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Gifts for Elderly People
What do you give someone elderly? Finding gifts for elderly people can be challenging. What do you buy someone who has a lifetime’s worth of “stuff”? Many people start to declutter as they age, preferring to keep only the essential and sentimental.
Edible Gifts
Many elderly people enjoy a jar of homemade jam or chutney. Having probably grown up making their own, they will appreciate the time and effort that’s gone into making it. You can personalise the label with their name, for example, “Uncle Bills’ damson chutney”. Home-made crackers are so easy and cheap to make and you can assure them they are healthy and wholesome – when eaten in moderation!
Flowers
Flowers are always welcome (unless someone suffers from hayfever). Make life easier for your loved one by pre-arranging them in a vase or jar so they don’t have to worry about doing it themselves. If you have the budget, many florists offer bouquets in water.
Edible Gifts
Foodie gifts make a welcome gift idea. Many local delicatessens are delighted to create a hamper to suit your budget and taste. The UK have some amazing cheesemakers. Many offer online hamper options, some with letterbox options a great alternative for anyone who is diabetic.
Indoor plants add a splash of colour, and seasonal bouquets make someone feel special. Be mindful of houseplants for anyone with advanced dementia as some are poisonous.
Both men and women appreciate a quality soap or handwash. The National Trust shops offer a lovely array of locally made artisan soaps and smelly items.
Vouchers
Gardening vouchers, book tokens or a magazine subscription are thoughtful ideas,
Replace traditional walking sticks with one from Flexyfoot, fashionable, comfortable and safe on uneven or icy ground. Their range is available online at www.flexyfoot.com and from selected stockists.
A promise of a meal out in the New Year is always a thoughtful gift, one to look forward with good food in good company always enjoyed.
For someone with dementia, a photo book of memories, digital photo frame, or photo cushion are thoughtful ideas. Soft blankets made into dementia blankets (sew on buttons, ribbons, zips, jingle bells and Velcro) provide both comfort and warmth plus relief to agitated hands.
Adult colouring is currently popular and seen as both therapeutic and brain-stimulating. For someone with dementia, Aqua Paints are enjoyable and rewarding. www.active-minds.co.uk/ I had fun testing them!
Music
Music, music and more music! Buy an MP3 and record all the music someone with dementia likes. I have seen the magic of music for someone with dementia, from agitated to calm and toe-tapping in a matter of notes. Big headphones are more comfortable and better with hearing aids.
Soft pyjamas are ideal for both men and women; they’re comfortable and keep people warm in bed. For anyone in a care home, you can never have too many pyjamas or nightdresses.
Who doesn’t want socks?
Socks! Who doesn’t appreciate a nice pair? For people with swollen legs both Amazon and Cosyfeet sell socks that fit comfortably, wash well and last. Slippers? Check your loved one’s slippers. Do they still fit well? Sloppy slippers are one of the main trip hazards leading to falls.
A high visibility vest for mobility scooter users, carbon monoxide monitors, smoke alarms, a GPS tracker for someone with dementia, really useful ideas.
One of my favourites is the electric one-handed can opener from Kenwood. Safe, easy can-opening. A one-cup water boiler makes brewing up safer too with no heavy kettles of boiling water to lift they are available from all major electrical retailers both online and on the high street.
A trip to the local nail bar or visit from a nail technician will brighten anyone’s nails for the festive season – women mainly- but who knows? Choose something festive and fun and don’t forget the glitter.
Cook a Christmas meal for someone as a gift. I have been doing this with my husband, Paul, for years, adding more and more people to our list. A delicious meal beats a ready meal on the Day and makes people feel thought of and valued at what is for many a very lonely time of year
Years ago via my blog Caron Cares and social media platforms we launched “Operation Christmas Dinner” and managed to engage people all over the U.K. to cook Christmas meals for elderly people near them who wouldn’t have one otherwise.
Not difficult for most of us to do and there is still time for you to join us doing so. We cook on the 23rd and plate up in foil trays and deliver on the 24th. For more information on how you can join in leave me a comment.
It’s the nicest gift we give each year.
