This may be our most asked question during this time of year! Finding gifts for our senior loved ones in assisted living or long-term care can be a challenge.
Holiday Gift Guide for Seniors
If you are hoping to find a more meaningful gift, here are a few ideas you might want to consider:
Produce a family video: This sounds more intimidating than it really is, especially if you have teenagers in your family. You can use a program like iMovie to create a family video that combines old videos with new ones. It might be that you include photos of your parent’s wedding and your own. If your tech skills won’t stretch that far, a free app like Flip-a-Gram allows you to create a video out of photos. It’s easy enough to use that even a rookie can add text and music to their video.
Make a family calendar: Another personal holiday gift is to consider is a family calendar. Your parents will probably love having a gift that chronicles your family’s history. You can work with a local printer to create one or use an online calendar creator. Mark important family events, such as birthdays and anniversaries, for each month. Personalize it with family photos.
Create a coupon book: One more gift suggestion is to create a coupon book. Have each member of your family add a few coupons to the book. Your teens, for example, could create a coupon for technical support to help their grandparents with their computer lessons. Another coupon another could be for a family picnic at a local park. The idea is to include coupons that allow your family to spend quality time together.
Splurge on a tablet device: Depending upon your budget, a tablet can be a great gift for an older adult. They are easy to use and will allow your parent a chance to connect on Facebook, check and send email, and download eBooks from their local library. If they have loved ones far away, they can use a video chat platforms like FaceTime, Google Duo or Skype to stay in touch.
Finally, it’s probably just as important for us to include a reminder on gifts that aren’t such great ideas to buy for seniors. Those include candles, electric blankets or foods that they are supposed to avoid if they are on a restricted diet.
Wishing you and your family a Happy Holidays!
