Do you have relatives or friends who live in assisted living facilities? Finding the ideal gift can be challenging. Certain gifts may be prohibited due to health concerns: people who must maintain a healthy blood sugar level should avoid sweets or chocolates. There is little space in the apartment or place for an additional stuff. Your giftee's physical or mental capacities (or both) may be deteriorating in some circumstances.
Any gift you offer will almost certainly be appreciated. However, it helps if the item is something the recipient can actually use and enjoy. Make it specific to their diseases, requirements, and interests. The following is a compilation of gift ideas for the holidays – or any other occasion.
Social engagement gifts
People who live in assisted living homes often find themselves feeling lonely and isolated. Maintaining social connections with loved ones combats this and also aids in the prevention of chronic disease and cognitive decline. Among the possible gifts are the following:
A simple phone. The simpler a phone is to operate, the more likely it will be used by your loved one. Purchasing a landline phone that has large and easy numbers (starting at $25), a flip phone (starting at $35), or a smartphone that has few buttons and apps for easy navigation (starting at $50). Bear in mind that cell phones require a monthly service fee; rates vary by carrier.
A smart speaker. If using a phone is too difficult for your loved one, consider investing in a smart speaker ($20 and up) that can be set to dial important numbers (like yours). At any time, commands can be spoken aloud to initiate a call. Ascertain that your loved one has internet access, which is required for smart speaker use.
A photo album. A loose-leaf picture album (about $20) or an easily manufactured photo book ($10 and up) filled with recent photos of family and friends can serve as a warm reminder of connections, or as a present to give to others in the senior living home. This type of social engagement is critical for wellness. Additionally, it will make the individual feel good to see all of the images of folks who care about them.
Gifts to aid independence
Simple actions can become difficult as a result of health difficulties. These gifts might provide a measure of independence for your loved one.
Tools that are adaptable. With a long-handled shoehorn, a button hook, or a zipper pull (all under $10), your loved one may regain some control overdressing.
A magnifier. A magnifying glass ($5 and up) is very useful for those with poor vision (and who hasn't misplaced their reading glasses?). It's also useful for reading or seeing little objects. Make it a lighted magnifying glass ($15) for a wonderful enhancement.
Aids to writing. Writing becomes difficult due to hand arthritis or neurological diseases (such as Parkinson's disease). Adaptive pens with ergonomic shapes ($10 and higher) can assist your loved one in jotting down facts or thoughts.
Gifts for sharper thinking abilities
Challenging your brain or learning new things helps to build new connections between brain cells, which helps to protect and keep your cognition. Give your loved one something that will simplify and entertain the procedure, such as the following:
A daily calendar of trivia. (Approximately $15)
Nonfiction and fiction books in large print. ($5 and above). Additionally, audio selections are enjoyable.
Brain games and puzzles in large print. ($5 and above)
Gifts to ease health issues
A thoughtful present can provide comfort and aid in the resolution of health problems. Consider addressing someone's aches and pains with the following gifts:
A microwavable heat wrap (about $15).
A handheld massager (starting at $5).
Alternatively, you could address circulation disorders that contribute to patients feeling cold or raise their risk of leg blood clots. Several suggestions include the following:
A soft fleece blanket (starting at $10).
Slippers with slip-resistant soles that are warm ($20 and up).
Compression stockings with vibrant patterns and entertaining designs ($15 and up). Verify the size to ensure they are not too little for your loved one.
Health-monitoring gifts
While personnel at assisted living facilities monitor residents' health, one of the following presents may be beneficial to your loved one:
A blood pressure monitor (starting at $30). Choose one with an upper arm cuff that inflates automatically, a lit background with high numbers, and certification from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, the British Hypertension Society, or the European Society of Hypertension.
A digital "stick" thermometer is available for $10 and above. The ideal one will be substantial and comfortable to grip, with a lit background and large numerals.
Still, thinking?
Maintain your thought processes. A beautiful, cozy fleece sweater (about $20)? Additional reading glasses for nooks and crannies ($15 and up)? If none of these suggestions are appropriate, consider providing a nutritious treat. Fresh citrus is an excellent choice right now (send a box for $30 or more). Oranges and tangerines are delicious and abundant in vitamin C, which helps maintain a healthy immune system," but grapefruit should be avoided since it may interact with some medications. And that is an excellent gift.
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