Gifts for the Elderly

Can't we get Grandma something nice for the holidays this year?

It is not easy to think of a gift that an elder will rally appreciate or use. This is especially true for those who are limited in their activities, are home bound, live in a facility, or suffer from dementia. The effort you make will bring a big morale boost and happy moments to someone who is often isolated and lonely.

Okay that all sounds great, but what about the hard part, thinking of and finding the right gift. To get your thought process flowing here are a few more ideas: talking books, scrap book, photo album, large print books, picnic (indoors is okay), meal in basket with silver, napkins and candles, Teddy bear that is soft and cuddly, music or even better, make a CD of songs that have special meaning. Often those suffering from dementia will react to music in a way that is beyond their normal awareness. You may want to give music extra consideration if you loved one suffers from dementia. Let your imagination loose and the right gift idea will come to you.

A word of caution: Stay away from sweets (diabetes), alcohol (drug interaction), hard to use items (small print, dials, buttons, and almost anything that comes with directions).

Happy Holidays to you and yours.