National Shut-in Visitation Day

National Shut-in Visitation Day is observed annually on February 11th. It is a day to recognize the simple joys that people miss when they can't leave their home, apartment or care center.

History of National Shut-in Visitation Day

National Shut-in Visitation Day on February 11 as a reminder to bring some happy company to those who can't leave their homes. Visiting someone who lives aloof makes a positive difference in that person's life.

Someone who is closed remains in their home for physical, mental, or emotional reasons. These conditions can make a person feel lonely, isolated, sad, and cut off from the rest of the world. Sometimes they don't have family and friends to visit and spend time with. Many lack any form of companionship.

We often see it as our freedom to be able to go out every day, go to work, have lunch at a restaurant, work out at the gym or go on vacation. These are things that closed people can't go through every day. A visit with them will brighten their day and we can share our experience with them.

How to celebrate National Shut-in Visitation Day

Visit someone living with a disability or illness and brighten their day. Become a companion. Some activities you can do include:

• Play board games
• Read the book
• Watch a favorite movie
• Working on a jigsaw puzzle
• Read the paper
• Bring new library books and offer to return old books
• Try a new recipe
• Do a hobby that both of you will enjoy
• Discover your ancestors together

Don’t forget using the hashtag #NationalShut-inVisitationDay to post on social media.