As another holiday season is upon us, countless Americans will embark on a quest to find the best presents for their cherished loved ones, including seniors. Selecting a meaningful gift for an aging parent, grandparent, or great-aunt or uncle is often challenging. Adding to the challenge is when an aging loved one lives in a community environment, such as an independent living, assisted living, or memory care community. Space and safety standards provide some limits to what gifts can be given. At the same time, many seniors insist they don’t need anything, adding more complexity to finding the perfect gift.
If you’re struggling to find your elderly loved one who lives in a community environment the perfect gift this season, Senior Living Solutions is here to help. Here are six thoughtful gifts for seniors that will be sure to convey just how much they mean to you.
Cozy Throw Blanket
Bring a little comfort and coziness to your loved one’s senior living apartment by gifting them a cozy throw blanket. Throw blankets don’t take up a lot of space and can be very practical gifts. Some senior living communities can be colder in the common areas. Your loved one may enjoy having a small throw blanket that they can wrap around them while participating in group activities or just spending downtime in a common living room.
Personalized Photo Albums
Another perfect gift for seniors living in a community environment is a personalized photo album. Most of us have thousands of photos on our phones, but few of us take the time to print them. Although we can text photos to our aging loved ones, not every senior can operate a smartphone. Take a few minutes to create a personalized photo album for your aging loved one, filled with photos of your family over the last year or two. Use your favorite photo book app or simply print your favorite photos and place them in a photo album.
Non-Slip Slippers
Help reduce your elderly loved one’s risk of falling by gifting them a pair of non-slip slippers. Choose a slipper designed for indoor use and that offers a closed heel. The slipper should be easy for your loved one to put on and take off, but not so easy for them to slip out of while they’re walking.
Create a Mind-Enhancing Basket
Keep your loved one’s mind active and engaged this winter by creating a basket filled with brain-stimulating exercises. Purchase a variety of word puzzle books, such as crossword puzzles, word searches, and Sudoku puzzles. Choose large print where available. Other brain-stimulating activities to consider include jigsaw puzzles, trivia books, simple games, or a puzzle manipulative appropriate for seniors. Complete the basket by adding pencils, highlighters, a magnifying glass, a clipboard, or a book lamp.
Audiobook or Music Subscription
Give your elderly loved one the gift of entertainment by paying for an audiobook or music subscription, tailored to their taste. Before doing so, ensure they have the essential technology, such as a reliable internet connection and Wi-Fi. Create easy-to-follow instructions in a large font and laminate the instructions for durability. If your loved one struggles with technology, be sure to set up the account in a manner that allows you to have access so that you can assist as needed.
Handwritten Letters or Cards
Stay connected with your elderly loved one by committing to writing them handwritten letters or cards throughout the year. This is a gift that keeps on giving. Set a reminder on your calendar to write to your loved one at least once a month. Include printed photos of recent events in your life to bring them more joy. Consider adding to the gift by giving your loved one stationary and stamps this holiday season. They can then respond to your letters and you can save them for a cherished memory.
If you’re searching for an alternative gift idea for an aging loved one who is currently looking for the right senior living community, give them the gift of a stress-free search by connecting them with Senior Living Options. We provide free senior placement assistance to seniors in Arkansas. Whether you’re searching for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or home care, we can help. We can save you time by helping to narrow your search to facilities that meet your needs and preferences. We can also connect you with other resources to help you make the transition to a new home as smooth as possible. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 501-650-3013.