I need some ideas

[jessiern, BSN, RN]

We have a patient currently at our hospital. Just a little background, she is in her 70's, has been paralyzed since her twenties. For the last few years she had come in frequently (6-7 times a year) for decubiti/malnutition/pain/ect. She lives alone with her 16 yr old grandson that she has custody of (makes me wonder about a system that can let some that can't take care of themselves have custody over another, but that is another post completly). She is really a pitiful case. And last night it got more pitiful. He house, including everything she owns, burned. My husband and I want to do something for her, but we aren't sure what. Our first thought was money, but she has family that we are afraid would steal it (like a said, pitiful case). I asked her today what she was in most need of, and all she would say is that she lost it all, and needs "anything". I'm not sure at this point if the hospital is going to get involved (we are a small hospital, and have 'case management' but not 'social services'-there seems to be a difference *rolls eyes*). Does anyone have any ideas?

[nurz2be]

I commend you and your spouse for reaching out to this family. I would suggest you contact a foundation like Habitat for Humanity for the home loss. You could contact the Red Cross or Goodwill to try and assist replacing items that can easily get pricey.

If you wanted to try and get your community involved, obviously get the patient's permission, but have a community yard sale or something at your hospital parking lot or something. Maybe people would be willing to donate items for the sale.

Contact a local grocer and see if they would use some of their donation monies, almost all large chains have monies designated for charity, to assist even with 1 months groceries.

Something we did years back with a family from our church who had a similar situation, we contacted local businesses, hair salons, car lots, grocers, newspaper, and so on.... we got donated items (free hair cut, free oil change, 50 bucks in groceries, things like that) and had a HUGE raffle. People came to the church, lots of community people made food and it was a big hoohaw. We ended up making nearly 5000 for this family, with less than 100 we put in to start.

Anyways, good luck, maybe some of this sparked an idea for you!

[bollweevil]

Does she have a guardian? How does she care for and oversee the grandson? Maybe you should involve your church, your boss, Administration, a local bank can establish a trust account for free, etc.

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

I agree with the above about contacting Red Cross/Habitat for Humanity/Bank for fund etc etc.

But there is something really special about actually giving something tangible. Our hospital every year has sponsored secrete families. We dont even know anything about them but the basics, ages and sex of kids.

But we go all out for them. Boxed/canned food galore--when things are on sale we stock up. When clothes go on sale we stock up. Once every 3month or when the break room gets too full the Social Worker takes the goodies.

Once family pretty much gets on feet, we get another family.

Nurses are very giving souls :heartbeat and the thank you notes we get from the families really make our day, it makes us want to give more next time.

So maybe you could organize a food or clothing drive for them?

[dianah, ASN]

Perhaps churches in the area would join you to help?

They may have resources of which you are unaware (even in a small community) . . .