Make a Difference - Visit someone who is Shut-In

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By Nurse Diane

My husband was bedridden for nearly 3 years.  He became bedridden by the age of 49.  He wasn't the typical type of shut-in that one thinks about, but the only outside communication he had was from me, or by telephone, since he was not very computer savvy.   It was a very sad and lonely existence for him, for me as well, since I couldn't leave him for very long at a time.  He would have loved visits from friends or family, but those were few and far between.  I tried to explain to him that people had their own lives, and was busy and that explanation didn’t help his loneliness.

Well today is a day set aside to visit those who are shut-in.  Today is National Shut-In Visitation Day.  Shut-ins are not just the elderly; they can be any age, for any reason.  Those who are home recovering from an accident or surgery, those with small children and no transportation, and the elderly and cripple.  They can be found in hospitals, nursing homes, senior care facilities, other family member's homes, and even your own neighborhood.

It is incredibly hard for someone who was once independent and free to travel as they desired, to give up that freedom, and be stuck at home and dependent on the help of others.  So today, take some time out and spread a little joy and happiness to someone you know who is shut in.  If you don't know of anyone, check with your church or local hospital, nursing home, or adult living facility, and ask about their visiting hours, and who would benefit from a visit.  It will be only a few minutes of your time and will really brighten a home bound person's whole day!

National Shut-In Visitation Day

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By Nurse Diane,

When I was in the youth group at my church, we would visit residents at the local nursing home each month.  We would walk around...say hi, then sing a song or two, then leave.  When my son was young I would take him to one of the nursing homes where he would pass out cards he had made.  He loved to visit them and entertain them, and they enjoyed out visits.

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Later, when I went to work at a nursing home it was painful to see that the majority of the residents had no visitors.  The staff visited with them, and they talked to each other, but those who were not able to leave their rooms to go to the main hall were still without company and companionship.  This fact really hit close to home when my own husband became paralyzed.  The town where we live is not very accessible, and he was limited to where he could go in his wheelchair.  Matters became worse when he was bedridden.  Hundreds of days stuck in the bed with no one to visit him or talk to, except for me.  The occasional visit would brighten his day and fill him with such happiness.

After he passed away last year I began to learn of others who were home bound.  I have since made it a point to go by and visit if only for a few minutes.  I take cookies or soup, some flowers or a book and just let them know that someone is thinking of them, and cares about their well-being.

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Today is National Shut-In Visitation Day.  If you have a friend or neighbor who is homebound, stop by and say hi, it will only take a few moments out of your day, but will make some person's whole day.