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Selecting holiday gifts for the elderly can be a real
challenge, especially for those living in a nursing home. Too
often, the elderly end up with several bottles of after shave or
cologne, another robe for the collection already in the closet, a
book with print too small to read, or another sweater.
The real key to selecting useful gifts is to talk with the
person about what they could use, visit with staff at the nursing
home, and also visit with members of the family. This also can
avoid several people giving the same item.
For many elderly, the best gift you can give is a visit or a
phone call. If they have a phone, you might pay their bill for
several months, or even for the entire year. For a person who is
hard of hearing, a telephone amplifier could make their phone
calls more pleasurable.
Find out what magazines or newspapers they already subscribe
to and extend the subscription another year. You might check to
see if the subscription is available in large-print, which will
be easier on their eyes.
If the person likes to read, find out what kind of books
they enjoy. Bookstores have information on editions that also are
available in large-print as well as talking books.
A special calendar featuring a theme of interest to the
person is something that can brighten each day. For example, a
fisherman might like a calendar with picture of lakes or streams,
and a Gardener would enjoy one with flowers.
Prescheduled family events can be listed on the calendar,
such as vacations, business trips, birthdays, holidays, etc. This
helps the older person have a better idea of what others are
doing and they feel more a part of their family's activities.
A box of assorted cards, useful for various occasions, is a
welcome gift. You might even want to pre-address them for the
person who has trouble writing. Then make a note on the calendar
to remind them of the occasion and date to send. Of course, to go
along with the cards, a roll of stamps is a great gift.
Grandparents always like a progress report on grandchildren.
A fun way to do this is to make a scrapbook of various
activities, examples of school papers, and pictures of such
special events as birthday parties. Grandparents can share this
with others and brag about their family. Don't forget to label
the pictures and other mementos in large lettering.
Another scrapbook idea is to make one with special events of
the person's own life. Find pictures, articles and other items
that hold fond memories for them. Because elderly like to
reminisce, this gives them tangible things they can use to
remember events and share with others.
If the individual does need clothing items, be sure and get
the correct size. Read labels carefully to make sure the clothing
doesn't require special laundry care. Also note, if it is
shrinkable, whether it still will be large enough to fit.
Finally, attach a label with the individual's name on it and make
sure it is logged in on their clothing record when you give it to
them.
If you want to give a food item, first check to see if there
are any diet restrictions for the individual. If food is okay,
make sure it's in a container with a tight lid and that it will
keep safely. Elderly also enjoy individually-wrapped crackers,
candy or other shelf-safe snacks that they can offer to their
visitors when they are entertaining.
By checking ahead to identify the needs of the individual,
and then selecting suitable items, you'll know the gift you give
that special elderly person this year truly will be enjoyed.
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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