What do you get the woman who has everything? For the first 40 or 50 years, you were probably able to come up with great, personal, gift ideas that your Mom truly treasured. But let's face it; times and needs change. Mom may now be in a nursing home or assisted living facility. After a while we run out of good gift ideas find ourselves to be gift-giving challenged!
Just as you might recall the holiday you really wanted "Abby Road", and instead you got your very own fruit cake, it's your turn to rethink gift-giving for "Gram".
It's likely Grandma deals with chronic in pain, has lost a lot of physical flexibility, and can't see well. Opt for resents that provide comfort, simplicity, and independence; ten thoughtful suggestions sure to be well received.
Gift ideas for that special elder:
1. Back Scratcher: Seniors can't bend, twist, and stretch like they could when they were younger. Back scratchers offer welcome relief for those hard-to-reach areas that itch and when there's no one around to offer to "scratch their back."
2. Shoe Horn: Eliminate Gram's need to bend over to get her heels completely inside her shoes or slippers with a good metal shoe horn. Look for one with a long 8-10" reach.
3. Walker Basket Attachment: It's impossible to carry anything while using a walker. Attaching a pouch or basket, specially designed for walkers, frees up hands. It's practical and a boost to feelings of independence and self-sufficiency.
4. Smart Night Lights: Falling is a serious matter when it happens to a senior. Bones become brittle, break easily and heal slowly. Motion detector lights aren't just for outdoor use; they can safely light the way when Grandma gets up in the middle of the night, greatly reducing the likelihood of tripping and falling.
5. Telephones with Sound Amplification: Telephones with cords often provide better sound than cordless. They also operate during power outages, while cordless phones only work with electricity. Cordless phones offer the safety and convenience of access throughout the house. Look for cordless phones with outstanding amplification features "Sound amplified" or "extra amplification"will be listed as a key feature in the on-line description, or on the box or display feature list. Phones with those features are becoming much more widely available; consider one of each, for the best of both.
6. Big Button Telephone: Large, easy-to-read buttons make dialing easier for arthritic fingers or for anyone who can't see quite as well as they used to.
7. Slipper Bottom Socks: People with cold feet often like to wear socks to bed. Yet socks can be a slippery safety hazard when stepping out of bed, especially on uncarpeted surfaces. The solution? Warm socks with sticky bumps on the bottom keep Grandma's feet warm in bed and also prevent falls by grabbing the floor surface when they get out of bed.
8. Soap for Sensitive Skin: Older skin is often dry, fragile, and sensitive. Look for soap that is free of irritating additives and designed for very sensitive skin. Health food and medical dermatology stores are a good resource. Consult your local pharmacist for any special order items.
9. Silky Nightwear: Fleece-lined silk is warm and cozy for the wearer. And for caregivers, silk makes it easier to roll over or reposition someone in bed. But there is a downside to watch out for. Beware that Grandma and Grandpa don't slide right off the bed and get hurt, seriously, this is true!
10. Easy Remote Control: For seniors who can't or don't want to fumble with multiple, microscopic-size buttons, go for the specially designed three-button TV remotes. Make TV-watching simple and pleasurable with a large, easy to use 3-button remote control device.
Where to Look:
Out and about shopping: Most of these gifts are readily available in your local hardware store, local pharmacy, health food, home health division of your local hospital store, specialty shoe stores, better department stores. Radio Shack
is a great source for affordable items for seniors.
On-line: The Alzheimer's Store, Maxi Aids, Walgreens and other stores that sell independent living aids
Before You Buy:
It's always a good idea to discuss products with Grandma's caregivers to be sure they're safe for her particular situation.
The Best Gift of All:
More than anything, most of us want to be loved and remembered. If you can, give your gift in person. If you can't, then call, write an easy to read personal note, check in. Even if your gifts may sometimes initially be an unwanted reminder of the consequences of aging, letting your Mom know you care and are doing your best to promote her independence and keep in touch, will go a long way in helping maker her golden years just that. PS., all of these ideas can be enjoyed by Grandpa too!
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