Monday, February 11, 2013

Make a Difference - Visit someone who is Shut-In


(Google Image)

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!


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