NATIONAL SHUT-IN VISITATION DAY

NATIONAL SHUT-IN VISITATION DAY

National Shut-In Visitation Day on February 11th serves as a reminder to bring some cheerful company to people who are unable to leave their homes. Visiting a person who is shut-in makes a positive difference in that person’s life.

#ShutInVisitationDay

We often take for granted our freedom to be able to go outside each day, go to work, eat lunch at a restaurant, work out at the gym or take a vacation. These are things that people who are shut-in are not able to experience on any day. A visit with them would brighten their day, and we could share our experiences with them.

Someone who is shut-in remains in their home due to physical, mental, or emotional reasons. These conditions can cause a person to feel lonely, isolated, sad, and cut off from the rest of the world. Sometimes they do not have family and friends available to visit and spend time with them. Many lack any kind of companionship.

For many shut-ins, the four walls of their room are their entire world. Long-term isolation can lead to depression and a decline in physical health. Oftentimes, a visitor is the first person to notice if a shut-in’s health has dipped, if they are low on groceries, or if their living conditions need attention.

Being a shut-in often makes people feel invisible to society. A visit provides a "window" to the outside world. By simply engaging in a conversation, playing a game, or hearing news about the community keeps the mind sharp and active. A simple act of kindness let's the person know they are seen and matter.

HOW TO OBSERVE SHUT IN VISITATION DAY

Visit a person who is shut-in due to disability or illness and brighten their day. Become a companion. Some activities you can do include:

• Play a board game

• Read a book

• Watch a favorite movie

• Work on a jigsaw puzzle

• Read the National Day Calendar and find ways to celebrate together

• Read the newspaper

• Bring a new library book and offer to return old ones

• Try a new recipe

• Take up a hobby you'll both enjoy

• Explore your ancestry together

Use #ShutInVisitationDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL SHUT-IN VISITATION DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar has not identified the origins of this selfless holiday.