AirBnB Guest terminal illness

[Zazz101]

Hi, I am looking for suggestions. I rent out my house on airBnB and I have just found out that my next guest has a terminal illness.

They have organised a family get together. I would love to do something to make this an extra special time for them all. I know I could just knock money off the house, but they are wanting to make memories, and I would like to do something to ensure it’s a lovely holiday for them.

My only contact is the person that is ill, so I cannot ask them for any ideas.

so please, if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

There is something about this thread that makes me feel a bit uneasy: those of us who don’t think it is a good idea to do something that you wouldn’t do in ordinary circumstances are labelled cold or scrooges (that one aimed at me) and other insults , which suggests that the people who would go all out are much kinder etc. interesting then that such “kind” “lovely” people have all these fierce insults at the ready to throw at people with a different view.

No I don't think you've summed this thread up at all. Quite the reverse from your summary.

You have hardly been pleasant to someone who's idea that you disagree with .

And tbh being fierce doesn't stop you being kind. 🤷‍♀️

My family are staying in a holiday let under these circumstances in a couple of weeks. If I arrived and found a Christmas tree I’d be ridiculously happy.

Nope, it was just a suggestion, not knowing the ages of the guests. And taking into consideration that the guest might need to have a bit of help from the other adults in the party, so distracting any children involved might make it easier to settle in

Sorry you couldn't see the nuance there

but @sadeyedladyofthelowlandsea what on earth has this got to do with the owner of the business? It’s batshit crazy to decide something so specific and devise a solution that requires the guests to do the work themselves. Just nuts

An electric blanket for the sick person incase they feel the cold a lot x

Obvs don’t know what the illness is but with chemo hands and feet get terribly cold. A heated blanket or heated throw would be really comforting.

I think a hamper is the best choice.

How about a buying them an instant/Polaroid camera?
People take so many photos and never print them out.

Sounds like you've got the balance just right OP. A few nice Christmas touches like candles (if that works with your insurance!), useful food basics, perhaps with a few treats - and that's enough. Terminal illness and how it affects the family is not necessarily a time for warm 'n' fuzzies. You provide the calm, welcoming backdrop; leave them to have their last Christmas how they want.

Op you sound very thoughtful. A mix of responses. I wonder if this is a reflection of different areas people live in.

OP you are lovely.

How did you find out? My first instinct is to not intrude. Perhaps they wish to forget about the illness during this holiday.

I think it's more likely that the difference is based on whether people have been in the position that the guests are in.

Not all terminally ill people and their families are the same, but it's very common for them to feel as my late husband did. They want their remaining days/weeks/months to be as normal as possible, to be able to forget their condition, and not to be fussed over.

Only a small minority of posters who've lived this, have felt that OP's original ideas would work for them.
Anything other than a tree and a small hamper is not a risk worth taking, given that the majority would not relish a stranger going over the top and bringing the prognosis to the fore.

Just make it all nice & cozy)Christmassy for them, maybe extra nice biscuits/ coffee/tea etc.
DH is terminally ill but cannot eat so we try to do things which aren't food focussed. Not knowing his medical details you don't know what he can & can't do.
It's lovely that you want to make things nice for them, but just making things easy, relaxed & comfortable for them is what they will appreciate.

@saraclara I agree with you, I've lived this too and the last thing we would have wanted was extra attention and having to be grateful, what we would like is things to run smoothly as they normally would have done, things like nice tea and a packet of biscuits, all good, anything excessive or pitying, no thanks.

@Radiohorror you also wanted tea and biscuits! I'm sorry your husband is so ill.

Bless you. You have some lovely ideas.
I am sure making their stay that little bit extra special will be appreciated and leave those involved pleasant memories at this sad time.
Gosh, there are some right miserable people on this thread.

Please take the trouble to read the posts of people like me. We are not being miserable. We are simply pointing out that the experience that we've been through gives us some insight into how misplaced the OP's original ideas could be.

Again, an OTT approach to 'being kind', brings the prognosis to the fore, when the person simply wants to have some family time and forget their condition for a few days.
They don't want to be pitied or fussed over. They just want a calm and comfortable break.

A hamper of treats maybe some board games and Christmas movies. Milk in the fridge is always welcome. Blankets would be good as well this time of year. Do you have a gaming station they could use? Some movie's or access to netflix. Some info/recommendations on local attractions and where they can go for a nice meal or takeaway. Will their be any children? Maybe borrow some toys and books

@Zazz101 I think this is lovely.

Something like what you're doing can make the world of difference. When you're in an intensely emotionally vulnerable place, a stranger doing something to make you feel just a little bit better can mean the world. So thank you for making the world a better place.

I wouldn't offer to cook although its a lovely thought. so many terminal illnesses come with problems that make actually eating or the diet requirements problematic. I love the idea of fabulous christmas decorations and a hamper though.

but the OP doesn't have to say anything approaching "I am giving you extras because you are ill" So far as they know, it could be the normal surprise christmas package offered by the OP.

As the carer of someone who is ill ( not terminal ) I would love to have the offer of a meal cooked for us, it means they can have a break and enjoy the evening themselves. But also the hamper idea sounds lovely, especially if the contents are locally sourced . That would be a way to show case local produce .
Just as a side issue do you have someone locally to you who does home catering , Sunday lunch or midweek, might be worth finding out if they would be interested in working with your business to offer food delivery service that people can book in advance. It is something that often puts me off going to self catering properties is that I don't want takeaways /BBQ every night but dont want to cook either and if you have had a busy day a lovely meal at home makes all the difference .

Arrange local brass band or choir to perform carols outside the house?

I haven't read all the replies so someone might have mentioned this, but depending on what illness the guest has, you could ask if there are any accessibility needs you could provide for? Things that might make their stay as comfortable as possible if they have mobility issues, muscle weakness, or other health needs?

It might be something like providing extra pillows, drinking straws, blackout blind, or a grab rail at the toilet.

Just a thought as it could make a real difference to their stay. I hope they have a lovely time at your Air BnB.

No words or ideas, but id like to say thank you for being a kind human being. these are for you