Handyman in hospital, what is appropriate?

Question

Hi everyone, our handyman is in the hospital I just learned. Not sure of the reason. He is elderly so there could be many reasons. Is there any appropriate gesture of goodwill beyond a card?  Is a card sufficient and/or appropriate? Would we send that to his home....or flowers or a plant to the hospital? Don't want to not do enough but don't want to do too much if it might be perceived as strange to him!  He is a kind man who has been very helpful to us.
          
          In other words, what would you do in this situation? This is in a small rural country town (where we are not). He is in the hospital in a larger city about an hour away.

Steve Babiak · Answer

I think an in-person visit to the hospital is in order. Bring a get well card. Bring flowers to brighten the room if his stay will be for more than a day or two. Bring yourself for conversation and good company.

Sometimes there will be dietary restrictions, so ask about any before bringing any type of food or drink.

Michael S. · Answer

last year i spent 4 weeks in hospital and any kind of communication was great...a phone call is always good, especially if too far. some people called me every couple of days, oh and if you decide to visit him ask him does he want you to pick up something for him he cant get in hosp.

Vikram C. · Answer

I agree with Steve that an in-person visit is better than sending stuff if he has been working for you for a while and you have a personal relationship with him.

I also think you can ask him if he needs any help with anything.  There could be something that does not take much effort for you but might make a big difference to him.

I do not like flowers and stuff personally because I am allergic to pretty much most living things.

Brian Levredge · Answer

If he's going to be in the hospital for awhile, I would have flowers delivered to his room (most hospitals will do this) along with a note.  I would send a get well card to his house.  It's really whatever you think is appropriate.

Account Closed · Answer

I'm in agreement with everyone that says take the time and go visit. If he is important enough for you to ask on a public forum what you should do then it sounds like you have some type of personal as well as professional relationship with this person.

And as an employee its says much more about the person I work for.

I worked for a restaurant in my home town, the owner was known for being their for his employees, when needed. In an industry that usually has anywhere from a 60 - 70% turnover rate his restaurant's rate stayed consistently at 30 to 35% which if you've ever known the industry you know that says a lot..

Jackie Patterson · Answer

I always like to give flowering plants.  If he's in the hospital for awhile, it lasts for a long time.  It's also nice to be able to take it home, and reminds him that you were thinking of him.  I still have a plant from about 10 years ago that was given to me in the hospital.  It is flourishing, and everytime I water it I think of the person that gave it to me.

Steve Babiak · Answer

If he is still there over the weekend, then you should make the visit at least once.  When my late parents were in the hospital, visitors were the best thing for brightening their spirits.

Vikram's suggestion for assisting is also very thoughtful.  Things like getting mail from home, feeding pets, etc. are little things that might become out of reach for a spell.

Account Closed · Answer

I wouldn't spend 6 hours driving to visit my handyman in the hospital.

I think for a man, instead of flowers, a potted plant.

It's not that plants and flowers are so great, but what they say is that someone is thinking of you and that can mean a lot when you are down or unwell.

Elisha Lowe · Answer

Call first and find out if he can even receive flowers because if he is in the ICU or something fresh flowers may be a no no. Speak with him on the phone or his family and offer some assistance even if you know he/they will refuse it.

I personally like sending gift baskets.

Best

Larry T. · Answer

Thanks so much for the replies. It is not feasible to visit in person as his hospital is almost 3 hours from us (even though about two hours from our property...a different hospital than what I was first told) and I work full-time, so cannot get there. I will send flowers to the room and a card to the home and hope that that will be Ok as our gesture.

Handyman in hospital, what is appropriate?

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