What can I send my Dad on a Covid ward?

[Usernamqwerty]

My Dad was admitted to hospital yesterday, very unwell with Covid. Was originally diagnosed with flu, then possible pneumonia, but was finally diagnosed positive with Covid yesterday :( He's being well looked after but he's a 3 hour drive away (although I can't go and visit at the moment due to the Covid).

Anyway... I want to send him a package (PALS have said this is fine) and was wondering if anyone has any experiences of having family members in hospital and what they valued having?

Am thinking new underwear, shorts, t-shirts and socks. Maybe a newspaper (he doesn't like books), snacks and tissues?

Feeling pretty stressed at the moment. I've been his carer for 20 years and trying to cope with him, looking after two small children and I'm on an intensive healthcare professional training course :(

Thanks for reading! x

Sorry to hear your dad is unwell you sound like a lovely daughter.

How unwell is he? Is he sitting up in bed etc or is he critically ill? Just so we have an idea of what will be useful.

Sorry to hear that. A notepad and pen may be useful to write down questions to ask the doctors or note the medicine he is on.

Soap, pjz that juice that is small that you ad 2 squirts to to make juice

When I was in hospital and starting to feel better and sitting up I wished I'd had
A puzzle book
Pen and paper
Dressing gown

Hope your dad makes a good recovery

I work on a ward so a few ideas of mine
Juice (cordial ours is shit🤣)
Tissues
Snacks
Puzzle book and pen
Shower gel
Decent sized towel (ours are the size of hand towels)
Fruit
Photos
Slipper socks/slippers
Deodorant

So confused why is he 3 hours away if he normally lives with you and your his carer.

I was in hospital recently with covid.
Is there someone who lives nearer who is taking him in essentials?
If not then essential items - clean underwear, pyjamas, toiletries, phone charger, tablet with something downloaded as hospital wifi limited.
Squash. I was constantly being told to drink, day and night so water got boring.
Fruity sweets. I couldn't eat but managed these.
I was too ill to read or shower at first. Only managaged it when recovering.
Hospitals are boiling hot so probably not a dressing gown, though on my covid ward all windows fully open at all times and no fans permitted.

Magazine for any subject he’s into, particularly with lots of pictures. I found when I was feeling really grotty in hospital that reading was too much effort but magazines were nice to flick through. My mum was in recently and found the same. I got her a country file magazine with lot of countryside pictures in it and she loved it. If it was DH or DDad I’d go for an old aircraft magazine or classic cars, or something historical. You’ll know what he likes.
Hope he improves soon.

@tootiredtospeak I'm not sure why that matters but where does op say he usually lives with her?

Your right I am not sure it does. She says she has been his carer for 20 years looking after him and 2 small children. I dont suppose he has to live with her but you cant care for someone who lives 3 hours away. I wondered why he had been put so far away seems cruel if it means he cant see the person he usually sees everyday.

Honey - his throat might be sore from coughing
Magazines and paperbacks
Earplugs
Eye mask
Headphones and audiobooks / music - it can be grim on these wards
Lucozade
Toothpaste and brush
Nice soft t shirts and joggers to wear
and get well soon to him

I sent my Uncle some puzzles and funny joke printouts all in connection with things he was interested in, and he really enjoyed them - although, he kept phoning my cousin for help. Also, a letter, get well card and some recent photos of us and our pets.