Creating an Amazing Valentine’s Day for Your Loved One in Hopsice

Valentine's Day gets a bad rep for being an overly sentimental day that either pressures you to do some over-the-top gesture for your significant other, or reminds you of your “flying solo” status. And while those things certainly happen, Valentine’s Day also gives us a chance to celebrate the love we feel for all the special people in our lives - including our loved ones in hospice. Here are some creative ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day that focus on warmth, companionship, and making our loved ones feel cherished.

1. Create a Memory Scrapbook Together

Start collecting photographs, letters, and mementos that tell the tale of your loved one's life and relationships on Valentine's Day and assemble these treasures into a scrapbook. Not only is this activity a great way to reminisce, but it creates a keepsake that your family can treasure for years to come!

2. Plan a Family Movie Day

Set up an inviting movie day featuring some of your loved one's favorite flicks or even old family home movies. Make the viewing area comfortable by setting out plenty of pillows, blankets, and popcorn; and let this become an opportunity for relaxation, laughter, sharing, and an escape into adventure!

3. Plan A Virtual Gathering

If family and friends live apart from one another, consider organizing an online gathering. Set up a video call where everyone can come together virtually and share stories and memories - even a virtual presence is enough to uplift spirits and provide comforting support!

4. Create Custom Valentine's Cards

Get back to your childhood “Valentine’s project” days and craft some personalized Valentine's cards for those you care about. Encourage family members, particularly children, to express themselves by drawing, painting, or sending personal notes expressing love - this tangible gesture of affection will surely mean so much to both parties, and can bring a touch of love and fun to a hospice patient’s room.

5. Arrange A Storytelling Session

Make time for storytelling, encouraging both you and other family members to recall stories or humorous incidents from the past that honor an individual's journey and contributions to family tapestries. You can also keep with the Valentine’s theme an ask your loved one to share the love stories from their past. Sharing personal histories through storytelling is often an enriching experience that honors a lifetime's story and enriches family ties.

6. Create a Space They Will Love

Make any space feel festive by decorating with simple yet festive touches like soft fairy lights, heart-shaped balloons, or red and pink flowers to make it special and show your loved one that you want them to be one of your valentines.

Valentine's Day provides an ideal chance to recognize love in all its many guises. By making this special day more personal and celebrating the strength and depth of our relationships, families can create lasting memories while affirming its enduring power even through life's final chapters.