Gifts for the Elderly

   

 My mother-in-law is in a nursing home and at this time of year it gets us thinking about what to give her for Christmas. She doesn't have much space in her room for a lot of extra stuff. We decided to take some photos of her and make a Christmas card that she can send to friends and relatives. (We ran address labels and also paid for postage, stamping and mailing the cards for her.) I'm betting she'll be happy to get cards in the mail in return.

     If you have some friends or family that are in skilled care facilities you might need some other gift ideas. The holidays are usually a happy time of the year, but for seniors without friends or family nearby, it can be lonely.

     During holidays instead of bringing a plant or flowers, which provide visual pleasure but cannot occupy an elder’s time, bring other gifts which they can enjoy after you have left.

• Already stamped post cards, envelopes and paper
• Soft Stuffed Animal with a Scent such as Lavender
• Lip Balm, Lotion, Powder
• Pillow Spray 
• Dream Pillows
• Magnifying glass 
• Puzzles, drawing pad and pens
• Pictures drawn from children (they love bragging rights)
• Family Photos
• A small hand held TV or DVD player with head phones. So they can watch what they would like. 
• Reader's Digest and other large print books. 
• Diabetic:  Special Socks /Diabetic candies
• Slippers
• Pajama's
• Bath Robe
• Pillows/Quilts
• Craft Items they can make that does not require keen eyesight--latch hook is a good one.
• Dementia:  Textured items (i.e., sandpaper, velvet, fuzzy fur, gingham, burlap) to touch and manipulate. Often those with dementia find comfort in repetitive motions such as rubbing cloth or petting an animal. 

Another idea for an older loved one who has difficulty communicating is touch/aroma therapy. Bring a nicely scented lotion and ask if you could put the lotion on your loved one’s hands, therefore providing touch as well as a pleasant aroma to associate with your visit.