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.

A personal chef would also be amazing (not sure what your budget is) or a voucher to order take in depending on how many nights they're there

When my dad died, Mum and I couldn’t bear celebrating Christmas with the family.
We rented a small cottage at the coast - my cousins lived in the area, and baked a loaf of sweet bread and left that and a lovely bouquet of flowers in the cottage for us ahead of our arrival.
It was such a lovely, unexpected surprise, and it didn’t make us feel indebted to them.

I don't know if this would come across as intrusive but you could find out if there were any accessibility-related requirements or accommodations that need to be made. You wouldn't need to ask for specifics, just a simple question as to whether you can do anything to make the space more accessible.

I'm thinking of for example, making sure that the floor space is clear enough for things like a wheelchair/transport chair/ walker/ IV pole to move around easily. Or finding out if there are allergies, or if strong scents or harsh cleansers could be a problem. Of course there may be nothing like this at all. (I have a terminal illness and don't think I'd find it intrusive just to be asked but everybody is different!)

Otherwise, decorations etc as people are saying.

Honestly I think giving it for free would be an amazing gift
Say nothing leave some flowers with a card with the money in saying have the trip one me

Hamper of special treats and some eztra home comforts - maybe some nice bath/shower items?

I know personally using Air BnBs wlonce you arrive it would be nice to have a small lunch/meal waiting even something small.

I think this would be perfect.

Since you don't know much about their situation, "doing things" might be intrusive or uncomfortable or even annoying for them.

When my friend's adult son was in late terminal phase last year, he would've made some pretty derisive comments about an explosion of Xmas decorations or loads of food. "Fucking Hell, I know I'm dying but seriously?"

It so depends on the person and their families. Shouting them the accom is a great gesture.

Good for you in any case, you sound lovely.

I agree with others, a hamper sounds great! And a lovely decorated house. Maybe a couple of warm snuggly blankets too? That they can take away with them (nice for the relatives left behind to keep and remember those moments together).

You're such a kind and thoughtful person.

How did you find out after the person had booked that they had a terminal illness?

Agreed on it being free but don’t leave money on the table. Do it quietly and don’t say anything. Otherwise it looks like you want to be acknowledged as a good person and this isn’t about you. This is about them, not you.

Free stay (where you just quietly do it with no card) or nothing IMO. Anything else runs the risk of you ‘wanting to be seen to do something’ and a hamper is quite lazy, IMO.

We did this, in Mum's home town and it was something she cherished. She asked for that photo in her dying hours which was only 6 weeks later.

Mum had bowel cancer so couldn't eat out. In fact, she could hardly eat in, but we could manage her preferences better self catering. We drove her home each night as she was more comfortable in her own bed.

I honestly don't know what could have made it better as at that point all material things really fade away and individual practicalities take over. To some extent, the condition of the person who is ill will determine these things.

I'm sure whatever you do would be appreciated as a kind thought.

Yes, this person may be unable to eat or have very specific needs, so I'd steer away from food. I know the other family can eat it, but still.

A hamper is not ‘lazy’ ; OP is running a business and doesn’t have to do anything over and above normal service . What a ridiculous comment.
A home baked cake and everything to make really nice coffee and tea on arrival would be lovely.
The idea of Christmas photo props is lovely too.
Checking accessibility and sensitivities also very thoughtful.
Don’t cook - too much pressure for the I’ll person who may not have any appetite.
Hope they have a lovely stay.

A lovely hamper treats,
including maybe a pamper complementary therapy voucher included if possible,

This!

What about early check in/late check out? Will have cleaning implications, but the gift of time together could mean a lot.

If she doesn’t have to do anything then she doesn’t need to do a hamper which, if done well, should be expensive and tailored to that person. Not just a few jars of jam and a scone. Otherwise giving them a hamper’ is what people do when they want recognition for their ‘selflessness’ and to make things about them.

Home baked cake is a bad idea: allergies, dietary requirements. What if the guest can’t eat etc. for some people that would be devastating.

To avoid causing any upset OP should just offer them a free stay. If she can’t afford to do that she should do nothing. This is about THEM not OP.

This is a mine field and pretending otherwise is just disingenuous.

Whatever you do should be a gesture, some of these ideas are lovely but too intrusive (ie a personal chef) when you have no idea of whether it’s appropriate for the needs of the guests.

Um, are you sure they're ill - or is it a good way of getting a bit extra from the owner? Did you get a phonecard from a 'friend' or family member and told 'don't say anything, it might be their last'?

What a lovely idea! If we're talking memories - you could leave a bit of a treasure hunt around the house which leads them on a trail to find lots of goodies! X

lots of flowers around the house and a welcome hamper x

I appreciate that your heart is in the right place, but I really don't think you should do anything except possibly discounting their stay. I think you're making this more about you than them. This is no normal family holiday, and you really don't know the dynamics that could be involved.

I can't think of anything worse than the host intruding on our time to cook a meal. Definitely don't do that.

Flowers and a hamper is a lovely idea

Lovely kind thought but cooking for them too much. I think flowers and a lovely goody hamper is best.

You’re very nice OP but I’d find that anything more than a hamper would be incredibly interfering. They will likely be NOT feeling the Christmas cheer - Christmas is painful and really grating when you’re completely broken-hearted which these poor folk will be. They prob just want to get away from all that nonsense. A hamper, some nice flowers maybe and l ave them to it.