Author: Ashley Rodrigues, MS, LPC
In a world where families are often spread out across the country or even across the world, having a loved one in the hospital can make that distance seem even greater.
As a mental health professional, I see the stress and the toll that loneliness can have on both the individual hospitalized and on their families longing to support them. Huggybox is a creative way to connect with loved ones in their time of need and when they need a hug from you the most, regardless of zip code.
Families separated by distance are accustomed to communicating through technology like cell phones and internet. Continuing to utilize phone calls and messages to stay connected to their loved ones can be vital in preventing feelings of isolation when they are in the hospital. Often families are desperate to provide more than just the standard support to become more connected in this time of need. Phone calls are typical, and this is a very un-typical time. There is a desperation to provide more support to loved ones that is above and beyond a phone call. HuggyBox can be the perfect hospital care package.
As a therapist, I encourage my clients to get creative in ways to connect with their loved ones. Think outside of the box… or maybe the answer can be found within a little box. Perhaps the joy is in the unexpected gift of a Huggybox. The joy is in opening this cute little box and knowing that the person on the other side wants nothing more than to gift a nice warm hug.
Hospitals can be some of the harshest places to provide a supportive healing environment. Think about all the machines, wires, harsh lighting and cold floors that are found in hospital rooms. Many individuals crave the smallest comforts of home and many times caregivers can continue to get creative to provide this for a loved one.
One of the most effective ways to make an impact in a loved one’s comfort is by targeting all five of the senses. Perhaps, bringing a favorite blanket, sending favorite music, favorite flowers, or even a small rug to warm up a cold room can help engulf your loved one with comfort, but not all families live close enough to provide these feelings of home.
This is one reason why Huggybox is so special. Not only is Huggybox a visual reminder, but it serves as a cue to physically hug this cute little gift. This will trigger beautiful memories of hugs in the past. Nostalgia of happy times, and physical support flood the memories of loved ones. I would even suggest keeping the Huggybox under a pillow as a constant reminder of support. Every time your loved one slides their hand under that cool hospital pillow, there will be a reminder of the warmth and love of a hug from their Huggybox.
Feelings of helplessness are common in family members who are not able to drop their work, and busy lives to be bedside with a loved one. Stress can set in and lead to guilt. There is good news and a brilliant creative option to let your family know that you love them. The Huggybox can send the one thing you are longing to give your loved one more than anything, a nice warm hug.