One of our ventilator patients is very awake and alert and enjoys reading very much. She has had limited reading materials and has rarely had family or friends come to visit her. Leah brought her a large box of books, a reading tablet, and a soft book stand reading pillow from home.

When I asked the patient if this made it easier for her, she was smiling, telling me how much it helped her and how much she appreciated it. She has been with us for over a month, and this is the only time I have seen her smile. She reads for long periods of time during the day now. She is ventilator dependent and has not always wanted to fully participate in all of her strengthening exercises because of how difficult it is for her and how tired it makes her.

Being able to read throughout the day may have helped with her motivation for rehabilitation. She has been sitting in the bedside chair more often and for longer periods of time because she says it is easier for her to read in the chair. It was really nice to see someone help a patient in such a caring way like that. Submitted by: Melissa Grossman