Giving a gift to a senior in assisted living makes their holiday brighter. It’s important to consider the needs, restrictions, and limitations of the recipient before choosing an item.
Older adults may have medical conditions that limit what they can eat and drink. Their assisted living home may not have a lot of storage or display space for large items. And some items may be a tripping hazard. Even scents can cause irritation for some seniors.
That doesn’t mean you can’t give a great gift to grandma, grandpa, mom, or dad this year. There are still plenty of items that seniors love to receive. You can also talk to staff at your loved one’s assisted living community to find out if they have any suggestions.
The following list can help you find inspiration for the perfect gift for a senior you love.
- Comfy Slippers and Bathrobes
Every senior should be comfortable. A good way to do that is to have the right clothing available. Christmas is a great time to get your loved one a nice pair of slippers or a bathrobe.
Our bodies are less able to regulate temperature as we age. Several factors, like poor circulation and a thinner layer of fat, can make us feel colder. Giving the gift of warmth can help a loved one deal with these changes.
Look for slippers that are comfortable with good support and non-slip soles. They should also be easy to put on.
- Digital Photo Frames
Electronic photo frames are a great gift for seniors because they are compact and meaningful. This device comes in different sizes, but most will fit easily on a shelf, end table, or nightstand. You can pre-load the frame with family photos so it’s ready to use when your loved one opens it.
Some models allow users to create accounts to add images to a digital frame. Friends and family can log in and upload more images that will appear on the frame. Rotate through photos so that your loved one can enjoy more fond memories all year long.
Once set up, digital frames don’t require any significant technical knowledge to use. If the frame is plugged in, it should work without your loved one having to learn how to operate it.
- Stationery and Greeting Cards
Did your loved one send a lot of greeting cards when they were younger? Stationery and greeting cards can make a wonderful gift. Find an assortment of cards that can be generic or a mix of holiday and event-themed cards with envelopes.
Throw in some nice pens and postage stamps and your loved one has their own greeting card set to use throughout the year. They can send holiday greetings or birthday cards or messages just because.
Other stationery gift ideas for seniors include wall calendars, personalized notepads, markers, and a decorative box to store it all in.
- Puzzles and Mind Games
Puzzles and mind games help senior citizens exercise their cognitive abilities. Many bookstores have a collection of activity books that are ideal for adults. Find something your loved one would enjoy, like word searches, sudoku, crossword puzzles, riddles, and more.
A puzzle can be a fun addition because they come in many sizes with different images. Find something that matches your loved one’s personality or interests. If they grew up on a farm, look for a puzzle featuring farmland or animals. If they love the ocean, look for beach scenes. The puzzle options are nearly limitless.
- Music and Audio Books
Research has shown that music improves the quality of life of seniors in assisted living. Favorite songs can evoke emotion and conjure memories. Seniors who are otherwise sedentary may start to move and dance when the right sounds are played.
If your loved one already has a way to play music, then you can buy songs or a gift card for their preferred device or platform. If not, your gift should include a way to play the music.
Simplified music players are available for seniors with dementia or those who struggle with technology. You can also find basic portable radios. An MP3 player that’s pre-loaded with music is also a good alternative. Remember to include a comfortable set of earbuds or headphones so they don’t disturb their neighbors.
Seniors may also appreciate audio books. This will give them more ways to enjoy their holiday gift.
- Gift Baskets with Toiletries
Everyone needs toiletries. A gift basket of lotions, moisturizers, soaps, aftershave, and scrubs is great for seniors. When gifting scented products, make sure your loved one doesn’t have any allergies to fragrances. Also, look for products that don’t have scents that are overpowering to prevent irritating other residents.
Pre-filled gift baskets are available, or you can put together your own with hand-picked items. Add a few flourishes and extras, like a luxurious washcloth or loofah, brush, or soft towel to turn your gift into a trip to the spa in a basket.
- A Reading Lamp and Book Magnifier
Reading is a popular pastime for people of all ages. It’s especially appealing for seniors because they can do it anytime from anywhere. Unfortunately, as we age, our eyesight tends to change. Many older adults need bifocals and stronger prescriptions to be able to see text on a page.
Help your loved one enjoy their favorite stories with a reading lamp. Choose something that will fit in the space they have at their assisted living home. Many tabletop lamps are available that fit on a small surface.
You can also add a book magnifying glass or a lamp with a built-in magnifier. Reading with a book magnifier improves clarity and reduces the risk of eye strain.
- Personalized Décor for Their Room
Give your senior something to decorate their assisted living room. Find something that’s unique to their interests and style. Just remember that décor will need to be light and small enough to display safely within their available space.
A framed photo or wall art are great choices. Avoid anything bulky or things that sit on the ground where they can become a tripping hazard. Other senior gift ideas include decorative pillows, curtains, and organizers.
If you have questions about whether an item is safe, talk to assisted living caregivers. They can advise you on what’s permitted and what would fit best in your loved one’s living space.
- A Washable Walker Caddy
Seniors with mobility limitations may appreciate accessories that allow them to move safely and easily. A washable walker caddy is a practical gift idea.
These are usually made of fabric and will strap onto walkers. They have a low profile, so they don’t stick out too far. One caddy can add several pockets and sleeves for belongings and supplies. Your loved one can bring a travel mug, snacks, stationery, books, a music player, board games, or anything else that they want when they leave their room.
- The Gift of Your Time
The most valuable gift you can give a senior in assisted living is time. Make a point to visit your loved one around the holidays. You can wrap up a custom-made certificate that entitles the recipient to a special outing, activity, or gathering later in the year.
Spending time together doesn’t have to be elaborate or complicated. It can be as simple as stopping by for an afternoon chat or going out for a family dinner.
Talk to Your Loved One About Senior Gift Ideas
The best way to find out what your loved one would like is to talk to them about senior gift ideas. Find out what is on their wishlist. Is there anything they need or would love to have?
Many senior homes organize holiday events around this time of year. Participating creates an opportunity to feel festive and talk about gifts.
How do assisted living communities help seniors during the holiday season? They do many things that support residents and their families. Find out what is going on so you can plan a fun, memorable holiday season for your loved one.
