It doesn’t matter where you live or how old you are – there’s nothing like a cheerfully wrapped present to brighten your spirits. Residents in nursing homes present some unique challenges in gift-giving, so I’ve created a list that’s received the “seal of approval” from those who work in nursing homes. And my guess is they would make any resident feel special during the holiday season.
As you go through this list, consider what it would be like if you and everyone who reads this decided to go out and buy just one extra gift and drop it off or mail it to their nearest nursing home to be given to a resident without family or friends.
Gifts to brighten up their room
Picture frames, plants (live or silk), paintings, a calendar marked with birthdays of family members, artificial gold fish bowl or water fall, sun catchers for the window, framed pictures of the resident in earlier days, a collage of pictures of families and friends – these make great conversation pieces -- or an all-season wreath or decorative knocker to hang on their door.
Gifts for pampering
Basket of lotions and talcum powder (be sure to check with the nursing staff on what’s best), shaving lotion, favorite perfumes, luscious bath towel and/or robe, gift certificates to the in-house beauty parlor or barber for hair and manicures, grooming products.
Gifts for having fun
Buy a very simple-to-use VCR and send new movies every month and videos of family events, large print books, a simple-to-use CD Discman or tape recorder so they can listen to their favorite music or books on tape without disturbing roommates, low vision playing cards, large print crossword puzzles or other games appropriate for their cognitive ability, a box of all-occasion greeting cards with a book of stamps, a talking picture frame, stuffed animals.
Gifts for staying warm
Lap afghans or fleece throws are very popular, cheerful holiday sweaters, sweat suits, no-skid slippers, fun socks that depict the holidays or interest of the resident (e.g. golf, flowers).
Gifts that touch the heart
Hand-made gifts, a framed poem or artwork from children or from you, phone cards to stay in touch and cover the costs of long-distance calls.
