Bring Spring Inside to the Homebound

March 2019

While the official first day of spring is later this month (March 20), milder temperatures often arrive a few weeks earlier. Green grass, the sweet aroma of spring flowers and sunshine can lure us outside to shake off those winter blues, but not everyone gets to enjoy that simple pleasure.

Those of us who are mobile can share the beauty of this time of year by bringing spring inside. It’s a mood booster for not just the homebound but for everyone.

• Pick flowers from your yard and take a bouquet of them. If a patient is in memory care, flowers from his or her childhood could stimulate memories and conversation.

• Magazines targeted toward bird watchers can bring the outdoors in. These magazines feature beautiful full-color photos of both familiar and exotic birds and offer close-up glimpses that most of us can’t get in real life.

• Make or buy a door wreath with spring flowers, ferns and moss or greenery that will put a smile on your patient’s face.

• Brightly colored dish towels or other household linens can bring the sunshine in. Or how about a pretty throw pillow?

• Surprise the patient with a small, easy-care plant, such as an aloe, jade plant, orchid or bromeliad.

The easiest way to bring spring to someone who’s homebound? Visit! Your presence is the strongest sunshine they’ll feel all day!