Christmas Gifts for the Elderly

The last year and a half of my grandmother's life she lived in an assisted living facility. It was run by wonderful, caring people. They took excellent care of her. Her room, freshly painted, had a huge window where she could see children playing in a park across the street. However her room was very small. It took a little bit of creativity for my grandmother's family members to come up with ideas for Christmas gifts that wouldn't take up unnecessary space, but would still be welcome and enjoyable.

My grandmother had never lived in a large home, but had been an immaculate housekeeper, and cherished her photographs, knick-knacks, and other "necessities" like bowls of plastic fruit and everything anyone could have possibly made her from plastic canvas.

Needless to say, Gram had some adjusting to do, and it was up to the family to help the transition be a smooth one.

Before beginning a list of gift suggestions, the following is a list of gift "don'ts". I have witnessed these items in the rooms of other residents at my grandmother's and other assisted living and nursing home facilities. Having far too many good manners to balk at such gifts, these residents are often left to tolerate their presence in their already-too-cramped accommodations.

1.      Large stuffed animals  (Trust me, having a large purple stuffed cat will not make up for the one Aunt Ada had to give away prior to going to the home!)

2.      Large floral arrangements (There simply isn't room, and they don't last very long anyway)

3.      More knick-knacks (The resident has obviously had to bring a select few, so adding more makes no sense!)

4.      Things made with plastic canvas (They now have plenty of time to make their own, plus it's on the schedule for the activity center on Tuesdays!)

5.      Fruitcake (They never liked it anyway, and now they don't have their own garbage disposals!)

Here are a few suggestions that would make lovely and thoughtful Christmas or Chanukah presents for assisted living or nursing home residents:

1.      A CD player with headphones and books on CD.

2.      A magazine subscription in large print.

3.      Notecards and a book of stamps.

4.      A small plant that requires little care.

5.      A small tin of his or her favorite Christmas cookies or candy.

6.      A long-distance calling card.

7.      A new nightie or robe, pajamas for the gentlemen.

8.      Warm slippers with treaded soles

9.      Books of crossword puzzles and word search puzzles in large print.

10.  The gift of your time.

Number ten requires a bit more thought and effort on your behalf, however will save you loads of money. Nothing brightened my grandmother's face more than a visit. She loved to be read to, and she loved to have a cup of tea and a cookie with a guest. My sister would sit with her and give her wonderful manicures. On nice days she loved to go for a ride and stop for a milkshake. Her needs were simple.

So as you make your holiday gift list this year, give some real thought to those recipients in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Although it might be far easier to purchase something quickly from a department store, spending loads of money, and wrapping it with signature wrapping paper, there are far better alternatives. That box of sugar cookies and the Christmas card your five-year old made, along with a visit from both of you, will be remembered and cherished for a much longer time.