It is the holiday season and many of us are looking for gift ideas for a loved one or maybe a little something for ourselves. (No judgment here.) Sales and discounts are rarely better than the end of the calendar year. Here are some ideas if you are looking for gifts to make life easier or more enjoyable for someone living with pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial lung disease.
1. A Fluffy Bathrobe
There is something about putting on a fluffy robe after a shower that is more comforting than drying off with a towel. If you find toweling off a little too strenuous, put a fluffy robe on your wish list. You can find them everywhere from Pottery Barn to Wal-Mart.
2. Oxygen Tube Holder for Glasses
If you wear any other device that rests on your ears like hearing aids, or a mask, well it can just be too much. For glasses wearers, this looks like a dynamite solution. These little clips connect your oxygen tube to your glasses instead of your ears. This product could be just the gift someone is looking for. Available from Amazon: Oxygen Tube Holder for Glasses.
3. Air Purifier
Smoke particles, dust, and pollution can irritate anyone’s lungs. Many PF Warriors use air purifiers in their homes to keep the air cleaner. When shopping, look for a device with a HEPA filter, if possible. Also, consider the square footage that the device says it will cover and the availability and cost of filters, which may need to be changed often. Brands that PF Warriors use include Austin, Dyson, BlueAir, and others. Cost can be in the hundreds of dollars, but air purifiers are becoming more affordable and this is a great time of year to find discounts.
4. Hypoallergenic Bed Pillow
When was the last time you replaced your bed pillows? The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends that you replace your pillow every two years or sooner. Pillows can contain dust, mites, and pet dander. Hypo allergenic pillows, such as this one, are affordable and widely available both online and in stores. Avoid feather pillows and opt for memory foam or latex, especially if you have hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
5. Pill Organizer for Home or Travel
If you are storing your medications in a shoebox, picnic basket, or ziploc bag, maybe its time for a better organizer. You can find them in a variety of sizes. Some even come with lock to safeguard the pills from children. Consider this one from Curmio.
6. Robot Vacuum
Speaking of dust, robot vacuums are wildly popular now. Vacuums like the Roomba are marked down for the holidays. We use the Roomba 694 which is not the smartest in their line, but is an entry-level device now available for under $200 USD at many stores. We run it every other day and it collects so much dust, hair, and dirt that I am amazed. It requires regular cleaning to empty the dirt and this version is highly rated. More expensive options are programmable with a Smart app and some empty themselves.
7. Armrest Organizer
You or a family member may have to have a few essentials easily within reach at all times. In our house, our PF Warrior always needs quick access to a pulse oximeter, tissues, cough drops and Ayr gel. How about an organizer that can be laid over an armrest or at a bedside? There are a many available, such as this one from Amazon, starting at about $20 USD.
8. Sunscreen
Some medicines can cause sensitivity to the sun. If this is the case for you or loved one, sunscreen could make a great stocking stuffer. This one is dermatologist approved, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive. It offers protection factor 55. Available at drugstores and retailers.
9. Extension Grabber
I’m short and I love my grabber. I use it for reaching the top shelf in my kitchen or to pick up things that have fallen under a table. If you or your loved one get short of breath or are uncomfortable bending over or reaching up, this may be for you. Available at hardware stores, drug stores, Walmart and of course, online, these usually retail at under $20 USD.
10. A Good Book
In my opinion, it wouldn’t be the holidays without a good book. In my opinion, Guide to Pulmonary Fibrosis and Interstitial Lung Disease is one of the best books available about living with pulmonary fibrosis/interstitial lung disease. Written by Noah Greenspan, who knows a lot about pulmonary fibrosis and who has helped many, many people to live better with lung disease as a respiratory therapist and founder of the Pulmonary Wellness Foundation. Available from Amazon.
Being Mortal may not be an easy book to read. If you and your loved one are wondering how to think and talk about death and end-of-life decisions, this might be right for you. When my mother was near the end of her life, I learned that there are good ways to die and painful, lonely, bad ways to die. Fortunately, we were able to prepare for a better death for her. This best seller by a surgeon talks about the medical community’s approach to death and what really matters at the end of a life.
Summary
Whatever you choose to share this holiday, remember the act of giving with love and care is more important than the gift itself. Providing a tangible sign of your care and support is really all that is need at this time of year. At PF Warriors, our wish for you is for a good holiday season.
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