[heartICU]

My aunt, with whom I was very close, passed away last week. She was 45, had terminal cancer, and was in hospice for 18 months. She was in and out of the palliative med unit at the hospital near her house many times, and my mother and I would like to show some sort of appreciation to the nurses and aides on the pal med/hospice unit there. They truly made her last months very comfortable and peaceful, and I am so glad she became involved with hospice. I know lunch/food is always appreciated, but thought I would ask to see if there have been any especially unique gifts, etc that you or your unit have received in the past that were truly useful. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

[BeExcellent]

How about something that everyone can look at and enjoy? Does the unit have a spot for a wall fountain, an aquarium or a piece of art that is tranquil and attractive? It doesn't have to be something expensive to make another person smile. You could even dedicate the art to your aunt. Hospice nurses are always looking for ways to make the hospice space calm and attractive.

[andyg]

One of our most memorable family events was when a family called and asked me if it was okay for her to bring some food over for the staff to show how appreciatvie they were of the Hospice team. To my and my staff's surprise the whole family (daughter of patient and her husband, three young adult children) showed up at 0745 for our IDT meeting. They drove two hours to get here in the pouring rain and all the food for about 30 staff was home baked and cooked and "still warm" so they had been up cooking since very early taht morning. But the most impressive thing to top all that was they alls tood in IDT and essentially gave a "testimonial like I've never heard" praising the staff and what we stood for. I've got to tell you every staff member came out of there crying and feeling very good about what they do. Good luck.

[100%hospicenurse]

At my hospice, we keep a bulletin board of cards and letters from families. We take time to read the cards, and they are very much appreciated. I like the idea of the artwork. A plant might be nice, too.

[NRSKarenRN]

Contact the hospice director as they may have unmet needs that a donation in your aunt's memory can help the staff: inservice, equipment needs, artwork, new chair etc... Card or letter to be shared with staff always appropriate.

Maybe consider volunteering in the future as Hospice always seems to need a pair of hands to drop off supplies, respite for family, just provide companionship too.