Christmas Gift for someone who has 4 weeks to live?

[Deleted User]

my neighbour had just a few weeks to live and I bought a basket of spring flowers from the florist. I just wrote `I thought I would bring spring to you`

she was very very pleased

ceridwen

Hoping for strength for you as well - for being in this situation.

I think my own personal response to this situation would be a bit dependant on how the person concerned views Life. How old are they? What is their view about Life as a whole (ie do they know they are dying/do they believe in Life after Death and, if so, are they scared about it or looking forward to it).

It really would depend a lot on how the person concerned views the situation they are in.

I would think that something designed to give them a bit of physical comfort - like anything that will help them stay warm/comfortable in bed/etc would be a very good idea whatever way they think.

Some older people might be glad of a chance to "review their life" in some way. My parents are now quite old - and their life clearly now often consists of a "visit down Memory Lane" and they are obviously enjoying reviewing their lives. This will be important to some people and anything that helps with that will be appreciated.

mutley74

sorry to hear about the situation.

how about a camera?

pupsicola

I haven't read all the replies but what instantly came to mind is to just give your time. That would mean more now than any gift could. In addition to this anything that would make your friend comfy. Does he have any favourite music?

clearing_out_my_pockets

Whilst I agree that the most precious gift you could give is time, have you thought about a digital photo frame? You can prepare a slideshow of the people closest to him so that he always has a familiar face nearby. We did this when my dad was very ill in hospital a few years back (fortunately he eventually came out of hospital). We also left a CD player at the hospital and asked the nurses to play some of his favourite CDs for him.

Moody_Mare

My grandfather is in hospital has been for 3 months now and is very frail. We all fear he does not have long and he knows this himself. I have brought him in all the usual things and he showed little interest, he too just wants to go down memory lane.

This may sound daft but a few weeks ago I spotted an old fashioned teddy bear in Matalan and on impulse bought the bear for him. He is overjoyed with the bear, he talks to it (even though he is by no means senile or childlike in attitude) he cuddles the bear at night as it keeps him warm. Grandad says the bear keeps him company and as daft as it sounds the teddy bear appears to have made a huge difference to an old soldier who was an action man in his day. Just a thought ........

ninky_2

i think physical "stuff" is even less important for someone who doesn't have long to live - the folly of materialism is thrown into sharp relief. an experience (once in a lifetime as possible) would be the best thing. obviously he is bed ridden so you are limited but there are still things you could do. perhaps call round classical musicians (guitarists etc) and get them to give a bedside recital? they might do it for cheaper given the circumstances. also think of hobbies / interests etc they once had and if there is anything related to this you could focus on.

ninky_2

another thought is a digital photo frame loaded with shots of him doing things at key moments in life and/or friends and family (you could scan in the pictures if they predate digital photography)

Errata

TBH much depends on how old the person is, if he's a colleague, acquaintance, distant relative or close one, how many people are caring for him, if he's at home or in hospital or a hospice and whether they know that on Christmas day they have only 3 weeks to live.
There would be different and appropriate gifts for all those different scenarios.

themull1

I was going to say digital photo frame.