably do a once over of their lawn this weekend....their yard always puts the rest of us to shame!

Rhizo, bless you for your concern! If at a future time you find it possible, please share your low carb muffin recipe. I would appreciate it very much and only wish I had a neighbor like you!!

What a wonderful friend and neighbor you are, and your whole neighborhood sounds so caring too. Too bad all neighborhoods aren't like that.

I know you don't want to invade, but sometimes housecleaning (especially mopping floors if they have 5 critters!) is so helpful.

It's so nice to come home to a clean house.

& you can put the offer out there & let them decide.

When my aunt returned home after several days in the hospital, during which time her sisters had done the cooking & laundry & chauffeuring for the aunt's 3 grandchildren, I popped in & asked her what I could do.

She said,

"Sylvia.

Please.

Clean my kitchen.

I love my sisters, but they have ruined my kitchen."

That greasy kitchen really bothered her.