Get Well Wishes for an Older Friend or Parent

When someone we love is in the hospital, at home recovering or settling into rehab, a card is a small thing that does a lot of good. It sits on the windowsill. It gets read to visitors. It says “you are not forgotten” every time they look at it.

Older readers especially treasure a handwritten card. Here are messages you can copy as they are or make your own. A good get-well card is short, warm and hopeful, without pretending things are easier than they are.

Short get well messages

• Thinking of you and wishing you a little more strength every day.
• Sending love, prayers and a big hug your way.
• Take all the time you need to rest. We’ll be here when you’re ready.
• Get well soon. The world is a brighter place with you in it.
• Hoping each day brings you more comfort and less pain.
• Just a note to say I’m thinking of you, today and every day.
• Wishing you a gentle recovery and plenty of good naps.

For a hospital stay

• I hope the nurses are spoiling you and the food is better than they say.
• Sorry you’re laid up. I’ll come by as soon as you’re up for company.
• I’m keeping your chair warm at church. Rest up and come home soon.
• Hospitals are no fun, but you are in good hands, and you’re in our prayers.

After surgery

• Glad to hear the surgery is behind you. Now the healing can begin.
• Take it slow, do what the doctor says, and let others wait on you for once.
• Thinking of you as you recover. You’ve always been tougher than you look.
• One day at a time. You’ll be back on your feet before you know it.

For a parent

• Mom, you’ve taken care of all of us for so long. Now it’s our turn. Rest and let us help.
• Dad, you’re the strongest man I know. Take it easy, and that’s an order from your kid.
• I’m so grateful for you, and I’m counting the days until you’re feeling like yourself again.
• We love you more than words can say. Get some rest, and call me anytime, day or night.

For a grandparent

• Grandma, the kids drew these pictures just for you. Get well soon!
• Grandpa, the fish are waiting, and so are we. Feel better soon.
• Sending you hugs from all your grandkids. We love you to the moon and back.

For someone in rehab or a care center

• Every step you take in therapy is a step closer to home. I’m proud of you.
• Hard work is paying off. Keep at it, and know we’re cheering you on.
• I know this isn’t where you want to be right now. I’ll visit Tuesday and bring the crossword.
• You’re doing better than you think. Don’t be hard on yourself.

For a friend from church or the neighborhood

• The Wednesday Bible study isn’t the same without you. We’re all praying for you.
• Your garden misses you, and so do we. I’ll water the tomatoes until you’re back.
• The whole Sunday school class sends love. Hurry back; nobody brings cookies like you do.

Gentle, funny get well wishes

A little humor can lift spirits, if you know the person well. Keep it light and kind.

• Some people will do anything to get breakfast in bed.
• I heard you’d do anything to get out of doing the dishes.
• Doctor’s orders: lots of rest, lots of pudding and no arguing with the nurses.
• Hospital gowns aren’t anyone’s best look, but you’ll still be the best-dressed patient on the floor.
• Get well soon. The coffee pot at church has gone cold without you.

Prayers and faith-filled wishes

• Praying that God’s healing hand rests on you and gives you peace.
• May the Lord give you strength for each day and rest for each night.
• I’m lifting you up in prayer every morning. God is with you in this.
• Trusting the Great Physician to watch over you and your doctors.
• May you feel the comfort of God’s presence and the love of all who are praying for you.

Bible verses for a get well card

All from the King James Version.

• “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
• “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
• “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
• “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 1:2)
• “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 30:17)

When recovery will be slow, or may not come

Not every illness gets better. For a serious or long illness, skip “get well soon,” which can feel like pressure, and simply be present:

• I’m thinking of you and sending all my love.
• You mean so much to me, and I wanted you to know it.
• I’m grateful for every year of our friendship. I’m here for you.
• Praying for comfort, peace and good days ahead.

What not to write

• Medical advice or miracle cures. Leave that to their doctors.
• Stories about someone else who had the same thing, especially if it ended badly.
• “You’ll be fine!” if you don’t know that. Hope is kind; promises can ring hollow.
• Guilt about not visiting. Just say when you’ll come, or send the card and let it speak.

More than a card

For an older friend, a few practical gifts tuck nicely in with the card: a large-print crossword book, a phone call at a set time each week, a meal for the freezer or an offer to drive them to appointments. You can also print a short, uplifting story to read aloud at the bedside. Our stories of healing and hope and our funny stories for seniors are good places to start.